Shinichi Mori’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

A Woman’s SighMori Shinichi11rank/position

Shinichi Mori — A Woman’s Sigh

Shinichi Mori is known for his husky voice, but it’s said that he originally had a normal voice.

It was believed that an impact was necessary to become popular, so he supposedly strained his voice.

His song “Onna no Tameiki” coincided with Mina Aoe’s “Kokotsu no Blues” around the same time, and both were considered part of the “sigh” trend and became hits.

Mount FujiMori Shinichi12rank/position

Shinichi Mori – Mount Fuji

Shinichi Mori, a singer who represents the Showa era.

In recent years, he’s been featured on TV sharing stories as the father of Taka from ONE OK ROCK and Hiro from MY FIRST STORY.

“Fujisan” is a single released in 2013, a song that lets you feel the grandeur of Mount Fuji and the beauty of Japan.

It’s no exaggeration to call it “the Mount Fuji song.” The scenery of Mount Fuji awaiting spring comes to mind, and its majestic presence is deeply moving—an exceptionally Japanese work.

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In the last autumn of the Showa eraMori Shinichi13rank/position

In the last autumn of the Showa era

A poignant masterpiece that sings wistfully of the end of the Showa era.

Shinichi Mori’s deep, husky voice beautifully conveys the loneliness of autumn.

Yu Aku’s lyrics and Keisuke Hama’s composition are a perfect match, creating a gem of a song.

Released in July 1999, it captured the hearts of those nostalgic for Showa.

You can picture a young couple in a cramped four-and-a-half-mat room, sharing their dreams.

Autumn scenes—cluster amaryllis and crimson foliage—are depicted with striking beauty.

It’s a song not only for those who lived through Showa, but one I hope Heisei-born listeners will hear as well.

An adult enka masterpiece, perfect for listening to quietly on a long autumn night.

Harbor Woman BluesMori Shinichi14rank/position

Harbor Woman Blues

This is a single released by Shinichi Mori in June 1970, which reached a peak position of No.

2 on the Oricon charts and earned him the Vocal Performance Award at the 12th Japan Record Awards.

The lyrics were written by Rei Nakanishi, who is also active as a novelist.

A film inspired by this song was also released in the same year.

Entertainment District BluesMori Shinichi15rank/position

Shinichi Mori — Nightlife District Blues

This is a blues number by Shinichi Mori whose low, subdued, and dandy musical style evokes a mature allure.

It’s also a very popular karaoke song, widely beloved by middle-aged and older listeners, and it’s a classic that comes highly recommended.

Even if it costs my lifeMori Shinichi16rank/position

Even if it costs my life

This is a smash hit by Shinichi Mori, featuring an irresistibly moody, wistful saxophone in the intro.

Released in 1967, “Inochi Karatemo” is said to be Mori’s first million-selling single.

In 1968, a kayō (popular song) film based on the song was released with Tatsuo Umemiya in the lead, and it has remained a classic in enka history, continually covered by many singers.

Unsurprisingly, it’s also a staple in karaoke.

While “Inochi Karatemo” may sound like it’s being sung with effortless ease, actually performing it is quite challenging: it takes Mori’s innate husky voice—blending melancholy and allure—along with his exceptional vocal technique and expressive power.

Be sure to master essential enka techniques like vibrato, and practice delivering the wide-ranging melody without becoming overly constrained by the rhythm, yet without losing it either.

As an aside, women who’d like to try this song at karaoke might consider choosing the cover versions by Keiko Fuji or Aki Yashiro.

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New York StoryMori Shinichi17rank/position

New York Story

In Shinichi Mori’s song released in 1983, the lyrics were written by Takashi Matsumoto, just like the previous work “Fuyu no Riviera.” The composition was by Haruomi Hosono of YMO, and the arrangement was handled by Hosono and Ryuichi Sakamoto, making it a distinctive, unconventional track.

The Winter RivieraMori Shinichi18rank/position

Winter Riviera

This is a fresh, pop-style song by Shinichi Mori.

When you think of Shinichi Mori, you probably picture enka with a husky, seasoned voice that touches the heart, but in this track, while still husky, his vocals are breezy and light, letting you enjoy a different charm from enka.

Lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto, music by Eiichi Ohtaki.

Released in November 1982, it was used in a Suntory Winter Gift commercial.

A man says goodbye and leaves the woman.

That loneliness that wells up so strongly you try to tell yourself, “I’m not sad at all!”—many of us have probably felt it, haven’t we?

Wandering ShipMori Shinichi19rank/position

Wandering Ship

This is a classic by Shinichi Mori that captures the subtle shifts of a man’s heart.

Singing of heartbreak and the transience of life, it rides on an emotionally rich enka melody and shakes the soul with his deep, resonant voice.

Released in 1972, this masterpiece is the work of the lyricist Yū Aku and composer Kōshō Inomata.

Though it had no tie-ins with films or TV dramas, it has been etched into the hearts of many.

Showcasing Mori’s soaring high notes and delicate emotional expression, this song offers empathy and comfort when you find yourself at a crossroads in life or carrying wounds in your heart.

Farewell, shadow of youthMori Shinichi20rank/position

Farewell, shadow of youth

This is a gem of “melancholic pop” whose poetic worldview, woven by ZARD’s Izumi Sakai, strikes straight to the heart.

Released in November 2004 as Shinichi Mori’s 109th single, the song features music by Aika Ohno, creating a sound that clearly sets it apart from traditional enka.

Nostalgia for a youth that has passed and a resolve to walk into the future without clear answers seep deeply into the soul through Mori’s richly expressive vocals.

It was performed at the 55th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, etching itself into many people’s memories.

If you listen to it in those moments when you pause in the journey of life and look back on the past, you may find yourself wrapped in a feeling that is both achingly sad and warmly comforting.