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Chiyoko Shimakura’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

He was an enka and kayōkyoku singer active from 1954 to 2013.

In particular, his work as an enka singer influenced many other artists.

He also made many media appearances, including 30 performances on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Here, we will introduce some of his popular songs.

Chiyoko Shimakura Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (11–20)

Cape ErimoShimakura Chiyoko15rank/position

Chiyoko Shimakura’s “Erimo Misaki” is a touching heartbreak song themed around parting from a loved one.

The lyrics, which depict a quiet autumn night brewing coffee alone and the way the couple’s past appears blurred with tears, tighten the chest.

Its wistful melody and Shimakura’s deeply expressive vocals resonate profoundly with listeners.

Released in 1961, the song remains one of Shimakura’s signature works, cherished by many.

While mourning a lost love, it also conveys gratitude for the memories.

It’s a song I especially recommend to anyone who has experienced saying goodbye to someone dear.

Cape ErimoShimakura Chiyoko16rank/position

Although it’s quite a different world from Shinichi Mori’s song of the same title, I think this piece makes beautiful use of the high notes.

You can feel the chill of the cape.

The consistently pure feeling comes through in the voice, which I found appealing.

I’ve heard there’s even a monument inscribed with the lyrics at the cape.

It shows how beloved this song is.

Itchorai-bushiShimakura Chiyoko & Moriya Hiroshi17rank/position

Chiyoko Shimakura & Hiroshi Moriya – Itchorai-bushi (Fukui Ondo)
Itchorai-bushiShimakura Chiyoko & Moriya Hiroshi

The Itchorai-bushi is another name for the Fukui Ondo; it is a new folk song released in 1962 to commemorate the opening of the Hokuriku Tunnel.

The lyrics mention many famous spots in Fukui Prefecture.

The word “Itchorai” itself has the same meaning as “icchora” (itchora), akin to having one’s best outfit, and by extension means “the very best,” making it full of local pride.

Both hands to the starry skyShimakura Chiyoko / Moriya Hiroshi18rank/position

Hands Raised to the Starry Sky — Chiyoko Shimakura; original song by Hiroshi Moriya
Both hands to the starry skyShimakura Chiyoko / Moriya Hiroshi

The duet song “Hoshizora ni Ryōte o” by Hiroshi Moriya—known for his sweet yet astringent vocals—and Chiyoko Shimakura—who gained popularity for her charming voice—stands out.

While duet songs in enka and mood kayō often tend to be adult-oriented, depicting sultry romances or messy affairs, this piece is crafted as a pure love song.

The vocal difficulty is low and the melody is catchy, so be sure to try singing it at karaoke or in a snack bar.

Christmas in the wintry windShimachura Chiyoko / Kataoka Tsurutarou19rank/position

Chiyoko Shimakura & Tsurutaro Kataoka — A Wintry Wind Christmas
Christmas in the wintry windShimachura Chiyoko / Kataoka Tsurutarou

It’s an unconventional Christmas duet song.

The heavyweight duo Takashi Miki and Yasushi Akimoto provided the track.

Both the melody and the sound make for a well-crafted Christmas pop number, but since it’s sung by enka singers, it somehow carries a hint of enka.

Parody of ‘Life Is Full of Ups and Downs’: ‘Life in Tatters’Shimakura Chiyoko20rank/position

[Life Has Its Ups and Downs – Parody Song – Life in Tatters] Let’s encourage each other and live with energy. #parodysong #anthemfortheseniorgeneration #lifevaries #ChiyokoShimachura
Parody of 'Life Is Full of Ups and Downs': 'Life in Tatters'Shimakura Chiyoko

Here is an idea for a parody of Chiyoko Shimakura’s famous song “Jinsei Iroiro” (Life Has Many Varieties), titled “Jinsei Boroboro” (Life in Tatters).

“Jinsei Iroiro” sings of the turmoil of life—women’s struggles and tears, and rising beyond them toward hope.

In contrast, “Jinsei Boroboro” portrays a senior who still has things he wants to try, values effort, lives humbly, and understands he must appreciate his wife.

It expresses the anxieties awaiting in old age and a man’s resolve to face the life ahead.

Surely many of you can relate not only to the worries, but also to the desire to see hope in one’s later years.

Chiyoko Shimakura Popular Song Rankings [2026] (21–30)

Parody Song of “It’s Tokyo, Mom”: “It’s a Special Fraud, Mom”Shimakura Chiyoko21rank/position

[Parody Song] It's a Special Fraud, Mom (Yara-Kea Version: It's a Bank Transfer Scam, Mom) — to the tune of “Tokyo Dayo, Okkasan” (Chiyoko Shimakura)
Parody Song of “It’s Tokyo, Mom”: “It’s a Special Fraud, Mom”Shimakura Chiyoko

Let’s sing that famous song about sightseeing in Tokyo with humorous lyrics! Here are ideas for a parody of “It’s Tokyo, Mom” titled “It’s Special Fraud, Mom.” The original “It’s Tokyo, Mom” highlights lyrics about touring Tokyo while holding your mother’s hand, but “It’s Special Fraud, Mom” features original lyrics that incorporate phrases about bank transfer scams and special fraud schemes reported in the news, along with ways to prevent becoming a victim.

By calling out to one another, let’s work together to stop the spread of harm.