Mitsuko Nakamura’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Forgetfulness SakeNakamura Mitsuko8rank/position

Forgetfulness Sake

Mitsuko Nakamura’s classic “Wasure-zake” is memorable for its orthodox phrasing.

Because it’s solidly enka, the number of kobushi (melismatic turns) is fairly high, but the overall difficulty is low since the song’s kobushi incorporate a hiccup-style flip into falsetto.

Among the various types of kobushi, the flipping kind is relatively easy to sing; however, if the key is too low, the voice may not flip, so it’s best to set the key slightly on the high side.

The vocal range itself is on the narrow side, so boldly raising the key is recommended.

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To each their ownNakamura Mitsuko9rank/position

Mitsuko Nakamura “To Each Their Own” Music Video

A poignant enka masterpiece that paints a life tinged with sorrow.

Re-released by Mitsuko Nakamura in May 2024, this work beautifully harmonizes Miyuki Ishimoto’s soul-stirring lyrics with Chiaki Oka’s gently soothing melody.

Enhanced by the fresh approach of “guitar enka,” it becomes a gem where tradition and innovation fuse.

The lyrics delve deeply into the subtleties of love and life, sure to resonate with listeners.

When you want to savor the sorrows and joys of living, lend it your ear.

A new moving experience surely awaits.

The Love Story of TsubosakaNakamura Mitsuko10rank/position

Tsubosaka Love Story Nakamura Mitsuko

In the central part of Nara Prefecture lies the town of Takatori, home to a temple called Minami-Hokke-ji (Tsubosaka-dera).

Inspired by the joruri puppet drama Tsubosaka Reigenki, which is set at Tsubosaka-dera, this song was created and released in 1993.

Selling over 200,000 copies, it is one of Mitsuko Nakamura’s signature works.

Koise RiverNakamura Mitsuko11rank/position

Koise River

A renowned river flowing through Ibaraki Prefecture, Koise River, is the setting for Mitsuko Nakamura’s famous song “Koisegawa.” Many of her works depict the romance between men and women from a third-person perspective, and this piece is known as one of them.

The tempo is slow, and the vocal range is slightly wide.

While there are a fair number of kobushi (ornamental turns), there are no rapid runs, so anyone with some familiarity with enka phrasing should be able to sing it without issue.

If you find the pre-chorus Kawachi-ondo-style kobushi challenging, try boldly raising the key and incorporating some falsetto while emphasizing the kobushi.

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As I AmNakamura Mitsuko12rank/position

As I Am

Among Mitsuko Nakamura’s songs, “Sugao no Mama de” is known as an especially moving piece.

Within her catalog, this work has relatively few enka elements, and the number of kobushi (ornamental vocal turns) is kept low.

The few kobushi that do appear stay within a rise and fall of just one or two notes, making the song approachable even for those who aren’t comfortable with kobushi technique.

Furthermore, although she is known for songs with wide vocal ranges, this piece falls into the comparatively narrow-range category, so even singers who struggle with high notes can perform it with confidence.

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Shimotsui / Otaki / Madakana BridgeNakamura Mitsuko13rank/position

Shimotsui, Otaki, Madakana Bridge — Mitsuko Nakamura — Local Song Okayama, Volume 1

This is a local song of Kurashiki City in Okayama Prefecture, sung by enka singer Mitsuko Nakamura, who is especially popular in the Kansai region and has appeared many times on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Incidentally, the Madokana Bridge is said to have been a place where courtesans lured the skippers of Kitamaebune ships; the bridge itself no longer remains, and a stone monument now stands in its place.

Ninen-zaka, KyotoNakamura Mitsuko14rank/position

Kyoto Ninenzaka Nakamura Mitsuko Nakamura Mitsuko

Set against the stone-paved streets of Higashiyama, this piece portrays the wavering emotions of a woman walking up the slope.

Released as a single by Mitsuko Nakamura in September 2017, her soulful yet resolute vocals are deeply moving.

The elegant melody draws you in before you know it.

Landmarks like Kiyomizu-dera and Kodaiji also appear in the lyrics, so just listening can make you feel as if you’re strolling through Kyoto.

Slip into the role of the story’s protagonist and immerse yourself in its world.