Enka Karaoke Popularity Rankings [2026]

America BridgeYamakawa Yutaka15rank/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 Chiyoko16rank/position

Chiyoko Shimakura – Life Has Its Ups and Downs

This is her biggest hit, released on April 21, 1987.

She performed it at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, which helped broaden its appeal among younger generations, and it became a major hit that sets the joys and sorrows of life to a light, upbeat rhythm.

The overall vocal range of the song is a calm F3–G4, so the key is that you can sing it without forcing your voice from the start.

When singing, instead of projecting with a big voice, try placing the voice right in front of you to maintain a composed tone.

In the latter half, the key changes and the range goes higher, so open your eyes wide and be careful not to let the pitch drop.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

The first person I fell in love withTakeshima Hiroshi17rank/position

[MV] Hiroshi Takeshima / The First Person I Ever Loved (full ver.)

Following the so-called “Trilogy of Being Led to Dance” — Koimachi Counter, Uwasa no Futari, and Yume no Furiko — Hatsumete Suki ni Natta Hito, released in 2020, is a beautiful, gently paced medium ballad that showcases Hiroshi Takeshima’s signature sweet and heartrending vocals to the fullest.

With its melody built almost entirely in the mid range and pitched quite low overall, it may feel refreshing to listeners accustomed to contemporary J-pop where high notes tend to take center stage.

Takeshima himself said at the time of the song’s release that he was “returning to basics and competing with just the singing,” so please take the time to fully grasp the world depicted in the lyrics by Goro Matsui — which earned the Special Jury Prize at the 53rd Japan Lyrics Awards — and sing it with all your heart!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

Scorpio womanMikawa Ken’ichi18rank/position

Kenichi Mikawa “Woman of Scorpio (New Recording)” (Official Audio)

This is a representative enka/mood kayō song released in 1972.

It likens the singer’s attachment and single-minded passion for the man she loved to the “Scorpio,” featuring intense lyrics.

The intro really sticks in your head, so it’s likely to get everyone excited the moment it starts.

The overall vocal range is A2–G4, and the chorus includes quite low notes, so be careful not to strain your throat.

Keep your eyebrows raised and imagine projecting the voice forward from your temples; this will help you sing smoothly even when the pitch changes.

Also, make sure to use plenty of breath.

For the low notes, try pushing the voice forward as you project.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

Purple Rain SentimentFuji Ayako19rank/position

Purple Rain Sentiment

Here is one of Ayako Fuji’s signature songs and a masterpiece in the history of Japanese enka: “Murasaki Ujō.” Released in 1993, it reached a peak of No.

8 on the Oricon charts and was also performed at that year’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It has the feel of classic, heart-tugging enka: despite its bright chord progression, there’s a certain wistful atmosphere that evokes a distinctly Japanese sensibility.

True to enka style, the melody moves from a low register in the first half to a high-register chorus, then back down again, finally rising to a soaring high at the end—a quintessential structure.

Fuji delivers a careful, unforced performance, employing the fundamental techniques of enka.

It’s perfect as an introduction to the genre, and if you want to practice ornaments like kobushi and hikkake, definitely give this song a try!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

A Man’s Pure Hearttatsumi yūto20rank/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!

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

KOH-1

Report a problem

Fleeting LoveKouzai Kaori21rank/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?