Enka Karaoke Popularity Rankings [2026]

As I am in love…Akimoto Junko43rank/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 Hiroshi44rank/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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KOH-1

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abandonedNagayama Yōko45rank/position

Yoko Nagayama “Suterarete” Music Video

One of Yoko Nagayama’s signature songs and an absolute karaoke favorite! Released in 1995, “Suterarete” cemented her status as an enka singer after she transitioned from idol singer to enka in 1993.

Her “demo ne” pose also became a hot topic at the time.

While it’s an enka number, it carries a slightly kayōkyoku-like flavor.

Although techniques like subtle kobushi (grace notes) and vibrato appear throughout, the overall difficulty isn’t that high, and there are no extreme high notes, making it relatively easy to sing.

It’s a great choice even for beginners singing Nagayama’s songs for the first time!

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KOH-1

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Blue Light Yokohamaishida ayumi46rank/position

Blue Light Yokohama

From the late 1960s to the 1970s, Ayumi Ishida was a singer who enjoyed nationwide popularity.

She has many classic hits, but the one I especially recommend is Blue Light Yokohama.

It’s a kayōkyoku-style song with strong blues elements, characterized by a narrow vocal range throughout.

Since it doesn’t feature the kobushi ornamentation that often poses a challenge in enka, if you keep your pitch steady and add vibrato at the end of the long notes to rack up points, it’s a song that anyone can aim for a high score with.

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Ryo

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applausechiaki naomi47rank/position

Naomi Chiaki / Applause [Official Audio]

Kassai is a classic song that represents the Showa era.

It’s one of Naomi Chiaki’s signature numbers, known for its poignant lyrics about a woman who lost her lover in the war.

Rather than enka, this piece leans strongly toward kayōkyoku, and it contains very little of the intricate kobushi ornamentation typical of enka.

There is a slightly stronger kobushi at the end of the chorus, but that’s about the only real challenge, making it a relatively easy piece.

Among the songs introduced here, this one is especially simple, so why not add it to your repertoire?

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Ryo

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marine snowjero48rank/position

Jero – Sea Snow (Music Video)

Jero’s debut single.

Released by Victor Entertainment on February 20, 2008, it’s a 2008 enka smash hit with lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto and music by Ryudo Uzaki.

Set against the backdrop of the Sea of Japan, this masterpiece poignantly sings of unreachable love, and it won the Best New Artist award at the 50th Japan Record Awards—quite a memorable song for its time.

Since the track features a guitar-based sound, it may be easier to listen to even for those who aren’t fond of enka.

In the final chorus, there’s a key change and the range rises slightly, so be careful not to belt.

For parts where the ending consonants are cut off, make sure to stop them cleanly rather than letting them trail—this gives it a cool, sharp finish.

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Kubota Mami

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Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten49rank/position

Let yourself go with the flow of time

Teresa Teng, the legendary singer from Taiwan.

If you’re in your late 40s or older, you probably know her.

Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is “Toki no Nagare ni Mi o Makase” (I Only Care About You).

The trickiest part of this piece is probably the falsetto near the end of the chorus.

I think many people struggle there.

In that case, instead of lowering the key, I actually recommend trying to raise it.

Falsetto can sometimes be harder to produce at lower pitches, so give it a try.

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Ryo

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