A veteran star who shined on prank shows! Ranking of EISAKU OKAWA's most popular songs
Enka singer Eisaku Okawa made his debut in 1969 and even appeared on NHK’s Red and White Year-End Song Festival.
He’s also well known for his 31st single, “Sazanka no Yado,” released in 1982, which became a massive hit, selling over 1.8 million copies.
Beyond his music career, he gained popularity with the general public by regularly appearing on the variety show “Star Dokkiri Secret Report.”
In this article, we’ll introduce a ranking of Eisaku Okawa’s most popular songs, so whether you’re a fan of enka or not, be sure to check it out!
A veteran star who shined on prank shows! Ranking of EISAKU OKAWA's most popular songs
The Camellia Sasanqua InnŌkawa Eisaku1rank/position
Allow me to introduce a masterpiece of enka that portrays a bittersweet love kept secret in the heart.
EISAKU OKAWA’s single, released in August 1982, is a moving work that overlays his feelings onto the camellia blooming in winter.
The lyrics by Osamu Yoshioka and the melody by Shosuke Ichikawa blend beautifully, delicately expressing the emotions of a man swayed by an unattainable love.
Four months after its release, the song entered the Oricon Top 10 for the first time and became one of Okawa’s signature pieces.
It sold a total of 1.8 million copies and won the Long Seller Award at the 25th Japan Record Awards in 1983, also marking his first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Its evocative imagery that overlaps with Japan’s beautiful winter scenery, and a voice that holds both ache and warmth, make it a perfect choice for karaoke duets or for humming along while sharing fond memories.
The Journey of TwoŌkawa Eisaku2rank/position
Eisaku Okawa is known for his emotionally rich singing voice, and his songs are sure to delight older listeners as well.
This work is famous as a moving piece that portrays the deep bond and journey of two people.
Their image of huddling together in the cold rain evokes the strength to overcome life’s trials.
Released in October 2008, this song is packed with Okawa’s charm and is perfect for singing at a New Year’s party.
With everyone clapping along, it’s sure to become a wonderful time to share life’s joys and sorrows.
How about singing it with fond memories in your heart and hope for the new year?
Fading cherry blossomsŌkawa Eisaku3rank/position
Enka singer Eisaku Okawa, known for hits like “Sazanka no Yado.” His song “Nagori no Sakura” is a perfect track for spring, and it squarely depicts an “unrequited love.” Spring is the season of meetings and farewells, after all.
In this song, the singer falls for someone, but the love doesn’t come to fruition and is destined to fade someday… That bittersweet feeling is sung alongside springtime scenes.
If you’re looking for an enka spring karaoke song, why not choose this one?
layered livesŌkawa Eisaku4rank/position
This is the 109th single by Eisaku Okawa, one of the leading singers in Japan’s enka scene.
Released in February 2024, the song is a moving work themed around the bond between husband and wife.
It sings of the resolve to live side by side, with lyrics by Reiji Mizuki and a composition credited to Ryuhei Tsukushi—Okawa’s pen name—creating words and melodies that resonate deeply.
Okawa’s vocals, combining strength and gentleness, stir the listener’s heart.
Portraying a couple who support each other even in difficult times and walk toward the future together, this piece is one that can offer support through many moments in life.
A drop of the great riverŌkawa Eisaku5rank/position
Small efforts accumulating into a mighty river… This work sings a life philosophy that resonates with the heart.
Released in February 2025 as Eisaka Okawa’s 110th single, it delivers the message that “everyday experiences enrich our lives” over a gentle, soothing melody.
Okawa’s deep, resonant voice is sure to move you.
A powerful anthem that gives you the courage to look ahead.
Esashi: Oiwake, Town of WindŌkawa Eisaku6rank/position
Eisaku Okawa is an enka singer born in 1948.
His career began with his 1969 debut, “Men-nai Chidori,” and he went on to produce numerous hits, including his signature song “Sazanka no Yado.” “Esashi · Oiwake · Kaze no Machi” is one of Okawa’s hallmark works, themed around Oiwake in Hokkaido.
The song delicately yet powerfully conveys the poignant emotions of mourning a lost love, resonating deeply with listeners.
Written and composed by Minoru Endo, the piece is distinguished by lyrics that reflect the region’s unique sentiment.
Combined with Okawa’s warm, rich vocals, it continues to captivate many fans.
This song touches the heart in any situation and is recommended not only for enka enthusiasts but for anyone interested in Japan’s landscape and history.
Wind HarborŌkawa Eisaku7rank/position
Since his debut in 1969, Eisaku Ōkawa—the grand master of the enka world—has continued to work energetically even into the Reiwa era.
Beginning with his massive hit Sazanka no Yado, many of you surely have Ōkawa’s masterpieces in your karaoke repertoire.
This time, we’re introducing Kazemina-to, a Heisei-era classic that Ōkawa released in 2007.
Though Ōkawa can deliver any style of enka with overwhelming vocal skill, Kazemina-to is a gem whose overall sound carries a refreshing lightness while exuding an inescapable melancholy—a remarkable warmth and depth that really hits home.
The melody spans a fairly wide range, and performing the classic enka-style kobushi (ornamental bends) without overexertion is no easy task.
I recommend repeatedly listening to the original track and studying details such as where Ōkawa takes his breaths.
