You don’t have to go back.Shimazu Aya1rank/position

You don't have to go back.

Aya Shimazu’s biggest hit song, ‘Kairancha Yoka.’ As her training under Yuriko Futaba suggests, Aya Shimazu boasts a considerable career.

However, she was actually a late-blooming enka singer, and I think many people first learned about her through this work.

This song is captivating for its emotionally rich vocals, yet the vocal line itself is surprisingly simple.

There are few instances of kobushi (traditional enka vocal turns), and in the chorus she uses a technique called a “fall,” slightly lowering the pitch at the end of a phrase.

This technique isn’t particularly difficult.

Considering the scarcity of kobushi and the relatively low difficulty of mastering the fall, it can be regarded as a very singable piece.

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Aya Shimazu - Ito (Miyuki Nakajima)

The enka singer Aya Shimazu’s rendition of “Ito.” From the exceptionally steady first verse to the second, where she adds kobushi ornamentation for extra power.

Then the soaring final section flows like a full-fledged drama.

You can really sense the high caliber of this popular enka singer.

It’s also a great reference if you plan to sing it yourself, so be sure to give it a listen.

Summer camelliaShimazu Aya3rank/position

Aya Shimazu / Summer Camellia

Among Akiya Shimazu’s songs, “Natsu Tsubaki” is especially popular.

While the intro bursts in with great passion, the vocal line settles into a ballad-like, gently soothing mood.

Combined with the fact that this piece leans more toward kayōkyoku than enka, there are no intricate kobushi embellishments at all.

Simply focusing on two points—a solid, sustained tone and stable vibrato—makes it easy enough to aim for a high karaoke score.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Brocade Autumn

Aya Shimazu’s masterpiece “Kinshūfu” leaves a lingering poignancy within its power.

While the melody firmly qualifies as classic enka, a look at the vocal line reveals surprisingly few kobushi (melismatic turns), and it lacks the typical difficulties associated with enka.

Instead, it calls for dynamics and a soaring vocal delivery, but these are far less demanding than kobushi, so those who regularly sing enka will likely find nothing particularly challenging.

Do consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Kanade

Aya Shimazu, an enka singer, has also covered this song.

From the very intro, the accompaniment—arranged to create a mood different from the original—immediately heightens our anticipation for her vocals to come.

Before listening, I expected an enka-style delivery, but upon actually hearing it, that wasn’t the case; instead, you can enjoy a slightly different side of her voice than usual.

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Hane Keisuke

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Aya Shimazu “Otentosama” Music Video (Short Ver.)

How about a warm enka song that gently stays by your side in life? It’s a quintessential, classic number powerfully sung by Aya Shimazu.

Released as a single in May 2024.

With lyrics that gently embrace life’s uncertainties and encourage you to be your true self, doesn’t it seep into your heart? Take your time singing it at karaoke and give a supportive push to those listening.

Late bloomerShimazu Aya7rank/position

Aya Shimazu [Late Bloomer]

It was released in 2005 as Aya Shimazu’s 38th single.

The lyrics were written by Tetsurō Hoshino, and the music was composed by Jōji Hara (Saburō Kitajima).

True to the phrase “great talents bloom late,” the song conveys the powerful spirit of a bold, cool male enka.

Aya Shimazu’s overwhelmingly expansive, resonant vocals leave a strong impression.