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Kenji Niinuma Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
He is an enka singer from Ofunato City in Iwate Prefecture who debuted in 1976 with “Omoide Misaki.” His second single, “Yome ni Konaika,” became a huge hit, earning him the New Artist Award at the 18th Japan Record Awards and a spot on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
His unpretentious personality and Tohoku dialect also drew attention on variety shows.
Here, we present a ranking of his most popular songs from among his many releases.
Kenji Niinuma Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
Tsugaru Love WomanNiinuma Kenji1rank/position
This is a classic song that depicts the harsh winter scenery of Tsugaru and the feelings of a woman living there.
Kenji Niinuma’s powerful, emotionally rich vocals vividly express the snowbound Tsugaru landscape and the figure of a woman living for love.
Released in February 1987, the song reached No.
85 on the Oricon charts.
Loved for many years, it has become one of Niinuma’s signature songs.
A newly arranged version was released in 2008, and its appeal has not faded, continuing to resonate with many people.
It’s a perfect track for a freezing winter night when you want to sink into a reflective mood.
Will you marry me?Niinuma Kenji2rank/position
Released in 1976, this song portrays a pure-hearted young man’s view of marriage and is known as one of Kenji Niinuma’s signature works.
It’s striking how his sincere vocals convey his feelings for a woman whose beauty and innocence evoke cherry blossoms.
The lyrics also offer rich imagery, from a young man playing guitar in a park at dusk to sipping a solitary mizuwari at a late-night snack bar.
With Yu Aku’s profound sensibility and Makoto Kawaguchi’s meticulous composition shining through, this masterpiece won a newcomer’s award upon release and earned its first appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The lyrics, which capture the emotions of a naive young man, resonate with listeners, making it a popular karaoke choice.
Its charm stands out when sung with a gentle, warm voice and heartfelt delivery.
HeadlightNiinuma Kenji3rank/position
In the 1970s, Kenji Niinuma shot to stardom with hit songs like “Yome ni Konai ka.” Known for his overwhelming vocal power and expressive range, one of his signature songs is a classic released in 1977 with lyrics by Yū Aku and music by Hiroshi Tokuhisa.
The lyrics, which liken the feelings of a man and woman leaving Tokyo to the glow of car headlights, symbolically portray a break with the past and hope for the future.
Niinuma’s powerful yet heartrending vocals resonate deeply with listeners.
The song reached No.
12 on the Oricon weekly chart and was performed at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
If you’re singing it at karaoke, you’ll need considerable practice, as it demands careful expression of subtle emotions as well as strong high notes.
It’s a song I’d especially recommend to anyone standing at a turning point in life.
Will you marry me?Niinuma Kenji4rank/position
Kenji Niinuma’s path to becoming a singer began with Star Tanjō, the gateway to stardom in that era.
He failed the preliminaries four times and passed on his fifth try, showing real grit.
In the final championship round, however, a record 17 companies for a male contestant scouted him.
His gentle Tohoku accent felt fresh and gave rise to a new type of enka idol.
I remembered my hometown.Niinuma Kenji5rank/position
A deep affection for one’s hometown seeps into the heart.
Sung by Kenji Niinuma, a native of Ofunato City in Iwate Prefecture, this gentle piece wraps the scenery of his hometown and family memories in a warm embrace.
Released as a single by Nippon Columbia in April 2025, it features a warmly crafted sound that blends nostalgia with modern arrangements.
His expansive, expressive vocals softly stir the listener’s memories.
If you live away from your hometown or carry thoughts of your family close to your heart, please give it a listen.
Cape of MemoriesNiinuma Kenji6rank/position
Kenji Niinuma applied to the Nippon TV audition program “Star Tanjō!” and, after making it to the main round on his fifth preliminary attempt, passed at the 1975 finals.
He made his debut as a singer in 1976 with this song.
His debut catchphrase was “A man who is comfortably sad,” and his pure, down-to-earth personality—hailing from Ōfunato City in Iwate Prefecture—won people’s hearts, leading to a string of consecutive hits.
River of SnowNiinuma Kenji7rank/position
Kenji Niinuma rose to stardom at the young age of 20 in the 1970s, releasing hit songs like “Yome ni Konai Ka” and “Headlight” in partnership with lyricist Yu Aku.
He has also showcased his talents as an actor and songwriter, providing songs to other artists, and continues to thrive even in the Reiwa era.
The song introduced here, “Yuki no Kawa,” is a single released in 2011 to commemorate the 35th anniversary of his debut.
It’s a classic, wistful enka number that captivates with Niinuma’s signature beautiful vocals—gentle and embracing, yet tinged with a certain delicacy.
The melody spans from the low tones of the A section to the soaring highs from the B section onward; while it’s easy to remember, it’s by no means simple to sing.
In particular, overexerting on the high notes can strip away the unique flavor that defines Niinuma’s style.
Try singing it while visualizing the scenes depicted in the lyrics and being mindful of how much strength you apply.
