Fuyumi Sakamoto Popular Song Ranking [2026]

Around the season of urizun (the early springtime in Okinawa, literally “the time when melons begin to grow”)Sakamoto Fuyumi8rank/position

Urizun Season – Fuyumi Sakamoto

This is a famous song by Fuyumi Sakamoto whose title evokes the early summer of Okinawa and resonates deeply.

It portrays the poignant feelings of a protagonist who, heartbroken in love and dreams and weary of city life, remembers the warm southern breeze and beautiful sea of their hometown.

Carried by the sound of the sanshin, Sakamoto’s rich, lustrous vocals gently seep into the listener’s heart.

Originally included on her 2001 album “Fuyumi Renaissance,” the track was released as a single in September 2002 after topping a fan poll, timed with the 30th anniversary of Okinawa’s reversion to Japan.

It was also used as the theme for the weather forecast on Okinawa TV, suggesting how widely it was cherished.

It’s a warm song that offers comfort to those striving far from home.

Lingering SnowSakamoto Fuyumi9rank/position

Nagori-yuki – Iruka

Nagori Yuki is strongly associated with the image of guitar-and-vocal performances.

The version sung by Fuyumi Sakamoto is arranged for piano and orchestra.

With the effective use of violins, it becomes a brilliant, vibrant rendition.

A slightly enka-flavored Nagori Yuki is nice, too.

It’s a recommended number for older listeners.

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Mayumi

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Asian piratesSakamoto Fuyumi10rank/position

Fuyumi Sakamoto – Pirates of Asia

The song “Pirates of Asia” is an unconventional classic that still enjoys strong support from many fans.

While it faithfully preserves core enka elements, its overall structure incorporates pop and dance music.

The most striking part is the chorus: it’s largely humming, with no intricate kobushi (ornamental melismas).

However, it features frequent use of hiccups—voice flips—so mastering this technique is essential.

If you absolutely can’t nail the hiccup, try lowering the key by one or two steps from your optimal range; you should be able to sing it without issues.

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Ryo

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Woman of the Land of FireSakamoto Fuyumi11rank/position

Hi No Kuni No Onna

Fuyumi Sakamoto made a sudden breakthrough with her 1987 debut single “Abare Daiko,” quickly joining the ranks of popular enka singers.

She went on to release numerous hits and beloved songs with nationwide appeal, and it’s still fresh in our memories that at the 75th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2024, she performed “Noto wa Irankaine” via a live relay from Wajima City in Ishikawa Prefecture.

One of her signature songs, “Hi no Kuni no Onna,” released in 1991, is a popular track that received high acclaim, including winning the 33rd Japan Record Award.

The chorus, powered by emotive kobushi ornamentation that channels a woman’s burning passion, is a part you’ll especially want to nail with style if you sing it at karaoke.

That said, the overall difficulty is high: the melody spans a wide range and jumps intensely between pitches, so you won’t bring out the best of the song unless you handle both the low and high notes with confidence.

Also be mindful of the diction in the lyrics, and don’t forget to consciously express the protagonist’s emotions.

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KOH-1

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Unrequited love is fine.Sakamoto Fuyumi12rank/position

Unrequited love is fine

This song was originally a track by Golden Bomber used in the 2013 commercial for Hita Zen-Koji, the “Waterfall” edition.

However, in the 2016 “Koji Project” commercial, a version sung by Fuyumi Sakamoto was featured.

It was also included as the B-side on her single “Onna wa Dakarete Ayu ni Naru,” released in 2016.

The lyrics portray a heartrending love, and the beautiful melody—woven with turns that evoke classic enka stylings—is especially captivating.

Take a moment to listen closely to Fuyumi Sakamoto’s clear, pure voice.

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Hane Keisuke

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Rampaging DrumSakamoto Fuyumi13rank/position

Rampaging Taiko – Fuyumi Sakamoto (Abaré Taiko)

Fuyumi Sakamoto is from Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture, and when you think of Wakayama, you think of umeboshi, right? Before becoming a singer, after working for a short time in accounting in Osaka City, she got a job at a pickled plum company in Wakayama Prefecture, where she did tasks such as testing salt content.

She herself is very particular about umeboshi and apparently eats only those produced in Kishu.

Raging Taiko Drum ~Including ‘Outlaw for Life’~Sakamoto Fuyumi14rank/position

Abare Daiko -Muhou Ichidai Iri-

With its soul-stirring taiko drums and Fuyumi Sakamoto’s powerful vocals, this track hits with overwhelming intensity.

Released in March 1987, the song marked her brilliant debut, sweeping numerous newcomer awards, and can rightly be called a masterpiece in enka history.

The lyrics, set against quintessential Japanese scenes like life’s resolve and Kyoto’s Gion summer festival, portray a man’s way of living as if his very soul were ablaze—igniting the listener’s heart.

Re-recorded in September 2008 with a subtitle, it has become indispensable in her live performances and enjoys passionate support.

It’s the perfect song for moments when you want to feel the exhilaration of a festival and a passion rising from deep within.