Enka Singer Popularity Ranking in Karaoke [2026]

abandonedNagayama Yōko36rank/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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KOH-1

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tear-drunkKenjiro37rank/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 ayumi38rank/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.

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Ryo

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applausechiaki naomi39rank/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?

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Ryo

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Drunken GlowKimu Yonja40rank/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.

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Ryo

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marine snowjero41rank/position

Jero – Sea Snow (Music Video)

Jero’s debut single.

Released by Victor Entertainment on February 20, 2008, it’s a 2008 enka smash hit with lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto and music by Ryudo Uzaki.

Set against the backdrop of the Sea of Japan, this masterpiece poignantly sings of unreachable love, and it won the Best New Artist award at the 50th Japan Record Awards—quite a memorable song for its time.

Since the track features a guitar-based sound, it may be easier to listen to even for those who aren’t fond of enka.

In the final chorus, there’s a key change and the range rises slightly, so be careful not to belt.

For parts where the ending consonants are cut off, make sure to stop them cleanly rather than letting them trail—this gives it a cool, sharp finish.

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Kubota Mami

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Chome-chomehoriemonn42rank/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!