Enka Singer Popularity Ranking in Karaoke [2026]

I’ve fallen for you.Ishihara Junko15rank/position

Junko Ishihara “Have Fallen in Love” Music Video (1 Chorus)

Junko Ishihara’s classic “Horemashita.” Released in 1988, this piece marked her memorable debut and is still beloved by many fans today.

While it inherits elements of enka, the song as a whole features an easy-to-sing vocal line reminiscent of kayōkyoku.

In particular, the kobushi (ornamental vocal turns) are very easy—there are no difficult kobushi in this piece at all.

They’re limited to, at most, a one-step pitch change, so anyone with experience singing enka should be able to perform it with ease.

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Ryo

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Purple Rain SentimentFuji Ayako16rank/position

Purple Rain Sentiment

Here is one of Ayako Fuji’s signature songs and a masterpiece in the history of Japanese enka: “Murasaki Ujō.” Released in 1993, it reached a peak of No.

8 on the Oricon charts and was also performed at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It has the feel of classic, heart-tugging enka: despite its bright chord progression, there’s a certain wistful atmosphere that evokes a distinctly Japanese sensibility.

True to enka style, the melody moves from a low register in the first half to a high-register chorus, then back down again, finally rising to a soaring high at the end—a quintessential structure.

Fuji delivers a careful, unforced performance, employing the fundamental techniques of enka.

It’s perfect as an introduction to the genre, and if you want to practice ornaments like kobushi and hikkake, definitely give this song a try!

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KOH-1

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Brother ShipsToba Ichirō17rank/position

Ichiro Toba “Kyodai-bune (Brothers’ Boat)” (Official Audio)

This work was sung as the debut song by Ichirō Toba, who was born and raised in a fisherman’s family.

With a powerful yet wistful voice, it expresses the bonds among men of the sea and their feelings for their families.

Released in August 1982, it became a million-seller and later was performed seven times on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, making it a classic.

The overall pitch is on the lower side, making it approachable even for those who struggle with high notes.

If vibrato is difficult, try focusing on clear enunciation to convey the lyrics distinctly.

It’s a recommended song for livening up a karaoke session or for singing with heartfelt thoughts for someone special.

companion on the road; fellow traveler; taking someone along (often unwillingly)Miyama Hiroshi18rank/position

companion on the road; fellow traveler; taking someone along (often unwillingly)

A song by Hiroshi Miyama that portrays the bond between a man and a woman walking together through life’s ups and downs.

It expresses a fate that drifts like floating weeds in a gentle ballad.

Miyama’s powerful yet warm voice resonates deeply with listeners.

Originally released in 1978 as a song by Mieko Makimura, Miyama’s cover is included on the album “Utaitsugu! Nihon no Ryūkōka Part 5,” released in June 2024.

It’s a perfect track for times when you feel lost in life or want to feel the bond with someone important.

married coupleNakamura Mitsuko19rank/position

Mitsuko Nakamura “Fuufu” Music Video

Mitsuko Nakamura’s famous song “Fūfu” portrays the love between a married couple.

Its lyrics depict the pure love of partners who have been together for many years, and the piece is characterized by a heartwarming melodic line that matches this theme.

The kobushi ornamentation that appears in the song incorporates a slight Kawachi-ondo flavor, so it uses the hiccup-like technique of flipping the voice.

It’s similar to the style of kobushi used by Sachiko Kobayashi.

Although this piece employs that technique, there are very few instances of kobushi involving pitch changes of more than two notes, so the overall level of difficulty can be considered low.

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Izakayaitsuki hiroshi, kinomi nana20rank/position

Izakaya — Kinomi Nana / Hiroshi Itsuki

The duet song Izakaya by Hiroshi Itsuki and Nana Kinomi was released on October 25, 1982.

The song depicts a one-night encounter between a man and a woman who happen to sit next to each other at an izakaya.

They neither ask each other’s names nor share personal stories, yet it portrays a stylish scene of the two spending time together at the izakaya until the next morning.

Even after all these years since its release, it remains a highly popular duet choice for karaoke, so be sure to try singing it as a male-female pair.

It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.Uchiyamada Hiroshi to Cool Five21rank/position

It was rainy again in Nagasaki today.

This was the debut single of Hiroshi Uchiyamada and the Cool Five, who debuted in 1969, and it’s the group’s biggest hit.

The lead vocal is by Kiyoshi Maekawa, who later self-covered the song as well.

To score high, instead of trying to sing the entire song straight through, it’s effective to practice so you can sing one full verse perfectly without mistakes.

I often introduce this practice method in various places, and especially for enka and kayōkyoku, there are relatively few songs whose melodies change drastically between the first and second verses, so it’s wise to thoroughly learn the melody first.

Also, since the opening lyric starts on a vowel and enters from a low note, if you sing that part with just a slight catch in the throat, you’ll be able to hit the pitch more clearly.

Give it a try!