Masaaki Sen’s Popular Song Rankings [2026]

You are everything.Sen Masao15rank/position

You are everything.

Masao Sen’s classic “Kimi ga Subete sa,” released in 1998, is on the technical side among his songs and features frequent kobushi (melismatic turns).

Usually, pieces like this are often difficult, but this one has a secret that makes it easy to sing despite the many kobushi.

That secret is that the kobushi are executed using vibrato.

The kobushi that appear here aren’t like the ad-libbed “runs” you hear in Western music; they’re extensions of vibrato, which makes them far easier to reproduce than typical kobushi.

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Poem of Miso SoupSen Masao16rank/position

Poem of Miso Soup

The uniquely titled piece “Miso Soup Poem” leaves a strong impression.

It’s not exactly a comic song, but it carries a flavor somewhat reminiscent of Ikuzo Yoshi, featuring lyrics and a melody that evoke both pathos and charm.

The vocal range is on the narrow side, mostly occupying the mid-to-low register throughout.

Near the end of the chorus there’s a slightly higher phrase, and a brief kobushi-style turn that shifts the scale by one step appears there, so it’s best to pay attention only at that point when singing.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.

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nostalgic personSen Masao17rank/position

nostalgic person

Among Masao Sen’s songs, “Natsukashi no Hito” is renowned as a particularly mood-rich piece.

While the arrangement prominently features traditional enka elements, the vocals lean closer to Showa-era kayōkyoku and folk, resulting in a simple, streamlined vocal line.

The range is somewhat wide, but there are no difficult techniques involved, and the tempo is relaxed, making it easier to sing than it might sound.

If you use the hiccup technique, where the voice flips, you can get even closer to the feel of the original, so give it a try for reference.

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Tsugaru PlainSen Masao18rank/position

Tsugaru Plain - Masao Sen

A single by Masao Sen released in March 1984.

Hailing from Iwate Prefecture, Sen has many songs themed around the north, including the famous ‘Hokugoku no Haru’ (Spring in the North), and this track is also one of the quintessential local songs of Tsugaru.

The lyrics and music were written by Ikuzo Yoshi.

He provided the song before he had fully established himself as an enka singer, and later recorded a self-cover.

Beside the TearsSen Masao19rank/position

Beside the Tears

Masao Sen is known for his wide-ranging repertoire, but among his works, “Namida no Tonari” is especially beloved by many fans as a real outlier.

While it’s categorized as enka and the vocal lines are sung very much in an enka style, the song as a whole incorporates a Hawaiian music flavor.

As a result, it settles into a very relaxed tempo, with relatively few instances of kobushi (ornamental vocal inflections), which is a distinctive feature.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Song of YouthSen Masao20rank/position

Song of Youth

Known as a masterpiece from his later years, “Song of Youth.” Released as the coupling track when the new version of the classic “Yaima” came out, it’s arranged to match the single’s overall mood, resulting in a very relaxed and warm tone.

It does feature kobushi ornamentation, but since it’s the type characteristic of Masao Sen—where he completely stops the voice briefly to shape the phrase—the difficulty is minimal.

It’s very easy to sing even for beginners to enka, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Kanreki celebration songSen Masao21rank/position

Kanreki Celebration Song

A heartwarming song to celebrate life’s milestones has been born.

It’s a piece characterized by lyrics that gently embrace the joy of those reaching their 60th birthday and by a calm, soothing accompaniment.

It sings of taking pride in the path walked so far, cherishing bonds with family, and looking ahead with hope.

Included on Masao Sen’s 55th Anniversary Album “Zenkyokushū ~ 55th Anniversary Thank-You Edition ~,” released in October 2022, it’s a perfect song for occasions celebrating a 60th birthday.

Recommended for those turning sixty, their families, and anyone wishing to bless a new chapter in life, this work is a moving piece that reaffirms the joy and pride of growing older.