Enka Karaoke Popularity Rankings [2026]

I’m falling in love with you againSakamoto Fuyumi1rank/position

Fuyumi Sakamoto – I'm Falling in Love with You Again

This is a famous song that covers Billy BanBan’s song of the same name from 2007, released in 2009 as the B-side to the single “Asia no Kaizoku.” It was used in a commercial for the shochu “iichiko Hita Zen Koji,” and became a long-running hit beyond the enka singer category, reaching No.

1 on the download charts in 2010.

Because it tones down enka’s characteristic melodic ornamentation, its expansive, soft vocals have become a talking point, making it an accessible song even for beginners to enka.

When singing, it may be good to deliver it in a flowing manner.

Breathing is important, so be careful to take breaths at the right timing.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

Kiyoshi’s Zundoko SongHikawa Kiyoshi2rank/position

Kiyoshi Hikawa / Kiyoshi no Zundoko-bushi [Official]

Kiyoshi Hikawa, a figure who sent shockwaves through the enka world.

Though an idol-type enka singer, he possesses solid vocal prowess and has influenced many as an artist who combines skill with catchiness.

“Kiyoshi no Zundoko Bushi” is one of his hit numbers.

While this song spans a fairly wide range—mid1 C to hi B—the pitch shifts in the kobushi (melodic ornaments) are kept to at most two notes, making the overall difficulty as enka relatively low.

If you have a reasonably wide vocal range, you should be able to sing it without trouble.

It’s immensely popular among madams, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

Like the flow of a riverMisora Hibari3rank/position

Like the Flow of the River by Hibari Misora

Released on January 11, 1989, this was Hibari Misora’s final single during her lifetime—an immortal masterpiece bridging the Showa and Heisei eras, with lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto and music by Akira Mitake.

It likens the journey of life to a “narrow, long river,” featuring lyrics that gently embrace countless hardships and joys, paired with a grand melody.

In 2006, it was selected for the “100 Best Japanese Songs,” and it remains a long-loved piece.

Listening to it brings a sense of peace.

I’m sure it would be a hit at karaoke and have a soothing effect, so it’s worth memorizing for the right moment.

When you sing it, imagine yourself performing in a wide, open space—your voice will flow freely, and you’ll likely find it very pleasant to sing.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Kubota Mami

Report a problem

Northern SpringSen Masao4rank/position

[Audio Sample] Masao Sen "Spring in the Northern Country" (Short ver.)

It’s a classic enka song that portrays the feelings of a city dweller nostalgic for their hometown.

The imagery is wonderful—you can almost see the northern spring landscapes with white birches, Japanese kerria blossoms, and a watermill.

Released in April 1977, this piece achieved the remarkable feat of being performed at NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen three years in a row.

If you sing it at karaoke, I recommend picturing the scenes in the lyrics and filling your voice with the sentiment of longing for home.

Prioritize gentle, heartfelt expression over sheer power.

Even if you’re not used to singing, the melody is easy to remember, so it’s a comfortable song to try.

It’s perfect for those living away from their hometown or anyone who wants to recall familiar, nostalgic landscapes.

North TavernHosokawa Takashi5rank/position

North Tavern

Takashi Hosokawa is one of Japan’s finest vocalists.

Early in his career he pursued a path as an enka singer, but after studying under Michiya Mihashi, who came from a folk song background, his already high-level singing ability grew to a monstrous level.

Among that, he has also actively taken on catchy songs, making him an extremely popular figure among enka fans.

Among Hosokawa’s songs, the one I particularly recommend for its crowd-pleasing energy and ease of singing is “Kita Sakaba.” While the overall range is set on the higher side, the range itself isn’t very wide, so you should be able to sing it if you adjust to the right key.

The song features a structure typical of enka, showcasing scale movements of two notes or more with kobushi (melismatic turns), but since the kobushi don’t continue in rapid succession, their difficulty is relatively low.

Instead of projecting your voice forward, try to produce it with the sensation of it piercing through from the crown or back of your head; doing so will bring you quite close to the original, so give it a try.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Ryo

Report a problem

atonementTeresa Ten6rank/position

atonement

The Showa-era classic “Tsugunai” is a poignant enka masterpiece that sings of tragic love.

Teresa Teng’s clear, translucent voice gently conveys the end of a forbidden romance and her atonement to the one she loves.

The chorus phrase “ai wo tsugunau” (to atone for love) is especially memorable and leaves a deep impression on listeners.

Released in January 1984, the song was also used in a YKKap commercial and became a major hit.

It has a strong kayōkyoku flavor, making it easy to sing and recommended even for those who aren’t yet comfortable with full-on traditional enka.

freezing rainKayama Akio7rank/position

Hiyusame by Akio Kayama

A signature work by Akio Kayama that poignantly sings of the heartache of unrequited love through the figure of a woman enjoying a solitary drink at a bar.

This classic captivates many fans with its bittersweet vocals and richly expressive delivery.

Released in 1977 as his debut single, it has gradually seeped into people’s hearts over time.

In 1983, it won the Long-Seller Award at the Japan Record Awards and is highly regarded as a beloved song of the Showa era.

With a light, folk-tinged melody, the key is to value rhythm and hold back overt power, emphasizing restrained emotion over force.

For karaoke, try singing up to the chorus as if speaking to the listener, and have fun by getting friends to handle the tricky parts.