Sachiko Kobayashi Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

MaybeKobayashi Sachiko15rank/position

Moshikashite

Even if you didn’t know it was sung by Sachiko Kobayashi, you’ve almost certainly heard this melody somewhere! “Moshikashite,” released in 1984 as Kobayashi’s single, also came out the same year as “Moshikashite PART II,” a duet version with the composer Katsuhiko Miki, and it was performed on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen—truly a classic of the ’80s.

Rather than enka, it leans more toward the kayōkyoku style, and since Kobayashi sings it with almost no enka-style techniques, it should be relatively approachable even for those who aren’t fond of enka.

That said, the song spans a wide vocal range overall, so try to be mindful of a delivery that brings out the sultriness of the lower notes.

In particular, the chorus melody is easy to go off-pitch on, so be careful!

Mischief SakeKobayashi Sachiko16rank/position

Mischief Sake

This song, Yanchazake, is a single released by Sachiko Kobayashi in 1999.

It’s a major-key enka masterpiece that brightly sings of a woman’s heart supporting the man she loves.

It’s also very popular for karaoke, and if you like upbeat enka, you should definitely give it a try.

Both the lyrics and melody are very simple—classic, straight-down-the-middle enka—so while there are points to watch out for, such as enka-specific techniques and a wide vocal range, there shouldn’t be any issues if you’re used to singing enka.

For beginners, be sure to pay close attention to the contrast between low and high notes, and take extra care with your breathing so your voice doesn’t crack on the high notes in the soaring chorus sections.

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Goodbye to my poker faceKobayashi Sachiko17rank/position

“Goodbye to the Poker Face” MV Full Version

“Say Goodbye to the Poker Face,” released in February 2019, is a single commemorating Sachiko Kobayashi’s 55th anniversary in show business.

With lyrics by Reiko Yukawa and music by Naoki Yamada, Kobayashi delivers a captivating performance of this Spanish- and Latin-flavored kayōkyoku.

It’s the kind of song that would likely be a hit at karaoke.

Since it uses almost no enka-style techniques and Kobayashi’s signature vibrato is kept restrained, it’s also recommended for people who don’t usually sing enka.

In particular, focus on producing solid, lower tones in the A-melody section.

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Love SakuraKobayashi Sachiko18rank/position

Love Sakura

It’s a beautiful enka masterpiece—grand in scale yet tinged with melancholy—richly infused with traditional Japanese flavor through the use of Japanese instruments.

“Koi Zakura” is a single released by Sachiko Kobayashi in 2007, and she also performed it at that year’s NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, so some listeners may find it familiar.

While Kobayashi’s signature techniques—kobushi, shakuri, and vibrato—are of course present, the melody that seems to speak to the Japanese soul is easy to remember, and once you’ve learned it, singing it itself shouldn’t be too difficult.

There are no extreme high notes either, so even those who feel uneasy about higher pitches should definitely give it a try.

Mom’s MonologueKobayashi Sachiko19rank/position

A Mother's Soliloquy (Sachiko Kobayashi) by tetsuro

“When you want to be filial, your parents are gone.” That’s the phrase that comes to mind with this song.

Strictly speaking, the lyrics alone don’t make it clear whether the mother is alive or not, but since “I’m sorry” and “I want to see you again” are repeated, that’s how I interpreted it.

The memories that come back—simple, everyday conversations and exchanges with my mother—are heartwarming.

Saya Asakura began studying folk music from a young age and is talented enough to have won national competitions in both elementary and junior high school.

I also think the songs that make full use of her dialect are something only Asakura can uniquely deliver.

You made me cry, you bastard.Kobayashi Sachiko20rank/position

Nakase Yagatte Konoyaro

The striking song title “Nakaseyayagatte Kono Yarō” marks the first time the renowned lyricist Tetsurō Hoshino—who would later team up with Sachiko Kobayashi on masterpieces like “Yuki Tsubaki”—participated in one of her singles.

Released in 1982, it’s a title whose meaning you’ll want to confirm by reading the lyrics.

Asei Kobayashi’s melody is simple and memorable; though it’s enka, it carries a kayōkyoku flavor that should make it feel approachable even for beginners.

Practice repeatedly to create clear contrast between low and high notes, and work on producing a natural vibrato at the end of the chorus.

A riot of blossoms! Bravo! Zipangu!Kobayashi Sachiko21rank/position

Hyakka Ryoran! Appare! Zipang! Music Video

Even with a career that firmly earns him the title of heavyweight, Mr.

Kobayashi constantly tackles a variety of genres and enjoys strong name recognition among younger generations.

His flexible attitude toward music shines through vividly in this track, “Hyakka Ryouran! Appare! Zipangu!” It’s a delightful East-meets-West number that fuses festival-style Japanese flair with big-band sounds, and it’s sure to get the crowd going at karaoke.

While you can mostly power through it on sheer groove, be sure to practice the section where Mr.

Kobayashi’s rich, soaring vibrato truly stands out so you can deliver it with confidence!

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