Enka Karaoke Popularity Rankings [2026]

Hanjirō of the Hakone Eight RiHikawa Kiyoshi85rank/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!

Osaka RhapsodyUminara Senri · Mari86rank/position

Osaka Rhapsody

Osaka Rhapsody is a duet song sung by two women, featuring a beautiful accordion melody in the intro and an upbeat, bright, and lively feel.

It’s a song that lifts the mood and gets everyone excited, making it perfect for karaoke at year-end parties and the like.

Released in 1975, Osaka Rhapsody became a big hit when performed by the comedy duo Senri and Mari Unabara.

companion on the road; fellow traveler; taking someone along (often unwillingly)Makimura Mieko87rank/position

Mieko Makimura – Michizure

If you have someone you want to marry, the best song to sing in place of a proposal is “Michizure.” As the title suggests, its lyrics express the wish to walk through life together.

The actor Tetsuya Watari originally sang it, but when Mieko Makimura asked him for permission to sing the song, it was released as her record.

Overflowing with chivalry, Watari decided it wouldn’t be good for Makimura if there were two versions of the same song, so he took his own “Michizure” out of print.

246Sanada Naoki88rank/position

Naoki Sanada “246” Music Video

A high-octane power tune with a razor-edged sound that races ahead! This single by rising enka star Naoki Sanada, released in May 2024, was written and composed by his mentor, Ikuzo Yoshi.

Set on National Route 246, the song portrays an uncertain romance between a man and a woman as they take detours on a drive.

Sanada’s signature “knockout voice” resounds with force, as if blowing away all pent-up frustration.

Perfect for anyone who wants to belt it out and feel totally refreshed!

EbisuSanada Naoki89rank/position

[MV] Naoki Sanada / Ebisu (full ver.)

Produced by Ikuzo Yoshi, this song tells a love story set in the Ebisu district.

Naoki Sanada, known for his captivating husky voice, delivers an emotionally rich performance.

The lyrics skillfully depict the progression of romance while weaving in the transition from autumn to winter and then to spring, leaving a strong impression.

Released in January 2020, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Enka/Kayō ranking.

With its urban atmosphere and warm lyrics, it’s an easy song to enjoy at karaoke.

Even if you’re not confident in your singing ability, belting out the chorus with power should be more than enough to get the crowd going.

Traveler of the NorthIshihara Yūjirō90rank/position

Ishihara Yujiro "Traveler of the North"

A classic song that depicts the harsh northern landscapes and a bittersweet love, it is one of Yujiro Ishihara’s signature works.

The protagonist’s feelings as he travels through Kushiro, Hakodate, and Otaru are woven together with a wistful melody.

Released as a single in August 1987, it was also used as an insert song for the TV Asahi drama “Seibu Keisatsu.” Ishihara’s distinctive low voice is captivating, and the song is popular for karaoke.

Even beginners will find it easy to sing thanks to its relaxed tempo and straightforward melody.

Why not picture the great northern land and take your time singing it?

Tsubaki GotoIshihara Junko91rank/position

Junko Ishihara “Goto Camellia” Music Video

The Goto Islands are known as the most famous natural habitat of camellias in western Japan.

This song, “Goto Tsubaki,” is a work themed around the camellias that bloom in the Goto Islands, depicting the romantic relationships between men and women.

Among Junko Ishihara’s songs, this piece is particularly strong in enka elements and features kobushi (ornamental vocal turns) typical of authentic enka.

That might sound difficult, but the melismas stay within at most a two-scale-step range, so you shouldn’t struggle with the kobushi.

The tempo is relaxed as well, making it recommended for those who want to start singing enka in earnest.

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