Popular Songs Ranking of Saburo Kitajima [2026]

Woman of AizuKitajima Saburō22rank/position

Woman of Aizu

Set in the steamy hot-spring town of Aizu’s Higashiyama Onsen, this is Saburo ‘Sab-chan,’ famed for his local theme songs.

Unlike his spirited hits like “Matsuri” and “Tairyōbune,” here he passionately sings a poem—sprinkled with famous Aizu landmarks—about an unforgettable woman with a touch of sadness.

Brotherly Code of HonorKitajima Saburō23rank/position

Brotherly Code of Honor

Kitajima Saburō’s masterpiece “Kyōdai Jingi,” which gained popularity for its melancholic lyrics and melody.

While the song features relatively intricate kobushi (melodic turns) for his repertoire, that doesn’t mean it’s particularly difficult.

There are kobushi that span more than three scale degrees, but because they mostly appear in descending passages, the overall difficulty of the ornamentation is low.

If you find it hard to produce the crisp, well-defined kobushi heard in the original, you can apply strong vibrato to sing in a kobushi-like manner as an alternative.

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large fishing boatKitajima Saburō24rank/position

large fishing boat

A powerful song has arrived that vividly captures the spirits of men challenging the rough seas.

Released in February 2015 by Saburo Kitajima, the King of Enka, this piece passionately sings of fishermen’s courage and pride.

The catchy shout of “Yoisho” in the chorus leaves a strong impression and lifts the listener’s spirits.

It reached as high as No.

23 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and stayed on the charts for 16 weeks, winning the support of many fans.

It’s highly recommended for those who want to feel the grit and guts of seafaring men or rediscover the allure of enka.

Combined with Kitajima’s powerful vocals, it’s a masterpiece that resonates deeply with listeners.

Kiso KoishigureKitajima Saburō25rank/position

Kiso Koishigure - Saburo Kitajima / by Nogawakawa

Enka singers have performed a great many so-called local songs, and Saburo Kitajima has sung about regions across almost the entire country—from Hakodate no Onna in the north in Hokkaido to Okinawa no Onna in the south.

As for why Kiso, among the many picturesque solo-travel destinations in Nagano Prefecture, was chosen as a theme, perhaps it’s because Kiso, with its numerous post stations along the Nakasendo, fit the enka image as a stage setting.

The sky of TokyoKitajima Saburō26rank/position

Saburo Kitajima “Tokyo no Sora” (Official Audio)

Saburo Kitajima’s new song “Tokyo no Sora,” released in November 2024.

While Kitajima no longer has the wide vocal range he once did, he has recently been releasing songs that emphasize the lower register instead.

This work is no exception, centering on the low notes.

As a result, the vocal range is notably narrow.

The kobushi ornamentation also doesn’t feature the dramatic pitch changes of the past, tending to be more understated, making it an easy song to sing even for those who struggle with enka-style phrasing.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.

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festivalKitajima Saburō27rank/position

Festival - Saburo Kitajima [COVER]

These days, Saburō Kitajima is more prominent as a racehorse owner than as a singer.

While many loyal fans love Sab-chan’s demanding enka, this song, Matsuri, stylishly sings of a man’s romance and way of life, making it more popular with men than women.

It’s a perfect number to lift everyone’s spirits.

Satsuma WomanKitajima Saburō28rank/position

Satsuma Woman

It’s a masterpiece that represents Saburo “Sub-chan” Kitajima’s Women Series, singing of a parting that neglects duty and of deep sorrow.

Released in 1968, this song made a vivid impact on the enka world and cemented its status after being performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

With lyrics that mention place names like Tenmonkan Street, Sakurajima, and Kinko Bay, it beautifully captures Kagoshima’s scenery and the feelings of its people.

Overall, the pitch sits on the lower side, featuring a melody centered around robust low notes to the midrange.

Even those who struggle with high notes will find it relatively easy to sing, and it’s recommended for anyone who wants to express Kitajima’s unique brand of “masculinity.” It’s perfect not only for enka lovers, but also for those who want to deliver a cool, mature vocal at karaoke.