Mitsuhiro Mihashi Popular Song Rankings [2026]

Soma Grass-Cutting SongMitsubishi Michiya11rank/position

Michiya Mihashi [Soma Grass-Cutting Song]

It is said to have begun as a song sung during grass-cutting work and on morning trips to cut grass.

Although it is considered originally a rowdy drinking song, it is also said to be a variation of the Soma Jinku.

Because it was sung during fieldwork, it naturally became a slow song, and the hayashi accompaniment may sound somewhat coarse.

The interjected phrase “Nanda kora yōto,” too, was likely a shout to spur themselves on during hard labor.

Take care.Mitsubishi Michiya12rank/position

Take care.

A single by Michiya Mihashi released in 1960.

He also performed it at that year’s Red and White Song Battle.

It was a huge hit, selling 2.2 million copies.

Since the lyrics wish for the health of family living apart, wouldn’t it be perfect for an 88th-birthday celebration?

Boatwoman’s SongMitsubishi Michiya13rank/position

Boatwoman's Song

When it comes to enka renowned for captivating high notes, you can’t overlook the songs of Michiya Mihashi, whose voice was forged through folk music.

Mihashi, with his rich range from soaring highs to resonant lows, has long captured listeners’ hearts with his expansive, expressive singing.

Released in 1955, this piece is a masterpiece that portrays the poignant feelings of a female boatwoman.

Mihashi’s powerful vocal delivery superbly conveys both the heroine’s strength and sorrow.

Especially noteworthy are the high notes in the chorus, which ring out with power.

The memorable melody line leaves a deep impression on the listener.

Since its release in 1955, it has continued to be loved by many and stands as a towering monument in the enka genre.

It’s a perfect choice for those who want to fully savor the allure of high notes or experience the very essence of enka.

How are you doing, my cheerful friend?Mitsubishi Michiya14rank/position

How Are You, Cheerful One? — Michiya Mihashi, July 1955 (Showa 30)

Michiya Mihashi’s “Gokigen-san yo Tassha ka ne,” which conjures up nostalgic scenes of one’s hometown, is a heartwarming song.

It’s one of Mihashi’s signature numbers and can truly be called one of the most beloved pieces in the Showa-era kayōkyoku repertoire.

The lyrics depict a letter from a mother, expressing an unchanging affection for home despite the distance.

Tetsu Funamura’s arrangement perfectly matches the song’s wistful, nostalgic mood.

It’s also a great one to sing together with your family.

Chakkiri-bushiMitsubishi Michiya15rank/position

Chakkiri-bushi

This is a new folk song themed around Shizuoka, with lyrics written by Hakushū Kitahara.

It has been performed by various singers, including The Peanuts and Mieko Hirota; this video features the version sung by Michiya Mihashi.

Also, the National Chakkiri-bushi Championship is held every May.

Soran BushiMitsubishi Michiya16rank/position

Mitsuhaashi Michiya [Soran Bushi]

Michiya Mihashi was one of the leading singers of the Showa-era popular music scene.

He is a legendary vocalist said to have sold over 100 million records.

A recording of his home region Hokkaido’s folk song, “Soran Bushi,” ranks sixth among the twelve million-selling folk songs and has surpassed 2.5 million copies sold.

His soaring high notes are truly overwhelming!

Kushimoto-bushiMitsubishi Michiya17rank/position

Folk song / Kushimoto-bushi <Wakayama>

This song beautifully and evocatively sings about Kushimoto and Oshima.

It reminds me of when I traveled to both places long ago.

I was very young then and didn’t know much about Kushimoto, but listening again, I feel everything is captured in this song.

Kyoto is crying.Mitsubishi Michiya18rank/position

Kyoto Song 37: Kyoto Is Crying - Michiya Mihashi

This song is a single by Michiya Mihashi released in 1974.

He hadn’t had a hit since “Naruto Kaikyō” in 1969, but it drew attention again after he performed it on NHK’s “Hiru no Present,” among other appearances.

His soaring, resonant voice is truly captivating.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

Report a problem

Evening Moon over ShinanoMitsubishi Michiya19rank/position

Shinano’s Evening Moon / Michiya Mihashi

Michiya Mihashi, who is also a folk singer, calmly speaks of an unfulfilled love to the flow of the Chikuma River from a gently rising hilltop; it’s a song of travel-worn melancholy, reflecting on the past while drawing solace from the mountains of his hometown in difficult times.

Perhaps the reason there are more songs about heartbreak than happy ones is that they turn the kind of nature that heals the heart into poetry.

South windMitsubishi Michiya20rank/position

South Wind / Michiya Mihashi

Shiroshitamachi no Onna is a studio album released by Michiya Mihashi in 1976, featuring local songs from various regions of Japan.

The song about Kochi is Minami no Kaze on the B-side, with lyrics by Yū Aku and music by Makoto Kawaguchi, a composer of many kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs).