Hibari Misora’s Most Popular Karaoke Songs Ranking [2026]

The Izu DancerMisora Hibari8rank/position

The Izu Dancer

This is the song Hibari Misora sang as the theme for the 1954 film based on a novel by Yasunari Kawabata.

In the movie, Misora herself plays the lead role, and the wistful melody blends beautifully with her emotionally rich vocals to create a gem of a track.

Upon the film’s release, the song quickly became a major talking point, and Misora’s powerful yet delicate singing captivated many hearts.

As a classic that represents the Showa era, it’s sure to stir nostalgic memories of youth.

Why not reminisce about those days with friends who lived through the same era, listening together to Misora’s voice? You’re sure to enjoy a delightful time.

Has the plum blossomed?Misora Hibari9rank/position

Has the plum blossomed?

This is a wonderful piece in which Hibari Misora expresses a traditional Edo-period hauta with her radiant voice.

The refreshing scenes of spring are beautifully intertwined with the elegance of the pleasure quarters, creating a heartwarming atmosphere alongside the timbre of the shamisen.

The song likens the changing seasons and people’s sentiments to evocative blossoms such as plum, cherry, and willow.

Riding on the light rhythm of the shamisen, Misora’s vocals gracefully evoke the charm of old Japan.

This piece has long been cherished as a song that lets listeners rediscover the beauty of Japanese traditional music.

It’s perfect for moments when you want to spend time peacefully or reminisce about nostalgic Japanese landscapes, and it’s also used to create a warm, friendly atmosphere at gatherings of older adults.

Lover, Come Back To MeMisora Hibari10rank/position

hibari misora – lover,come back to me

This song, released in 1928, is a classic that ranks among the older jazz standards and has been beloved and performed by many artists, both vocal and instrumental.

While it’s a lively, up-tempo piece, the lyrics aren’t particularly dense, making it relatively easy for Japanese speakers to sing.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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A Poem by a WomanMisora Hibari11rank/position

Hibari Misora “A Woman’s Poem”

Hibari Misora’s “Aru Onna no Uta” (A Woman’s Poem) is a masterpiece that depicts profound emotion and human drama.

Released in November 1972, the song weaves a story of a woman’s love and life through Misora’s richly expressive vocals.

It earned broad support, with Misora closing the 23rd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1972 and the song later being used as a film’s theme in 1976.

It’s a moving piece that captures the bittersweet yet powerful feelings of a mature woman shaped by life’s experiences.

Why not listen to it slowly, perhaps as older listeners fondly recall their youthful days?

Life’s journeyMisora Hibari12rank/position

A Life’s Journey (Recorded in 1982)

The songstress Hibari Misora, who left behind many masterpieces.

In addition to enka, she worked across a wide range of genres, from kayōkyoku to even jazz.

In this “Jinsei Ichiro,” while firmly retaining the essence of enka, the overall melody is crafted to be closer to a catchy kayōkyoku number.

Although it features many fine kobushi (melismatic turns), if you master the hiccup-style vocal technique, the kobushi remain within a range that can be reproduced without issue.

So if you have a certain understanding of enka, you should be able to sing it smoothly.

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Ryo

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Sad SakeMisora Hibari13rank/position

Sad Sake (with spoken lines)

Hibari Misora’s “Kanashii Sake” is a classic that pours the pain of heartbreak into a song through the metaphor of alcohol.

She drinks to forget a former lover, only for the memories to flood back instead—those bittersweet feelings seep into the heart through her voice.

Since its 1966 release, the song has continued to comfort many listeners.

It’s said that Hibari herself sang it with tears in her eyes, and the depth of that emotion is truly moving.

For anyone quietly trying to accept the end of a romance, this is a song that will gently stay by your side.

Sad WhistleMisora Hibari14rank/position

Sad Whistle

A signature song by Hibari Misora that colored the Showa era.

Sung as if to accompany the hearts of postwar Japanese, this piece portrays the sorrow and heartache of a lost love.

Released in October 1949 as a film’s theme song, it made a powerful impression of Hibari’s appeal as a singer.

Its iconic melody—expressing sadness while whistling—likely resonated with many people.

It is sure to strike a chord with those in their 80s who have experienced parting from someone dear.

Why not listen to this song along with your nostalgic memories?