Enka Karaoke Popularity Rankings [2026]

The first person I fell in love withTakeshima Hiroshi15rank/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!

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Purple Rain SentimentFuji Ayako16rank/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!

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A Man’s Pure Hearttatsumi yūto17rank/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!

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Fleeting LoveKouzai Kaori18rank/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?

Sake InnKouzai Kaori19rank/position

Kaori Kozai – “Sake no Yado”

Released to commemorate the 25th anniversary of her debut, Kaori Kozai’s masterpiece “Sake no Yado.” As a recent enka song, it achieved a fairly major hit, so many of you may already know it.

It’s classic, straight-ahead enka, characterized by lyrics that beautifully capture a woman’s bittersweet melancholy.

The vocal line, while slightly wide in range, contains no long sustained notes that require powerful projection, and the use of kobushi (melismatic ornamentation) is kept to a minimum.

With proper key adjustment, the range is accessible for anyone, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Brother ShipsToba Ichirō20rank/position

Ichiro Toba “Kyodai-bune (Brothers’ Boat)” (Official Audio)

This work was sung as the debut song by Ichirō Toba, who was born and raised in a fisherman’s family.

With a powerful yet wistful voice, it expresses the bonds among men of the sea and their feelings for their families.

Released in August 1982, it became a million-seller and later was performed seven times on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, making it a classic.

The overall pitch is on the lower side, making it approachable even for those who struggle with high notes.

If vibrato is difficult, try focusing on clear enunciation to convey the lyrics distinctly.

It’s a recommended song for livening up a karaoke session or for singing with heartfelt thoughts for someone special.

companion on the road; fellow traveler; taking someone along (often unwillingly)Miyama Hiroshi21rank/position

companion on the road; fellow traveler; taking someone along (often unwillingly)

A song by Hiroshi Miyama that portrays the bond between a man and a woman walking together through life’s ups and downs.

It expresses a fate that drifts like floating weeds in a gentle ballad.

Miyama’s powerful yet warm voice resonates deeply with listeners.

Originally released in 1978 as a song by Mieko Makimura, Miyama’s cover is included on the album “Utaitsugu! Nihon no Ryūkōka Part 5,” released in June 2024.

It’s a perfect track for times when you feel lost in life or want to feel the bond with someone important.