Kenichi Mikawa Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Let’s call it good with this.Mikawa Ken’ichi1rank/position

Kenichi Mikawa 'This Will Do' Music Video

The song announced in September 2024 to commemorate the 60th anniversary of Kenichi Mikawa’s singing career is a life-affirming anthem brimming with his signature style.

Created in collaboration with the distinguished artists Takahiro Matsumoto of B’z and TAKURO of GLAY, the piece portrays the ups and downs of life with humor and warmth.

Set to a medium-tempo groove, Mikawa’s voice—singing about facing forward with the message that “it’s enough just to be alive”—is sure to resonate with listeners.

As the culmination of Mikawa’s six decades as a vocalist, it has earned wide support across generations.

It’s a recommended track for anyone feeling lost in life or ready to take a new step forward.

Scorpio womanMikawa Ken’ichi2rank/position

Woman of Scorpio – Kenichi Mikawa (1972) #WomanOfScorpio #KenichiMikawa #nodownload

“Onna no Scorpion,” the 25th single by Kenichi Mikawa, was released in 1972.

It’s distinctive for beginning with the word “iie” (“No”), and it’s one of his most widely recognized songs.

According to one interpretation, the lyrics that start with “No” convey: even if you tell me to break up, my answer is no.

If you think I’m an easy, understanding woman, you’re gravely mistaken.

You may think this is just a fling, but I won’t end it.

You might find it strange, but I’m single‑minded to the point of staking my life on it.

If that’s the intended meaning, it fits remarkably well and feels convincing, doesn’t it? Taking time to savor the lyrics is one way to enjoy a song, so give it a try if you like.

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Yanagase BluesMikawa Ken’ichi3rank/position

Yanagase Blues

This song has been cherished for many years as a classic from the Showa era.

Its gentle vocals and wistful melody resonate deeply with listeners.

Since its release in April 1966, it became a massive hit, selling over 1.2 million copies, and is known as one of Kenichi Mikawa’s signature songs.

In 1967, a film of the same title was produced, starring Tatsuo Umemiya, and the song was used within the film.

Singing it while picturing the nightlife of an entertainment district may enhance the atmosphere.

It is characterized by being sung in a generally low register, and the melody is calm and unhurried, so give it a try.

Niigata BluesMikawa Ken’ichi4rank/position

Niigata Blues — Kenichi Mikawa

Niigata Blues is Kenichi Mikawa’s seventh single, released on August 10, 1967.

Vividly depicting scenes of Niigata, this song guides listeners toward warm memories of home.

With its comforting melody and wistful lyrics, it carries a beauty that reflects on time that has slipped away.

It’s a deeply moving piece I especially recommend to anyone with ties to Niigata.

For those spending their days yearning for a distant hometown, why not listen to Niigata Blues and indulge in a sense of nostalgia?

Night in KushiroMikawa Ken’ichi5rank/position

Kushiro Night ... Kenichi Mikawa

Released in 1968, this is Kenichi Mikawa’s 11th single.

The setting is Nusamai Bridge in Kushiro City, Hokkaido, spanning the Kushiro River.

Later, a film with the same title was produced, inspired by this song.

It’s a mood-rich piece that showcases Kenichi Mikawa’s wistful, melancholic vocals.

Yanagase BluesMikawa Ken’ichi6rank/position

Kenichi Mikawa “Yanagase Blues”

Released in 1966 (Showa 41).

One of Kenichi Mikawa’s signature songs and a pioneer of regional-themed songs, it made Yanagase in Gifu Prefecture instantly famous.

Although Mikawa himself apparently didn’t care for it, saying, “I have a cheerful personality, so dark songs don’t suit me,” the way he begins in a very low register leaves a strong impression.

Rather than a ‘dark’ song, it’s a fine piece whose flavor deepens with age—the older you get, the more you appreciate it.

A Woman’s MorningMikawa Ken’ichi7rank/position

A Woman’s Morning

The lyrics are extremely intense, completely at odds with the song’s tone.

If a woman were to fall for a man like the one in this song, would that be the end of her, so to speak? And yet it suggests that there might not be a single woman who would dislike him.

If a man leaves a woman with memories this beautiful, it makes you feel as though that alone would make being born a woman worthwhile.

That’s the kind of song this is.

Nagasaki RegretMikawa Ken’ichi8rank/position

Nagasaki Regret

When it comes to kayōkyoku songs about Chichijima in the Ogasawara Islands, Chichijima Blues is well-known, but there is also this masterpiece of enka themed around Nagasaki by Kenichi Mikawa.

Set against the emotionally rich scenery of Nagasaki, it is a gem of a song that passionately sings of lingering feelings for a lost lover.

Released in October 2006, it has been included in Mikawa’s complete works albums and has been loved for many years.

Real place names such as Nagasaki’s Dutch Slope and Shianbashi appear, and the rain-soaked streets symbolically express a woman’s heartrending emotions.

It’s a recommended track for those who want to reminisce about a trip to Nagasaki or soothe the pain of a broken heart.

Tokyo HotelMikawa Ken’ichi9rank/position

Tokyo Hotel

Beyond the shoulder of a sleeping lover, the nightscape of Tokyo Bay stretches out.

Kenichi Mikawa’s “Tokyo Hotel” is a classic mood kayō that depicts a sorrowful parting in a hotel room like that.

Proper nouns like the Rainbow Bridge reflect the protagonist’s loneliness as if in a scene from a film, tightening the listener’s chest.

Mikawa’s rich, velvety low voice conveys a story of an adult farewell, where lingering attachment and self-mockery intertwine, and it resonates deeply.

Released as a single in March 2000, the song was also included in the best-of album “Kenichi Mikawa Best 16” in May of the same year.

It’s the perfect number for a night when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood.