Kaori Mizumori Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
Enka singer Kaori Mizumori debuted in 1995 with “Oshiroibana.” She has steadily continued her musical career, and the hit of “Kumano Kodo,” released in 2006, drew attention from beyond enka fans.
She is also known for regional-themed songs such as “Tappi Misaki,” and has been a regular performer on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen since 2003.
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Kaori Mizumori Popular Song Ranking [2026] (1–10)
Four o’clock flowerMizumori Kaori8rank/position
This is the debut song that became the starting point of Kaori Mizumori’s brilliant career, beloved as the “Queen of Local Songs.” Released in September 1995, the track debuted at No.
3 on the Oricon enka/kayō chart.
It portrays the single-hearted feelings of a woman who wishes to bloom beautifully by the side of the one she loves, likening her heart to a flower blooming at dusk.
Her deeply expressive vocals, carried by a light, string-accented melody, resonate in the heart.
Listening to this piece may revive memories of a once-pure love, and some may find their hearts unexpectedly stirred.
It’s a gentle song that feels as if it softly embraces earnest, devoted affection.
A solitary journey through SatsumaMizumori Kaori9rank/position
This is a song by Kaori Mizumori, known as the “Queen of Local Songs,” that delicately portrays the feelings of a woman traveling alone while gazing at the majestic Sakurajima and the blue gleam of Kinko Bay.
The lyrical melody, strongly reflecting Kagoshima’s climate and history, harmonizes beautifully with lyrics that convey the strength to move forward step by step, as if putting one’s heart in order.
Released by Tokuma Japan Communications in April 2007, the song captured many hearts, winning the Gold Prize at the 49th Japan Record Awards and being performed at the 58th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.
It is a piece that resonates with those living away from their hometowns and with anyone about to take a new step in life.
AkiyoshidaiMizumori Kaori10rank/position
A song by Kaori Mizumori, the “Queen of Local Songs,” that poignantly sings of a bittersweet love set against the majestic nature of Yamaguchi Prefecture.
It portrays a woman lost in thoughts of someone she can’t forget on Akiyoshidai, one of Japan’s largest karst plateaus.
The wind sweeping across the endless fields of silver grass seems almost to draw out the heroine’s tears.
Mizumori’s powerful yet deeply expressive voice captivates listeners in an instant.
Many will surely find themselves empathizing with the pain of heartbreak and the way she mirrors her feelings in the grand landscape.
Kaori Mizumori Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (11–20)
Tateyama Mountain RangeMizumori Kaori11rank/position
Kaori Mizumori’s classic “Tateyama Mountain Range.” Characterized by its bright atmosphere, this piece is set against the Tateyama Range in the northern Hida Mountains.
It’s an orthodox enka song with a slow tempo and a restrained use of kobushi (melodic ornaments).
The few kobushi that do appear don’t span more than three notes, making it very easy to sing even for those who struggle with enka.
While the vocal range is somewhat wide, with proper key adjustment anyone can sing it—so consider adding it to your repertoire.
Echigo-SuibarashiMizumori Kaori12rank/position
Released on March 29, 2016.
This piece is inspired by Hyoko Lake in the Suibara area of Agano City.
Hyoko is known as a stopover site for swans, and during the peak in November, more than 5,000 swans arrive.
Omi IslandMizumori Kaori13rank/position
Kaori Mizumori’s classic “Oumijima” is memorable for its lyrics that express, with heartbreaking intensity, the emotions of a woman after a broken romance.
Set on Omi Island in Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, the piece is crafted with an exceptionally poignant melody.
Although the dynamics are dramatic, it contains no kobushi that would require complex pitch bends, resulting in a vocal line that’s easy to sing throughout.
If you’re reasonably accustomed to singing enka, you should be able to handle the vocal line without trouble—so consider adding it to your repertoire.
Tottori Sand DunesMizumori Kaori14rank/position
Since her debut in 1995, Kaori Mizumori has been beloved as the queen of regional songs.
Her signature work, Tottori Sand Dunes, was released in 2003 and has been highly praised for its beautiful melody and lyrics, winning the hearts of many listeners.
Set against the majestic scenery of the Tottori Sand Dunes, the song explores the theme of lost love, resonating deeply with those who hear it.
In particular, the lyrics, which delicately depict the conflict between love and loss, evoke strong empathy from many people.
Mizumori’s clear, transparent voice and the emotionally rich melody are sure to soothe the listener’s heart.