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 by Fuyumi Sakamoto that portrays how love for a longtime partner deepens over time and blooms anew.

Even the scars born of youthful folly turn into cherished memories as the two share their days together.

Those warm feelings soak into the heart, carried by a gentle melody.

The song was released in January 2009 as the B-side to the single “Asia no Kaizoku,” and was later included on the acclaimed album “Love Songs ~ Mata Kimi ni Koishiteru ~.” It also gained widespread recognition as the theme song for Sanwa Shurui’s barley shochu “iichiko,” and in 2010 it reached No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart.

Why not listen when you want to reflect anew on the preciousness of the days you spend with someone dear?

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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Oh, sake!Yoshi Ikuzo3rank/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 Kaori4rank/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?

Longing for RainYashiro Aki5rank/position

Aki Yashiro “Yearning in the Rain”

Aki Yashiro’s classic “Ame no Bojo” (Yearning in the Rain).

It’s a memorable piece that makes the most of her distinctive husky voice, with a vocal line that stays restrained throughout.

There are no parts that call for belting; it’s the kind of song that’s meant to be sung with a subdued, weathered tone, so it doesn’t require powerful vocals like strong projection or shouts.

For one of her songs, it also features relatively few kobushi (ornamental vocal turns), making it comparatively easy to sing.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Ryo

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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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