Enka Karaoke Popularity Rankings [2026]

A Doll’s HouseHirota Mieko78rank/position

A Doll's House

A timeless classic representing the Showa era and one of Mieko Hirota’s signature songs.

Its poignant lyrics and beautiful melody strike a deep chord.

The lyrics, which depict the sorrow of a woman who lived for love by likening her to a doll covered in dust, are particularly memorable.

Released in October 1969, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon charts and was also included on an album of the same name.

It has been covered by many artists and even featured in popular anime such as Sazae-san.

Perfect for times when you want to soothe the pain of heartbreak or savor the nostalgic atmosphere of the Showa period.

Why not immerse yourself in the heartfelt lyrics along with Hirota’s vocals?

freezing rainHino Mika79rank/position

Mika Hino Cold Rain

This song is a quintessential example of enka, where a catchy melody and emotionally rich lyrics blend beautifully.

Released in December 1982, it remains beloved by many as one of Mika Hino’s signature numbers.

The lyrics, which intertwine the chill of winter rain with the pain of heartbreak, portray a universal theme that anyone can relate to.

Hino, renowned for her vocal prowess, conveys the aching heart of a forlorn love with remarkable expressiveness.

With its relaxed tempo and relatively modest melodic shifts, it’s a song that even beginners to enka will find approachable.

Why not sing it slowly, savoring the lyrics that resonate so deeply?

Yugiri PortMori Konomi80rank/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 Ginshuku81rank/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 Ginshuku82rank/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.

wintering swallowMori Masako83rank/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 Kaori84rank/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.