Aiya Shimazu Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Migratory bird wearing hakamaShimazu Aya11rank/position

At age 14, Aya Shimazu left her hometown of Kumamoto to apprentice under lyricist Tetsurō Hoshino, and she made her debut with this song in 1986.

She is renowned for her powerful voice and exceptional vocal ability.

The following year, she formed the energetic trio Hatsuratsu Sannin Musume with Fuyumi Sakamoto and Kumiko Ishigami, gaining wide popularity.

Always the two of usShimazu Aya12rank/position

Aya Shimazu “Always the Two of Us” Official Music Video

Aya Shimazu gently sings about memories with her beloved dog, whom she met under warm sunlight.

The original Japanese song included on the album “AYA’s Soul Searchin’ -Aretha Franklin-,” which covers Aretha Franklin’s music, expresses her feelings for the dog she spent 12 years with.

Since its release in July 2024, it has been featured on TBS Television’s “Wannyanko Kansatsu Variety Animaring,” drawing significant attention.

This work is not only relatable to those who have lost a cherished dog, but also a tender, encouraging song that resonates with anyone who has experienced a farewell to someone dear.

FujiShimazu Aya13rank/position

Fuji Shimazu Aya

It’s a generous, expansive song that would be a perfect fit for Aya Shimazu to sing.

A broad-minded woman encourages a man, and it’s a powerful piece that feels as if even Mount Fuji is in the palm of her hand.

It makes you think that when a person steels themselves, they can move forward so positively and push ahead without hesitation.

Aizen Katsura Once MoreShimazu Aya14rank/position

Aizen Katsura Once More

Aya Shimazu is one of Japan’s leading enka singers.

While she is known for her wide-ranging musicality, she also boasts overwhelming vocal prowess in the enka genre.

Speaking of her signature songs, this is the one.

This piece, which passionately expresses deep gratitude to a father and memories of youth, was released in October 2012.

Set against the nightscape of Tokyo, its lyrics portraying life’s challenges and hopes strike a chord.

It’s recommended not only for enka fans but also for anyone who wants to feel the love of family and the truths of life.

Aya Shimazu’s emotionally rich voice will gently warm your heart.

childbirthShimazu Aya15rank/position

Aya Shimazu “Osan (from Chikamatsu Monzaemon’s The Almanac of the Old Kyōto Cloth Dealer)” Music Video

This song tells the story of Osan and Mohei from Chikamatsu Monzaemon’s jōruri The Almanac Maker, who were executed for adultery.

In the past, when a woman committed adultery and fled, a retaliatory act called “onnakoguchi” (woman-enemy shooting) was permitted, and both the man involved and the wife would be punished.

By contrast, a husband’s infidelity was not considered a crime… It was that kind of unjust era.

In the depths of despair… it sings of the resolve to throw oneself into Kyoto’s Takase River or Lake Biwa.

Sisters’ SlopeShimazu Aya16rank/position

Father and Daughter Slope – AYA Shimazu

A wonderful man appears before the sisters.

This song is told from the younger sister’s perspective, as she finds herself wanting to steal the man who’s started to hit it off with her older sister.

It’s sung by AYA Shimazu, an enka singer from Kumamoto Prefecture, and is included on her 2000 album “Aioi — Futari no Kizuna wa Hodokenai” (“Aioi — The Bond Between Us Cannot Be Untied”).

It’s the kind of song that tightens your chest with sorrow.

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Araki Jakkan

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Baton of LifeShimazu Aya17rank/position

Aya Shimazu / The Baton of Life (full ver.)

Aya Shimazu’s famous song “Inochi no Baton” (The Baton of Life).

Compared to other enka singers, Aya Shimazu often performs enka and kayōkyoku with many pop elements, and this piece is among the easiest to sing.

Of course, since it’s performed by an enka singer, it retains a certain enka flavor, but it leans heavily toward pop, so it shouldn’t feel difficult to sing.

There are very few kobushi (ornamental vocal turns), and as long as you focus on a clear, expansive vocal tone, you can definitely aim for a high score at karaoke.

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Ryo

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Yae: A Single Flower of AizuShimazu Aya18rank/position

Aya Shimazu / Yae: A Single Aizu Blossom

Released in 2012, this song was created based on Yae Yamamoto, known as the Joan of Arc of Aizu.

Behind it lies the tragedy of the Byakkotai, a unit formed solely of boys as young as 16 and 17 during the Aizu War.

It is said that Yae Yamamoto, despite being a woman, taught the Byakkotai boys how to handle firearms.

The song recounts this sorrowful ending, interwoven with spoken lines.

To my daughter…Shimazu Aya19rank/position

To my daughter...

Aya Shimazu’s early work “Musume ni…”.

Around this time, she often sang poignant, gently emotional songs, and this piece is especially renowned as a masterpiece among them.

While it follows the melodic style of enka and can rightly be called an enka song, the vocal line itself leans strongly toward kayōkyoku (Japanese pop).

There’s hardly any use of vibrato-like kobushi, and the performance relies mainly on dynamic shading throughout, making it a song where you can aim for a high score.

Be sure to add it to your repertoire.

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Ryo

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Chuji, the chivalrous outlaw’s journeyShimazu Aya20rank/position

Aya Shimazu / Chūji The Chivalrous Outlaw’s Journey

This song portrays Chūji Kunisada, and above all, its selling point is the spirited, snappy banter.

Delivering lines with such crisp diction is tough unless you’re a professional actor, but the voice and sharpness here are outstanding.

Even in enka, expressing the world of ninkyō (chivalrous yakuza) is difficult, yet Ms.

Shimazu pulls it off brilliantly despite being a woman.