Enka Singer Popularity Ranking in Karaoke [2026]

Boatwoman’s SongMitsubishi Michiya43rank/position

Boatwoman's Song

Michiya Mihashi is an enka singer known for his rugged charm and powerful presence.

Although he has a relatively high vocal timbre, his use of kobushi (melismatic ornamentation) is strikingly tasteful, applying just the right amount in the most satisfying spots.

Among his songs, the one I especially recommend is Onna Sendō Uta (Boatwoman’s Song).

While this piece spans a wide vocal range, its pitch movement is gentle, and among his repertoire the kobushi technique required is on the easier side.

It does call for a certain level of fundamental singing ability, but it’s still an enka song that can be considered relatively easy to sing.

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Ryo

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Izakaya HotaruUesugi Kaori44rank/position

Kaori Uesugi “Izakaya Hotaru” Music Video (full ver.)

Kaori Uesugi, a female enka singer also known as a member of the Rainbow Usagi-gumi, enjoys idol-like popularity while possessing solid vocal ability, with a style reminiscent of Kaori Kozai.

Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is Izakaya Hotaru.

The vocal range is fairly wide, but the tempo is slow and the kobushi ornamentation is relatively easy.

However, be careful at the end of the chorus, where there are about three consecutive kobushi turns.

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Ryo

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Green Que Sera SeraOka Midori45rank/position

Midori Oka “Midori no Que Sera Sera” MV <Full Ver.>

It’s a fun, upbeat Reiwa-era rhythm kayō masterpiece that makes any Japanese person want to clap along and start dancing! “Midori no Que Sera Sera” is a song released by Midori Oka in 2021, and as the title suggests, you can sing it comfortably with a carefree “que sera sera—whatever will be, will be” feeling.

The instantly catchy chorus sticks after one listen, and if everyone in your karaoke group sings it together, it’ll definitely liven up the room.

The signature enka vocal flourishes—like heavy kobushi and wide vibrato—are kept modest, and the more natural delivery makes it approachable even for those who feel unsure about singing traditional enka.

First and foremost, have fun and sing along to the cheerful rhythm!

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KOH-1

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Tipsy Breeze TavernNakamura Yuito46rank/position

Yuito Nakamura “Tipsy Breeze Tavern” MV [Official]

If you’re looking to liven up the mood with a sparkling, refreshing enka number, how about this one? It’s the debut single by Yuito Nakamura, who made waves as an active high school enka singer, released in June 2025.

This work is a bright, pop-influenced tune—an uplifting song for life that soothes the fatigue of the day.

The lyrics paint a heartwarming scene of a friendly, human touch-filled bar that will warm listeners’ hearts.

Sing it at karaoke with your coworkers and it’s sure to resonate.

You could even throw in some call-and-response and turn it into a big sing-along.

Person Sought in the NorthNakazawa Takuya47rank/position

Takuya Nakazawa “The Person I Seek in the North” MUSIC VIDEO

Born in 1995, Takuya Nakazawa is a multi-talented artist who made his debut in the enka and kayōkyoku fields in his early twenties, has won numerous awards, and also has a career as a racing driver.

His 2020 single “Kita no Tazunebito” is a refreshing masterpiece that perfectly matches his image, and the lyrics, which sing of a pure love set in Hokkaido, are wonderful.

With a classic kayōkyoku structure—clearly delineated A verse, B verse, and chorus—it’s easy to memorize, and the pitch range is fairly standard, making it suitable for karaoke.

For the chorus, its expansive vocal lines and natural vibrato are fine to shorten a bit and take breaths earlier than in the original if you’re not used to it.

Keep practicing little by little, and strive to perform it with a relaxed expression!

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KOH-1

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cherry shellItsuki Hiroshi48rank/position

“Sakuragai” Hiroshi Itsuki [Official PV]

This is a single released by Hiroshi Itsuki in 2014 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his entertainment career.

Although it was originally included on a 1997 album, the song was re-recorded and released as a single.

It reached No.

1 on the Oricon Enka/Kayō single chart dated March 31 and April 7, 2014, making it a fitting highlight for his 50th anniversary.

Returning RiverGodai Natsuko49rank/position

Natsuko Godai – Modorikawa

In 1987, when Natsuko Godai made her re-debut under this name, her debut song was “Modorigawa.” Thanks to steady promotional efforts, the song became a big hit.

It portrays the moment of parting that comes to two people caught up in a dangerous love—the poignant reality that, no matter how hard they try, it’s difficult for them to go on living together.

Godai’s deeply expressive vocals further highlight the sorrow and lingering attachment depicted in the lyrics.

Please give it a listen: a tragic love story—the very essence of enka—about wanting to be together, yet being unable to be.

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SAKI

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