Enka Singer Popularity Ranking in Karaoke [2026]

wintering swallowMori Masako78rank/position

Overwintering Swallow by Masako Mori

Masako Mori’s “Ettō Tsubame” is a classic enka masterpiece that poignantly sings of a woman’s bittersweet heart.

The composer of the song is Yoshihiko Shinohara.

The name might not conjure any particular image, but in fact, that is the real name of Hiroshi Madoka.

Surprisingly, this wonderful masterpiece, “Ettō Tsubame,” was written by Hiroshi Madoka.

Yosare Onna-bushiShiina Sachiko79rank/position

[Music Video] Sachiko Shiina “Yosare Onna-bushi” <Full>

Set against the climate and festivals of the Tsugaru region, a new enka song beautifully portrays the feelings of a woman who keeps waiting for her beloved in her hometown.

Inspired by the folk song “Kuroishi Yosare,” the interwoven scenes of festive bustle and wistful melancholy are deeply moving.

Sachiko Shiina’s powerful yet delicate vocals superbly convey the protagonist’s strong will and aching heart.

Released on February 12, 2025, the song features lyrics by Kanade Hino-ura and composition by Chiaki Oka—both highly accomplished creators.

Its universal themes—such as the anguish of an unfulfilled love and a profound attachment to one’s hometown—resonate with anyone.

Highly recommended for those who find themselves recalling their nostalgic hometown on lonely nights in the city.

Osaka Love DropletMizumori Kaori80rank/position

Kaori Mizumori “Osaka Koishizuku” MV Full Chorus (Release Date: March 18, 2025) [Official]

How about enjoying Kaori Mizumori’s song that marks her 30th debut anniversary? Released in March 2025, this “happy enka” is set in Osaka.

It beautifully tells the story of a woman who overcomes a painful past to find new happiness.

You may be pleasantly surprised by this new side of the queen who has traveled Japan in song across 45 prefectures.

Perform it at karaoke, and its bright melody is sure to delight everyone.

Be sure to add it to your new repertoire.

Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo81rank/position

EXILE ATSUSHI – Sake, Tears, Men and Women (EXILE ATSUSHI SPECIAL SOLO LIVE in HAWAII)

This is a socially conscious masterpiece that portrays the subtle miscommunications between men and women and the nuances of emotional expression with deep insight.

It warmly observes how men open up through drinking and women through tears, each revealing their inner feelings.

Born from impressions Eigo Kawashima had at age 18 during a family memorial gathering, the song was included on the November 1975 album “Jinrui” (Humanity) and released as a single in June 1976.

Also known as the jingle for the sake brand Kizakura, it became a major hit, reaching No.

9 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It is a gem I recommend to anyone who wants to face their heart honestly when confronted with life’s sorrow and poignancy.

Osaka RhapsodyUminara Senri · Mari82rank/position

Osaka Rhapsody

Osaka Rhapsody is a duet song sung by two women, featuring a beautiful accordion melody in the intro and an upbeat, bright, and lively feel.

It’s a song that lifts the mood and gets everyone excited, making it perfect for karaoke at year-end parties and the like.

Released in 1975, Osaka Rhapsody became a big hit when performed by the comedy duo Senri and Mari Unabara.

companion on the road; fellow traveler; taking someone along (often unwillingly)Makimura Mieko83rank/position

Mieko Makimura – Michizure

If you have someone you want to marry, the best song to sing in place of a proposal is “Michizure.” As the title suggests, its lyrics express the wish to walk through life together.

The actor Tetsuya Watari originally sang it, but when Mieko Makimura asked him for permission to sing the song, it was released as her record.

Overflowing with chivalry, Watari decided it wouldn’t be good for Makimura if there were two versions of the same song, so he took his own “Michizure” out of print.

TATSUYATanaka Aimi84rank/position

Aimi Tanaka 'TATSUYA' [57th Japan Lyricist Awards]

Aimi Tanaka is an enka singer known as the beloved disciple of Takashi Hosokawa.

She possesses a remarkably deep voice for someone in her early twenties, and on top of that, her expressive power is extraordinary.

She is undoubtedly expected to play a leading role in the future enka scene, yet she has also released many songs that are easy to sing.

Among them, the one you can especially expect to get the crowd going is “TATSUYA.” While the lyrics are sad, depicting a widow, the melody is powerful and still brings out a feminine quality, so you can expect it to be quite exciting.

It leans more toward kayōkyoku in style, and the absence of difficult pitch movements—such as the dramatic ups and downs often associated with kobushi—makes it notably easy to sing.

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