Aiya Shimazu Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Letter of Appreciation — A Message to My MotherShimazu Aya8rank/position

Letter of Appreciation ~A Message to My Mother~ by Aya Shimazu

When I’m living away from my hometown and happen to look back, I remember my mother.

It feels like it reflects my own state of mind.

In difficult times, I think of her and feel that she is always watching over me.

A mother’s very existence is a source of comfort.

I’m grateful for such a presence.

Harvest Moon over Mount AkagiShimazu Aya9rank/position

Harvest Moon over Mount Akagi — Aya Shimazu

Set against the majestic backdrop of Mount Akagi, this song celebrates the friendship and fate of men.

Centered on the life of the chivalrous outlaw Chūji Kunisada, it unfolds with scenes reminiscent of a historical drama.

Originally released in 1939, it was powerfully reinterpreted by Aya Shimazu in July 2009.

Her commanding vocals bring the song’s deep emotions into even sharper relief.

You’ll be drawn into a world where the natural beauty of Akagi and human drama are interwoven.

It’s a great listen before a mountain hike to lift your spirits, and it’s also recommended for life’s turning points, such as when you’re about to part ways with a friend.

comrade-in-armsShimazu Aya10rank/position

Aya Shimazu cover - Sennyu (Comrade-in-Arms) - “Here, far hundreds of ri from our homeland” - full version with complete lyrics - large screen

Even though Aya is young, she masterfully performs this weighty song.

It isn’t a number for show; she sings with a soul-stirring depth, as if embodying the sorrow of watching comrades survive and pass away, and it moved me as though I could see the scene before my eyes.

I felt it was one expression of the sadness of war.

Migratory bird wearing hakamaShimazu Aya11rank/position

"Migratory Birds in Hakama" by Aya Shimazu

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.

childbirthShimazu Aya12rank/position

A Childbirth Song by Aya Shimazu

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.

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.