Enka Singer Popularity Ranking in Karaoke [2026]

Come back.Matsumura Kazuko29rank/position

Come back.

Kazuko Matsumura is an enka singer from Hokkaido.

While she also performs orthodox enka, her essence arguably lies in rock-influenced enka.

Many people have surely been moved by her performances, where she holds a shamisen and sings as if she were a rock musician doing an acoustic set.

“Kaette Koi yo” is one of her signature songs; it maintains the fundamentals of enka yet stands out with a rock-tinged power.

The range is somewhat high, from mid2 A# to hi D#, but since the overall span is narrow, it shouldn’t be difficult to sing if you adjust to a suitable key.

It also features fewer kobushi (ornamental turns) than typical enka, making it a recommended choice.

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Life waits for no one.Moriyama Aiko30rank/position

Aiko Moriyama – Life Won’t Wait

Aiko Morikawa is an enka singer from Toyama Prefecture.

Despite her solid vocal abilities, she has produced many catchy songs, so even those not from the Hokuriku region may know her.

Her famous song “Matta Nashi da yo Jinsei wa” features many kobushi (ornamental vocal turns) with a shouted edge, but because most of them descend and the pitch movement in the kobushi stays within three notes, the overall difficulty is on the lower side.

The melody also has the feel of a fight song, giving it a bright tone, so you can expect it to really get the crowd going.

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Cape ErimoMori Shinichi31rank/position

Cape Erimo

Shinichi Mori’s classic “Erimo Misaki.” For anyone in their 50s or older, it’s no exaggeration to say there’s hardly a person who doesn’t know this song.

With its powerful vocals, it can seem difficult, but in fact it’s one of the easiest enka songs to sing.

The biggest reason it’s so singable is the minimal use of kobushi (melismatic ornamentation).

Since kobushi is the most challenging technique in enka, having less of it is a huge relief for us amateurs.

The pitch movement isn’t overly dramatic, either, so give it a try.

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Ryo

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Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri32rank/position

Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scene

It’s a song marked by irresistibly moving scenic imagery and a poignant story of parting.

Against the shifting backdrop from the night train departing Ueno to the deck of the Seikan ferry, the delicate emotions of a wavering woman are finely portrayed, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in January 1977, the song won the Vocal Performance Award at that year’s Japan Record Awards and has long been cherished as one of Sayuri Ishikawa’s signature pieces.

It’s so famous that you’ll recognize it the moment you hear it, making it a perfect challenge for newcomers to enka as well.

By picturing the scenes in the lyrics as you sing, you’ll be able to savor the song’s appeal even more.

As I am in love…Akimoto Junko33rank/position

As I am in love…

A classic song that pours deep affection and pure emotions into a distinctive husky voice was released in January 2008.

Created by a veteran singer active across diverse genres such as jazz and Latin, the track gradually gained popularity after its release and achieved an extraordinary feat by reaching No.

1 on the weekly charts a year later.

The artist also performed at the 2008 Kōhaku Uta Gassen, capturing the hearts of many.

Set to a wistful melody featuring a memorable accordion timbre, the lyrics convey sincere feelings for a beloved person and resonate with listeners of all generations.

When tackling it at karaoke, consider emphasizing rich expressiveness and singing along to the relaxed tempo.

Scorpio womanMikawa Ken’ichi34rank/position

Kenichi Mikawa “Woman of Scorpio (New Recording)” (Official Audio)

A song that portrays the feelings of a passionate, single-minded woman was released in December 1972 and became a hit, achieving strong results on the Oricon charts.

With its distinctive lyrics and melody, along with an unmistakable vocal style, it captured the hearts of many and was performed seven times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

The lyrics, which project the traits of Scorpio onto a female figure, express the complex emotions of romance.

Widely known as one of Kenichi Mikawa’s signature songs, it’s also popular as material for impressionists.

When tackling it at karaoke, it’s important to keep Mikawa’s unique timbre and expressive delivery in mind while immersing yourself in the song’s world.

Even beginners to enka will find it enjoyable to sing thanks to its familiar melody and memorable lyrics.

abandonedNagayama Yōko35rank/position

Yoko Nagayama “Suterarete” Music Video

One of Yoko Nagayama’s signature songs and an absolute karaoke favorite! Released in 1995, “Suterarete” cemented her status as an enka singer after she transitioned from idol singer to enka in 1993.

Her “demo ne” pose also became a hot topic at the time.

While it’s an enka number, it carries a slightly kayōkyoku-like flavor.

Although techniques like subtle kobushi (grace notes) and vibrato appear throughout, the overall difficulty isn’t that high, and there are no extreme high notes, making it relatively easy to sing.

It’s a great choice even for beginners singing Nagayama’s songs for the first time!

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