Popular Songs Ranking of Saburo Kitajima [2026]

Ah, Mito RōshiKitajima Saburō31rank/position

Ah, Mito Rōshi

This is a celebrated song that sings of Mito’s history, delivered with the soul-stirring voice of Saburo Kitajima, a giant of the enka world.

The piece takes the late-Edo “Tengu Party Rebellion” as its theme, depicting the grim resolve and pride of the Mito loyalists who rose out of concern for their country.

Kitajima’s powerful yet heartrending vocals feel as if the spirits of those warriors have possessed him.

Listening to his voice, you can vividly picture their arduous journey toward snowy Tsuruga and the fiery convictions they held close to their hearts.

Created to commemorate the sister-city partnership with Tsuruga City in Fukui Prefecture, this song profoundly conveys the spirit of righteousness that lives on in Ibaraki’s history.

It is a weighty work that will captivate anyone who loves historical narratives and refuse to let go.

If I don’t do it, who will?Kitajima Saburō32rank/position

If I don't do it, who will?

Here I’d like to introduce a song that’s relatively easy to sing yet a bit on the challenging side: “Ore ga Yaranakya Dare ga Yaru” (“If I Don’t Do It, Who Will?”).

Among Saburo Kitajima’s masculine songs, this one in particular brings together a wide range of techniques, featuring from the very beginning a powerful vibrato with a shouted edge.

As for kobushi (ornamental pitch turns), they appear frequently, but you’ll rarely encounter ones that shift more than three scale degrees, so the difficulty there is on the lower side.

If you sing with an awareness of strength and of contrasts between stillness and motion, your vocal line will have sharper definition, so try to keep those aspects in mind as you perform.

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Brothers!Kitajima Saburō33rank/position

Brothers!

A powerful anthem celebrating brotherly love has arrived from Saburo Kitajima, a towering figure in the enka world.

Depicting the courage to face life’s hardships and the bonds with one’s comrades, this piece is included on the 2011 single “Sadame-michi / Kyōdai-tachi yo.” Released to commemorate Kitajima’s 50th anniversary in the performing arts, it was later reissued on albums and as a karaoke version.

Its appeal lies in his richly resonant vocals and lyrics filled with an uplifting message.

It’s recommended listening when you’re struggling in life and need encouragement—you’re sure to find courage in it.

Woman of KagaKitajima Saburō34rank/position

Saburo Kitajima - Woman of Kaga [20th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen Performance Song] (Official Audio)

Saburo Kitajima’s song “Kaga no Onna” features a memorable melody with a Latin essence.

While it firmly inherits the hallmarks of enka, the piece also strongly reflects elements of kayōkyoku throughout.

As a result, the characteristic kobushi ornaments typical of enka appear less frequently.

The vocal range is wide, which limits who can sing it, but aside from that there aren’t many difficult aspects, making it one of the more approachable songs among Kitajima’s works.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Northern BrothersKitajima Saburō35rank/position

Northern Brothers

This is a moving song performed by Saburo Kitajima, a towering figure in the enka world.

It powerfully portrays the bond between brothers living in the harsh northern lands, stirring the hearts of listeners.

Included on the single “Kita no Otokobune / Kita no Kyodai,” released in January 2003, this piece showcases Kitajima’s signature, weighty enka style, expressing deep feelings for one’s hometown and family.

With lyrics by Yoko Nakamura and music by Joji Hara, the two elements blend beautifully, and Kitajima’s vocal prowess further elevates the song’s appeal.

It’s a recommended track for those who cherish bonds with family and friends.

Lake TowadaKitajima Saburō36rank/position

Lake Towada

Set against the majestic scenery of a lake stretching across the border between Aomori and Akita, this is a life-themed enka by Saburo Kitajima that sings of the profound depths of existence.

The protagonist, reflecting on his own path by the lakeside, is portrayed through a powerful vocal performance.

The song’s appeal lies in its lyrical worldview, where the quiet of nature resonates with the cry of the human soul.

Released as a single in January 1999, it was also included on the album “Saburo Kitajima Complete Collection: Lake Towada / Root.” It’s a piece that will resonate deeply when you want to face yourself at a turning point in life, or when you wish to align your heart with the nature of your hometown.

I go my own wayKitajima Saburō37rank/position

I go my own way

A song packed with the weight of a life, powerfully affirming the path one has walked.

Released as a single in November 2025, it drew attention for extending an unprecedented streak of 64 consecutive yearly releases since his debut.

An album of the same name was released alongside it, distilling Saburo Kitajima’s unwavering conviction as he remains active even at age 88.

It portrays a man’s resolve to face hardships—rain and storms—head-on.

The arrangement moves from a steady, resonant low-mid register to a soaring chorus, lighting a passionate fire in the listener’s heart.

Kunisaki PeninsulaKitajima Saburō38rank/position

Kunisaki Peninsula

This is a song set in Oita Prefecture, powerfully performed by Saburo Kitajima, a giant of the enka world.

Against the backdrop of the Kunisaki Peninsula—where the syncretic culture of Shinto and Buddhism still thrives—it passionately sings of the burning homesickness felt by those far from their hometown, and of tender yearning for a beloved mother.

The fact that Kitajima himself wrote both the lyrics and the music under his own pen name conveys his exceptional affection for the piece.

If you lend an ear to his majestic voice, you may feel the wind of Kunisaki and the scent of the sea reaching your heart.

It’s a song that will likely strike a chord with anyone who has a place to call home.

YumetoKitajima Saburō39rank/position

Yumeto

Among Saburo Kitajima’s works, this one stands out for its distinctive, unconventional melody.

While it retains some enka elements, the melody is entirely pop, incorporating shades of Chinese pop and neo-soul.

The vocal line is very simple in a pop-like way, without the dramatic pitch leaps typical of enka, making it undeniably easy to sing.

However, the overall range is wider than in his usual songs, so be sure to prepare your voice properly before starting to sing.

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riverKitajima Saburō40rank/position

river

Among Saburo Kitajima’s songs, the classic “Kawa” (River) is especially renowned for its powerful vocals.

It’s categorized as a so-called ‘man’s song,’ built around a bold, masculine vocal line.

With such a forceful singing style, it might seem difficult to master, but that’s not the case.

This piece contains many shouted, growling passages, yet it rarely features rapid tempo shifts or large melodic jumps.

As long as you have a solid foundation in shouting technique, there’s a good chance you can sing it through successfully.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.

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