Enka Singer Popularity Ranking in Karaoke [2026]

I’m falling in love with you againSakamoto Fuyumi1rank/position

Fuyumi Sakamoto – I'm Falling in Love with You Again

This is a famous song that covers Billy BanBan’s song of the same name from 2007, released in 2009 as the B-side to the single “Asia no Kaizoku.” It was used in a commercial for the shochu “iichiko Hita Zen Koji,” and became a long-running hit beyond the enka singer category, reaching No.

1 on the download charts in 2010.

Because it tones down enka’s characteristic melodic ornamentation, its expansive, soft vocals have become a talking point, making it an accessible song even for beginners to enka.

When singing, it may be good to deliver it in a flowing manner.

Breathing is important, so be careful to take breaths at the right timing.

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Kubota Mami

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A Man’s Pure Hearttatsumi yūto2rank/position

Yuto Tatsumi “A Man’s Pure Heart” Music Video

Released in 2019, “Otoko no Junjo” was the second single by Yuto Tatsumi, who at the time was active as an enka singer while still a university student.

It topped the enka charts and reached No.

10 on the Oricon overall chart, helping cement the image of a new star for the Reiwa era in the enka world.

It’s classic enka that powerfully sings of supporting the somewhat awkward way a man lives, but its light, refreshing melody—reflecting Tatsumi’s personality—is easy to remember.

The vocal range isn’t very wide either, making it very easy to sing for an enka song.

I’d love for beginners to give it a try!

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KOH-1

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Boat SongYashiro Aki3rank/position

Aki Yashiro / Funauta (Boat Song)

A signature enka single by Aki Yashiro, released on May 25, 1979.

This masterpiece conveys the melancholy and inner landscapes of a sailor pining for the woman he parted with, expressed through her husky, resonant voice.

Beloved across generations, it has been featured in Suntory’s “BOSS” commercials and even reclaimed the No.

1 spot in the Reiwa era.

Though it’s a gentle, mellow song, it’s one almost everyone has heard, so the chorus is sure to get people going.

When you sing it, a calm, deep voice will capture the mood well—try placing a hand over your heart as you sing.

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Kubota Mami

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Oh, sake!Yoshi Ikuzo4rank/position

Oh, sake!

It’s a masterpiece whose wistful melody and heartrending lyrics resonate deeply.

Yoshikazu Ikuzō’s richly expressive vocals brilliantly portray the loneliness and lingering attachment of a man drowning in drink.

Released in September 1988, the song won the Grand Prix at the All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards and was performed twice on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, capturing the hearts of many.

It remains a karaoke favorite and is recommended even for enka beginners.

With its relatively low vocal range, it’s easy to sing, and conveying emotion can help you score high.

It’s truly a song of life that offers solace to those who have experienced heartbreak or parting.

Fleeting LoveKouzai Kaori5rank/position

Hagureso

Characterized by lyrics that depict a heartrending love and a melody steeped in melancholy, this work is known as one of Kaori Kozai’s signature songs.

Released in March 1991, it reached a peak position of No.

14 on the Oricon charts.

It was performed at the 42nd NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen the same year, boosting Kozai’s nationwide recognition.

With a tune that’s approachable even for newcomers to enka, it has remained a long-standing favorite at karaoke.

The lyrics, which convey the transience and ruthlessness of love, are sure to resonate with many.

It’s a song that offers solace to those who have experienced heartbreak or loneliness—why not give it a try?

Northern SpringSen Masao6rank/position

[Audio Sample] Masao Sen "Spring in the Northern Country" (Short ver.)

It’s a classic enka song that portrays the feelings of a city dweller nostalgic for their hometown.

The imagery is wonderful—you can almost see the northern spring landscapes with white birches, Japanese kerria blossoms, and a watermill.

Released in April 1977, this piece achieved the remarkable feat of being performed at NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen three years in a row.

If you sing it at karaoke, I recommend picturing the scenes in the lyrics and filling your voice with the sentiment of longing for home.

Prioritize gentle, heartfelt expression over sheer power.

Even if you’re not used to singing, the melody is easy to remember, so it’s a comfortable song to try.

It’s perfect for those living away from their hometown or anyone who wants to recall familiar, nostalgic landscapes.

Kiyoshi’s Zundoko SongHikawa Kiyoshi7rank/position

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Kiyoshi no Zundoko-bushi [Official]

Kiyoshi Hikawa, a figure who sent shockwaves through the enka world.

Though an idol-type enka singer, he possesses solid vocal prowess and has influenced many as an artist who combines skill with catchiness.

“Kiyoshi no Zundoko Bushi” is one of his hit numbers.

While this song spans a fairly wide range—mid1 C to hi B—the pitch shifts in the kobushi (melodic ornaments) are kept to at most two notes, making the overall difficulty as enka relatively low.

If you have a reasonably wide vocal range, you should be able to sing it without trouble.

It’s immensely popular among madams, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Ryo

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