Enka Karaoke Popularity Rankings [2026]

Come back.Matsumura Kazuko36rank/position

Come back.

Kazuko Matsumura is an enka singer from Hokkaido.

While she also performs orthodox enka, her essence arguably lies in rock-influenced enka.

Many people have surely been moved by her performances, where she holds a shamisen and sings as if she were a rock musician doing an acoustic set.

“Kaette Koi yo” is one of her signature songs; it maintains the fundamentals of enka yet stands out with a rock-tinged power.

The range is somewhat high, from mid2 A# to hi D#, but since the overall span is narrow, it shouldn’t be difficult to sing if you adjust to a suitable key.

It also features fewer kobushi (ornamental turns) than typical enka, making it a recommended choice.

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Life waits for no one.Moriyama Aiko37rank/position

Aiko Moriyama – Life Won’t Wait

Aiko Morikawa is an enka singer from Toyama Prefecture.

Despite her solid vocal abilities, she has produced many catchy songs, so even those not from the Hokuriku region may know her.

Her famous song “Matta Nashi da yo Jinsei wa” features many kobushi (ornamental vocal turns) with a shouted edge, but because most of them descend and the pitch movement in the kobushi stays within three notes, the overall difficulty is on the lower side.

The melody also has the feel of a fight song, giving it a bright tone, so you can expect it to really get the crowd going.

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I’ve fallen for you.Ishihara Junko38rank/position

Junko Ishihara “Have Fallen in Love” Music Video (1 Chorus)

Junko Ishihara’s classic “Horemashita.” Released in 1988, this piece marked her memorable debut and is still beloved by many fans today.

While it inherits elements of enka, the song as a whole features an easy-to-sing vocal line reminiscent of kayōkyoku.

In particular, the kobushi (ornamental vocal turns) are very easy—there are no difficult kobushi in this piece at all.

They’re limited to, at most, a one-step pitch change, so anyone with experience singing enka should be able to perform it with ease.

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Ryo

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Tsugaru Strait – Winter SceneIshikawa Sayuri39rank/position

Tsugaru Strait – Winter Scene

It’s a song marked by irresistibly moving scenic imagery and a poignant story of parting.

Against the shifting backdrop from the night train departing Ueno to the deck of the Seikan ferry, the delicate emotions of a wavering woman are finely portrayed, resonating deeply with listeners.

Released in January 1977, the song won the Vocal Performance Award at that year’s Japan Record Awards and has long been cherished as one of Sayuri Ishikawa’s signature pieces.

It’s so famous that you’ll recognize it the moment you hear it, making it a perfect challenge for newcomers to enka as well.

By picturing the scenes in the lyrics as you sing, you’ll be able to savor the song’s appeal even more.

As I am in love…Akimoto Junko40rank/position

As I am in love…

A classic song that pours deep affection and pure emotions into a distinctive husky voice was released in January 2008.

Created by a veteran singer active across diverse genres such as jazz and Latin, the track gradually gained popularity after its release and achieved an extraordinary feat by reaching No.

1 on the weekly charts a year later.

The artist also performed at the 2008 Kōhaku Uta Gassen, capturing the hearts of many.

Set to a wistful melody featuring a memorable accordion timbre, the lyrics convey sincere feelings for a beloved person and resonate with listeners of all generations.

When tackling it at karaoke, consider emphasizing rich expressiveness and singing along to the relaxed tempo.

Love Town CounterTakeshima Hiroshi41rank/position

Hiroshi Takeshima “Koimachi Counter” Music Video (full ver.)

Released in 2018 as the first installment of Hiroshi Takeshima’s “Songs That Make You Dance” series, Koimachi Counter is a masterpiece that marked a new frontier for Takeshima, packed with the flavor of Showa-era kayōkyoku and popular songs.

The choreography known as the “Koimachi Dance” also became a hot topic, and it’s unquestionably a killer tune for karaoke.

There’s even a video where he performs the choreography together with fans, so be sure to check that out.

Koimachi Counter is easy to sing for anyone who loves Showa kayōkyoku, regardless of generation, and it’s perfect for getting everyone at a karaoke gathering to join in the choreography and get the party going—so definitely give it a try!

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Scorpio womanMikawa Ken’ichi42rank/position

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

A song that portrays the feelings of a passionate, single-minded woman was released in December 1972 and became a hit, achieving strong results on the Oricon charts.

With its distinctive lyrics and melody, along with an unmistakable vocal style, it captured the hearts of many and was performed seven times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

The lyrics, which project the traits of Scorpio onto a female figure, express the complex emotions of romance.

Widely known as one of Kenichi Mikawa’s signature songs, it’s also popular as material for impressionists.

When tackling it at karaoke, it’s important to keep Mikawa’s unique timbre and expressive delivery in mind while immersing yourself in the song’s world.

Even beginners to enka will find it enjoyable to sing thanks to its familiar melody and memorable lyrics.