Enka Karaoke Popularity Rankings [2026]

Oh, sake!Yoshi Ikuzo8rank/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.

pinwheelYoshi Ikuzo9rank/position

[Full MV] IKUZO YOSHI “Kazeguruma” [Official]

Kazuo Yoshii’s masterpiece “Kazeguruma,” released in 2024, opens with an electric guitar that’s very characteristic of enka.

From there, the voltage settles as it moves into the A-melody.

As you can hear, however, this piece reflects strong pop elements rather than being pure enka.

The chorus in particular evokes 1970s and ’80s folk rock.

Naturally, there are fewer instances of kobushi (ornamental vocal turns), making this one of the easiest songs to sing in Yoshii’s catalog.

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O-Shichi and the Night Cherry BlossomsSakamoto Fuyumi10rank/position

Fuyumi Sakamoto – Yozakura O-Shichi

Fuyumi Sakamoto is a female enka singer who studied under the acclaimed enka vocalist Yuriko Futaba.

With a highly original musical style that incorporates a wide range of genres, she has gained popularity both within and beyond the enka scene.

Her song “Yozakura Oshichi,” released in 1994, features an unusually upbeat melody for enka at the time.

The vocal range spans from mid1F to hiD, which is typical for female vocals, but the BPM is 140, making it relatively fast, so it’s best to master the rhythm thoroughly before singing.

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Naniwa SpiritSakamoto Fuyumi11rank/position

Fuyumi Sakamoto “Naniwa Spirit” Short Ver.

It’s a powerful song that makes you want to call it the spirit of Osaka.

It’s Fuyumi Sakamoto’s first cheer song themed around Osaka, released in March 2025.

Selected as a recommended track by TBS Radio, the piece also drew attention for reuniting her with composer Chiaki Oka after roughly nine years.

The lyrics’ worldview—emphasizing the importance of moving forward without succumbing to adversity and portraying people who grow through perseverance—really hits home.

Sing it at karaoke, and you’re sure to lift your listeners’ spirits.

Dotonbori SentimentTendō Yoshimi12rank/position

[MV] Yoshimi Tendo / Dotonbori (Tonbori) Ninjō (Full Ver.)

Yoshimi Tendo is an enka singer highly acclaimed for her live performances.

With first-class qualities across the board—vocal power, expressiveness, and fine techniques such as kobushi—she also has songs that are relatively easy to sing.

Among them, the one I especially recommend is Dotonbori Ninjo.

It’s a robust enka number with the flavor of Kawachi Ondo, but most of the kobushi are the type that undulate at the start of each phrase, so it’s not particularly difficult.

Of course, if you aim to replicate every detail, the difficulty is high; however, since most of the Kawachi Ondo-style kobushi occur in the lower register, anyone who can control pitch in the low range should be able to sing it without issue.

By the way, the reading of the title is not “Dotonbori Ninjo,” but “Tonbori Ninjo.”

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America BridgeYamakawa Yutaka13rank/position

America Bashi

This is a 1998 song by Yutaka Yamakawa, the younger of the star brothers from Toba City in Mie Prefecture.

His older brother is Ichiro Toba.

It’s amazing that both brothers have hit songs, isn’t it? “America Bridge” is another name for Ebisu Minami Bridge, located between Ebisu and Meguro Stations on Tokyo’s Yamanote Line.

Tokyo has its own local songs, too.

To aim for a high score with this song, make sure you can feel the 6/8 time.

If you get left behind by this rhythm, scoring high won’t even be the issue.

Once you’ve got the 6/8 down, pay attention to matching the words with the melody.

Then—like magic—you’ll find it’s surprisingly easy to sing, and it becomes more and more enjoyable.

Savor the chorus’s melody and lyrics that are unique to 6/8 time, and sing with pleasure.

The high score will naturally follow.

Life is full of ups and downs.Shimakura Chiyoko14rank/position

Life is full of ups and downs.

A song that captivates the heart with lyrics that candidly portray life’s joys and sorrows, paired with Chiyoko Shimakura’s rich, velvety voice.

Released in 1987, the track was performed on the following year’s Kouhaku Uta Gassen, propelling her into the spotlight.

The melody blends pop and enka into a distinctive style that is both approachable and profound.

While the chorus climbs a bit in pitch, the overall range is narrow, making it accessible even for beginners.

The lyrics resonate especially with those who have a wealth of life experience, yet they carry a universal message that will speak to younger listeners as well.