festivalKitajima Saburō1rank/position

Saburo Kitajima “Matsuri” (Official Audio)

Saburo Kitajima is a great enka singer who has left behind many masterpieces.

His distinctive, undulating kobushi and vibrato are especially striking.

Among his songs, the one I particularly recommend is Matsuri.

While the piece is memorable for its low register, it surprisingly spans a range from mid1 A to high C.

However, because the pitch changes within the kobushi are contained within two notes, it is classified as a work with a lower level of difficulty in terms of overall technique.

If you adjust it to your suitable key, it’s not un-singable, so be sure to identify your own vocal range carefully.

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Northern fishing groundsKitajima Saburō2rank/position

Northern Fishing Grounds - Saburo Kitajima

Set against the harsh fishing grounds of Hokkaido, this enka masterpiece portrays the pride and resolve of fishermen.

The image of men braving raging waves and biting cold while thinking of tomorrow’s catch is deeply moving.

Its powerful melody and Saburo Kitajima’s richly expressive vocals brilliantly capture the fishermen’s way of life.

Released in June 1986, the song won the Best Vocal Performance at the 28th Japan Record Awards.

It’s recommended for older listeners as a piece that recalls life experience and pride in one’s work.

YosakuKitajima Saburō3rank/position

This song celebrates the quiet life of a mountain village and the kindness of its people.

Its powerful melody and heartwarming story, which express Japan’s traditional values and an honest way of living, have moved many listeners.

Saburo Kitajima’s warmly human vocals leave an even deeper impression of that world.

Released in March 1978, the song has remained beloved across generations.

It’s a perfect piece for everyone to hum together during music time at care facilities or to liven up seasonal events.

Woman of HakodateKitajima Saburō4rank/position

Hokkaido Love Story

Set in a port town in Hokkaido, this classic enka masterpiece delicately portrays the subtleties of human emotions and a deep longing for home.

Saburo Kitajima’s powerful vocals brilliantly convey a man’s heartache and passion, culminating in a grand composition that evokes the vastness of the land and vivid scenes of the harbor town.

Released by Nippon Crown in November 1965, the song became a mega-hit, selling over 1.4 million copies.

It was also featured in commercials for Asahi Beer’s “Dosan no Nama” and Nagatanien’s “Sake Chazuke,” and has long been cherished as one of Kitajima’s signature songs.

This piece is perfect for moments when you want to reflect on Hokkaido’s majestic nature and the lives of its people.

Its travel-inspiring, beautiful melody and heartfelt lyrics will resonate deeply with anyone living far from their hometown.

The Northern LandKitajima Saburō5rank/position

The Northern Land

It’s a powerful masterpiece by the legendary enka singer Saburō Kitajima, one of his signature songs, depicting the majestic nature of Hokkaido and the lives of its people.

The melody is rich with emotion, and the lyrics superbly convey both the beauty and the severity of the vast land.

Released in January 1991 and used in a commercial for Kowa Pharmaceutical’s “Una Kowa,” the song was also performed at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

It won the Japan Record Award the same year and has continued to be cherished as one of Kitajima’s representative works.

While not an easy song to sing, it’s well-known and therefore relatively easy to remember, and people from Hokkaido in particular may find it resonates with feelings for their hometown.