Enka Karaoke Popularity Rankings [2026]

Yugiri PortMori Konomi78rank/position

Konomi Mori “Yugiri Port” Music Video

Set in a fog-shrouded port town, a heart-wrenching love song has been born.

It’s a deeply crafted piece released by Konomi Mori in July 2024.

Drawing on the unique vocal power she honed through folk music, she vividly conveys both the misty harbor scenery and the protagonist’s emotions.

The song is said to be inspired by Kojohama in Shiraoi, Hokkaido: lyrics penned by Akino Madoka, moved by the sight of a landscape wrapped in fog, paired with a poignant melody composed by Chiaki Oka.

Mori shares behind-the-scenes stories on her blog, and the release has been creating buzz among fans.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to play when you’re thinking of someone dear, or to listen to alone on a quiet night.

Midnight ShowerKatsura Ginshuku79rank/position

Yinshū Katsura — Midnight Shower

Kayō Ginsuku, known for her alluring husky voice, sings the sublime melody of “Midnight Shower,” a stylish piece that feels less like mood enka and more like watching a polished French esprit drama.

If you want to express the coquettish, cute charm of a woman in front of him, this song is perfect.

Drunk and reelingKatsura Ginshuku80rank/position

Drunk and Swaying — Eun-sook Kye (Kei Unsuk), by Ginsuke Katsura

It was released in 1989 as Ginshi Katsura’s fifth single.

It ranked within the top 100 on the Oricon Singles Chart for 31 weeks and won many awards, including the Gold Prize at the 31st Japan Record Awards and the Wired Music Award at the 22nd Japan Cable Radio Awards.

With this song, she performed at the 40th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, and it has become one of Ginshi Katsura’s signature songs.

Dream PlayUmezawa Fumio81rank/position

“Dream Play - New Version” Tomio Umezawa feat. MC.waka (March 2, 2019 @ Nippon Budokan)

At first, Mr.

Tomio Umezawa said he didn’t want to sing, but thanks to this song’s massive hit, he also succeeded as a singer.

It’s a classic that depicts the push-and-pull of romance from a sultry male perspective, and it made Umezawa nationally famous as the “Tamasaburō of the downtown.” The song itself runs a quick 3 minutes and 40 seconds, so it might be just right for karaoke.

With an overall range of A2 to D4, it feels calm and singable without straining.

Sing it in a relaxed state.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

wintering swallowMori Masako82rank/position

Overwintering Swallow by Masako Mori

Masako Mori’s “Ettō Tsubame” is a classic enka masterpiece that poignantly sings of a woman’s bittersweet heart.

The composer of the song is Yoshihiko Shinohara.

The name might not conjure any particular image, but in fact, that is the real name of Hiroshi Madoka.

Surprisingly, this wonderful masterpiece, “Ettō Tsubame,” was written by Hiroshi Madoka.

Osaka Love DropletMizumori Kaori83rank/position

Kaori Mizumori “Osaka Koishizuku” MV Full Chorus (Release Date: March 18, 2025) [Official]

How about enjoying Kaori Mizumori’s song that marks her 30th debut anniversary? Released in March 2025, this “happy enka” is set in Osaka.

It beautifully tells the story of a woman who overcomes a painful past to find new happiness.

You may be pleasantly surprised by this new side of the queen who has traveled Japan in song across 45 prefectures.

Perform it at karaoke, and its bright melody is sure to delight everyone.

Be sure to add it to your new repertoire.

Hanjirō of the Hakone Eight RiHikawa Kiyoshi84rank/position

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Hanzirō of Hakone Hachiri [Official]

The debut song of the prince of the enka world is a traveling ballad that seeps into the listener’s heart.

You can almost picture Hanjiro in his mawashi-gappa outfit making his way along the Hakone mountain path.

Many younger listeners have probably heard the memorable phrase from the chorus, and it’s the kind of line that makes you want to hum along.

Released in February 2000 and used in a Taisho Pharmaceutical commercial, this piece is recommended even for newcomers to enka.

That said, many of Kiyoshi Hikawa’s songs are technically challenging, and this one is no exception.

For starters, enjoy the lyrical world and melody, and practice repeatedly so you can sing it better little by little!