Enka Singer Popularity Ranking in Karaoke [2026]

tear-drunkKenjiro36rank/position

Kenjiro “Teary Drunk” Music Video

A melancholic song that portrays the aching feelings of being intoxicated by alcohol and tears.

It’s a medium-tempo enka released in August 2024 to commemorate Kenjiro’s 15th anniversary.

Composed by Makoto Sugimoto, the piece captivates with its profound emotional expression.

Unable to forget the warmth of a love that has passed, the yearning for one’s hometown overlays the memory, seeping with loneliness.

It’s a tender masterpiece that empathizes with those carrying wounds in their hearts—perfect for late nights spent alone, when it’s sure to resonate deeply.

This work may be an ideal pick not only for enka fans but also for men looking to try singing enka at karaoke.

Blue Light Yokohamaishida ayumi37rank/position

Blue Light Yokohama

From the late 1960s to the 1970s, Ayumi Ishida was a singer who enjoyed nationwide popularity.

She has many classic hits, but the one I especially recommend is Blue Light Yokohama.

It’s a kayōkyoku-style song with strong blues elements, characterized by a narrow vocal range throughout.

Since it doesn’t feature the kobushi ornamentation that often poses a challenge in enka, if you keep your pitch steady and add vibrato at the end of the long notes to rack up points, it’s a song that anyone can aim for a high score with.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

applausechiaki naomi38rank/position

Naomi Chiaki / Applause [Official Audio]

Kassai is a classic song that represents the Showa era.

It’s one of Naomi Chiaki’s signature numbers, known for its poignant lyrics about a woman who lost her lover in the war.

Rather than enka, this piece leans strongly toward kayōkyoku, and it contains very little of the intricate kobushi ornamentation typical of enka.

There is a slightly stronger kobushi at the end of the chorus, but that’s about the only real challenge, making it a relatively easy piece.

Among the songs introduced here, this one is especially simple, so why not add it to your repertoire?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Drunken GlowKimu Yonja39rank/position

Yong-ja Kim “Drunken Lights” Music Video

Youngja Kim is a Korean-born enka singer beloved by enka fans.

Rather than a trot singer, her appeal lies in her authentic enka vocals, and she has produced a string of classics thanks to her exceptional expressiveness and steady singing technique.

Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is Yoiakari.

It’s solidly enka, but features relatively few kobushi (melismatic ornaments).

The range is somewhat wide, so try singing it while paying attention to key adjustment.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

marine snowjero40rank/position

Jero – Sea Snow (Music Video)

This is a landmark song by Jero, who made a sensational debut in 2008.

With lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto and music by Ryudo Uzaki, it not only became a huge hit but also set various records as an enka song, making it a masterpiece that will go down in Japanese music history.

Beyond the difficulty of a melody that spans a wide vocal range, the song itself is highly intricate—blending enka elements with straightforward, J-pop-style developments and funky rhythms—yet Jero delivers a flawless performance that really underscores the power of his vocals.

The track has been popular at karaoke since its release, but to be honest, it’s a very challenging song to sing there.

Listen to the original repeatedly and practice until the rhythm and melody are ingrained in your body!

Chome-chomehoriemonn41rank/position

Horiemon “Chome Chome” - Music Video -

This is a song by Takafumi Horie—aka Horiemon—whose unexpected debut as an enka singer made waves.

It was released in January 2025.

One of its charms is the catchy chorus that makes you want to sing along.

The lyrics pack a punch with a message like, “After working up a sweat, let’s cut loose and have a drink!” Coupled with its bright, festive sound, it’s the kind of track that leaves you feeling refreshed.

It’s a perfect number for resetting your mood!

The one I still love even after we’ve broken upRosu Indiosu & Shirubia42rank/position

Los Indios & Silvia - Even If We Break Up, I Still Love You / LOS INDIOS & Silvia Wakaretemo Sukina Hito

Even If We Break Up, I Still Love You is an urban, stylish enka mood duet released in 1979 that became a million seller.

The female vocalist, Sylvia, has an interesting background: she was formerly a corporate league volleyball player, was scouted while singing karaoke in Osaka, joined Los Indios, and their debut song, Even If We Break Up, I Still Love You, became a massive hit.