Enka Singer Popularity Ranking in Karaoke [2026]

I fell in love with Yuko like that.Masuiyama Tashirō57rank/position

[MV] Masuiyama Taishirō / I Fell in Love with That Yūko (full ver.)

Taijiro Masuiyama is an enka singer with the unusual background of being a former professional sumo wrestler.

People have long said that sumo wrestlers have good voices, and he is a perfect example.

His voice is warm and gentle, yet possesses overwhelming richness.

The song he performs here, “Sonna Yūko ni Horemashita,” fully showcases the essential elements of enka while still being very easy to sing.

There are few kobushi (ornamental turns), and the ones that do appear are simple—just one or two turns—so it should be possible to aim for a high score.

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Ryo

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Kyoto NostalgiaTakigawa Maiko58rank/position

Kyoto Melancholy / Song Stream (Nostalgic Showa Kayō)

Kyoto Bojo has a gently wilted, faintly bittersweet melody, and it creates a mysteriously enchanting atmosphere that makes male listeners see the woman singing it as very cute and want to protect her.

Please try singing it as your winning song to capture the heart of the man you love.

Shigure Moon in KinosakiŌe Yutaka59rank/position

Shigure Moon in Kinosaki

While Hiroshi Oe has released pop songs, many people who want to sing his work probably prefer to perform authentic enka, even if the songs are said to be easy to sing.

In that case, I recommend Kinosaki Shigure-zuki.

It’s an orthodox enka piece, but the kobushi (melismatic turns) are very easy, mostly consisting of two-step pitch changes.

Even those who struggle with intricate kobushi can sing it without trouble, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Ryo

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grandchildŌizumi Itsurō60rank/position

grandchild

A signature song by Itsuro Oizumi that sings of deep love for a grandchild.

Released in 1999, it brought a fresh breeze to the enka world.

Told from a grandfather’s perspective, it warmly portrays watching a grandchild grow, conveying family love that transcends generations.

There are versions for a boy and for a girl, each with lyrics tailored to their respective stages of growth, which adds to its charm.

The song won the Excellent Work Award at the 42nd Japan Record Awards.

It’s recommended not only for enka fans but for anyone who cherishes family.

Sing it at karaoke, and it’s sure to warm your heart.

I long for Southern HokkaidoKoyama Yudai61rank/position

The 66th Shining! Japan Record Awards Newcomer Award | Yudai Koyama “Donan Koishiya” Music Video (Full Ver.)

How about an inspiring number that stirs a burning longing for your hometown? It’s the debut single by Yudai Koyama, known as the “Magic Voice,” released in April 2024.

The song powerfully celebrates the landscapes of his hometown—such as Noboribetsu and Esashi—and the bonds with family.

Close your eyes and you can picture the Sea of Japan and snowy scenes that awaken a deep nostalgia in listeners.

Sing it at karaoke with friends who share that love for home, and it’s sure to resonate deeply in everyone’s hearts.

perchKobayashi Sachiko62rank/position

Tomarigi

Riding the momentum of the smash hit “Omoide-zake,” “Tomarigi,” released in 1980, is Sachiko Kobayashi’s 29th single.

It’s also one of her signature songs, with lyrics and music by Eiji Takino, a prolific creator of many classics.

It’s as popular at karaoke as “Omoide-zake” and “Yuki Tsubaki,” so some of you have probably heard others sing it.

Overall, while the song spans a wide vocal range and has its challenges, the somewhat wistful, melancholic melody line is straightforward, and the chord progression is simple, so you shouldn’t struggle with rhythm or pitch.

I recommend listening closely to the original and studying where Kobayashi uses vibrato and kobushi (ornamental bends).

Wharf of TransienceYamauchi Keisuke63rank/position

Keisuke Yamauchi – Wharf of Vicissitudes (Ruten no Hatoba)

This is a single released by Keisuke Yamauchi in 2016, which debuted at No.

5 on the Oricon chart—his first-ever top-five entry since his debut.

Following his previous release, Spotlight, it became another hit for him.

Known for his handsome features and especially popular among women, he is regarded as one of the promising young enka singers to watch.