Enka Singer Popularity Ranking in Karaoke [2026]

draft (cold air seeping through gaps)Sugi Ryōtarō29rank/position

Ryotaro Sugi – Sukimakaze

This song is the best-selling signature hit in Ryotaro Sugi’s career as a singer, who is also renowned as an actor.

Used as the theme song for the classic period drama “Toyama no Kin-san,” in which he himself starred, it achieved the astonishing feat of staying within the Oricon Top 100 for 147 weeks.

It’s also a popular karaoke choice, so you’ll want to sing it with plenty of mood and aim for a high score.

While the melody may sound steady overall, you’ll notice when you sing it that the pitch range is actually quite wide.

Since the piece’s rich appeal lies in its deep, resonant low notes, if you’re not confident with low tones, I recommend listening to the original repeatedly and focusing your practice on that area.

I love Osaka.Tou Aki30rank/position

Aki Azuma “I Love Osaka” Music Video — Release Date: April 16, 2025

This song, released in April 2025 as Aki Toa’s major debut single, is a support anthem for the Osaka-Kansai Expo.

Its lyrics convey a straightforward love for the city of Osaka, discovered through the experience of falling in love.

The emotive vocals and warm sound are perfect for brightening up the mood at karaoke! And if everyone sings together, it might create a sense of unity and make the time even more fun.

Come back.Matsumura Kazuko31rank/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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Ryo

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Life waits for no one.Moriyama Aiko32rank/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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Ryo

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Cape ErimoMori Shinichi33rank/position

Shinichi Mori — Cape Erimo

This is a fusion of folk and enka, composed by Takuro Yoshida with lyrics by Osami Okamoto.

It was a hit with total sales of about one million copies and won both the Japan Record Award and the Japan Kayō Award in the same year.

It’s a masterpiece praised for its profound lyrics that embody feelings of loneliness and nihilism, and for its beautiful trumpet melody.

The overall vocal range of the song is A#2 to A#4, giving the chorus a slightly higher feel.

First, try projecting your voice firmly so you can sing comfortably without worrying about pitch.

The opening of the chorus is crucial, so come in with strong, energetic vocals.

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Kubota Mami

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Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri34rank/position

Sayuri Ishikawa “Tsugaru Strait: Winter Scenery” LIVE Ver. (From the 40th Anniversary Sayuri Ishikawa Concert ‘As I Feel’ – Uta-Shibai ‘Ichiyō’s Love’)

Sayuri Ishikawa’s signature song “Tsugaru Strait—Winter Scene,” released on January 1, 1977, is a masterpiece that portrays parting and resolve set against the northern strait, and it marked her turning point into a full-fledged enka singer.

The intro is also very striking—so famous you can hum it right from the start.

The song’s overall range is a slightly high F#3–D5, and the chorus suddenly leaps into the high register, so be careful—some people may end up tensing up by trying to sing powerfully.

Keep your head resonance engaged at all times, and when you go into the high notes, aim to resonate in the same place.

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Kubota Mami

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As I am in love…Akimoto Junko35rank/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.