Sachiko Kobayashi Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Adonis (Amur adonis)Kobayashi Sachiko22rank/position

Adonis (Amur adonis)

Fukujusō, with lyrics by Tetsurō Hoshino—who also provided classics like Yuki Tsubaki and Nakase Yagatte Kono Yarō—was released in 1989 as a single by Sachiko Kobayashi and performed that same year on Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Many people likely still remember Kobayashi appearing in a sumptuous costume themed “Tennyo of the 21st Century.” The song has the atmosphere of a classic, wistful enka number, so anyone who has grasped the basic techniques of enka should be able to sing it without trouble.

True to the genre, the melody frequently moves between low and high notes; especially for beginners, it’s a good idea to create clear contrasts in your delivery as you sing.

thorn treeKobayashi Sachiko23rank/position

thorn tree

In 2012, Sachiko Kobayashi ended her long-standing contract with Nippon Columbia and launched her own label, SACHIKO Premium Records.

The song “Ibara no Ki” (Thorn Tree) was released as a fresh start under that label.

In fact, it was originally supposed to be released in 2013 as a song commemorating the 50th anniversary of Kobayashi’s debut, but it was instead unveiled as the first release on her independent label.

Masashi Sada wrote both the lyrics and music.

Kobayashi’s heartfelt performance of this piece—which sits somewhere between an enka ballad and a kayōkyoku-style ballad—conveys a sense of renewed determination and resolve.

Within Kobayashi’s catalog, the overall pitch is set relatively low, making the melody easier to sing for those who struggle with high notes.

That said, the range is still quite wide, and the final section of the last chorus requires sustaining a low long tone with vibrato, which will take some practice—so focus on repeating that part.

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KOH-1

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Sleeping in EchigoKobayashi Sachiko24rank/position

Promotional Video: Sleeping in Echigo

This song, Sleeping in Echigo, created by the renowned duo Rei Nakanishi and Takashi Toshimi, is a single released by Sachiko Kobayashi in 2014.

With its grand strings, dramatic sound, and standout combination of Kobayashi’s beautiful vocals and melody, it’s a masterpiece that demands expressive power more than technique—so, to be honest, it’s difficult to sing it as masterfully as Kobayashi does.

That said, the song’s structure itself is simple, and the characteristic enka-style kobushi and vibrato are kept restrained, making it a relatively approachable piece for those who are just starting to sing enka.

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Echigo Love StoryKobayashi Sachiko25rank/position

Echigo Love Story

The single Echigo Jowa, released in 1996, is a masterpiece that lets you fully savor Sachiko Kobayashi’s appeal as a classic enka singer.

It has the feel of pure enka, with Kobayashi’s sultry, heartfelt vocals shining from start to finish, Toyohisa Araki’s concise yet all-encompassing lyric choices, and Tetsuya Gen’s beautiful, faintly wistful melody—all superb.

The overall key is average, and as long as you grasp basic enka techniques like kobushi and vibrato, it should be easy to sing even for those who aren’t comfortable with high notes.

It’s enka through and through, so beginners should try learning the essence of enka with this song!

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A love song on the scale of a civilizationKobayashi Sachiko, Chinza DOPENESS, Hasunuma Shuta, Kawada Tomu26rank/position

A love song on the scale of a civilization

A cross-genre collaboration by Sachiko Kobayashi, Chinza DOPENESS, Shuta Hasunuma, and Tom Kawada, Civilization-Scale Love Song was created by an eclectic lineup.

Written specifically for the app of the same name, the rapidly shifting track makes you feel it’s in step with the flow of the times.

The lyrics, which trace Japanese history, prompt us to consider how many eras and events have layered up to create what we take for granted today.

With barrier-free musicality that feels real, it’s a pop tune with both impact and addictive appeal.

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Hoshino Takashi

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Maybe PART IKobayashi Sachiko & Miki Katsuhiko27rank/position

Moshikashite, Pt. 2

The duet song “Moshikashite PART I” by Sachiko Kobayashi and Katsuhiko Miki is a quintessential example of an enka duet and is still sung at karaoke today.

It’s a very easy song to sing.

While it’s best performed as a duet, it’s arranged so it can also be sung solo.

Since it has few kobushi (the characteristic enka vocal ornamentation), even those who aren’t confident in their singing ability should be able to handle it without any trouble.

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Ryo

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Pokemon OndoKobayashi Sachiko28rank/position

Pokemon Ondo

The fourth ending theme used in the Pokémon anime was “Pokémon Ondo.” It’s sung by Sachiko Kobayashi—an enka singer with deep ties to the Pokémon series—under the name “Kangaskhan Kobayashi,” and it was included as the B-side on the 1998 single “Trade Please.” “Pokémon Ondo” features many Pokémon and is a perfect fit for Bon Odori dances.

If you’re looking to add a fresh track to your Bon Odori music, how about “Pokémon Ondo”?

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Hamada Takuya

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