Aiya Shimazu Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
Aya Shimazu is an enka singer from Kumamoto Prefecture who debuted at the age of 15.
She is known for the hit of her fifth single, “Aizen Katsura o Mou Ichido,” as well as for the trio “Hatsuratsu San’nin Musume,” which she formed with Fuyumi Sakamoto and Kumiko Ishigami.
Here is a ranking of her popular songs.
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Aya Shimazu Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (21–30)
Kuroda-bushiShimazu Aya21rank/position
Kuroda-bushi was known not only in Fukuoka Prefecture but throughout Japan as a classic song sung at drinking parties.
Its lyrics are perfectly suited to such occasions, and the opening lines about sake give this folk song a distinctive flavor unlike others.
Sung in honor of the Fukuoka samurai, it charms with a witty play on words between “Kuroda-bushi” (the song) and “Kuroda-bushi” (Kuroda warriors).
With a deeply masculine, weighty, and powerful melody, it evokes the spirit of Fukuoka’s land and people.
It’s a folk song you’ll want to belt out proudly and enjoyably at any banquet.
Stormy-Wave Woman ShipShimazu Aya22rank/position
This is a song that powerfully sings of a woman’s way of life, addressed to her husband who went out fishing in a storm and never returned.
Aya Shimazu’s vocal ornamentation conveys the woman’s determination to the fullest.
It also portrays a devoted woman who, as a wife, can’t imagine anyone but her man, expressing a touching single-heartedness.
Ryoma’s lingering silhouetteShimazu Aya23rank/position
Among the notable figures from Kochi Prefecture, Sakamoto Ryoma is perhaps the most famous.
This song tells the story of his life.
The original was sung by Hibari Misora, but this video is a cover version by Aya Shimazu.
It was performed at the Prefectural Culture Hall.
Original songShimazu Aya, Imada Kōji24rank/position
This commercial, in which Koji Imada uses Japan Post’s New Year’s card printing service to get his nengajo ready, features Aya Shimazu.
In a striking twist, she appears outside the window near the end and sings a New Year’s card song.
Her powerful vocals are truly overwhelming.
A behind-the-scenes video of the shoot is also available on YouTube, so fans should definitely check it out.
aspiring spiritShimazu Aya25rank/position
For those looking for an enka song that’s packed with strong kobushi ornamentation yet still easy to sing, I recommend Asunaro-gokoro.
It features a fair number of kobushi turns, and at the most exciting part of the chorus you’ll even get a shout-style, growling vocal.
That said, it’s not extremely difficult as enka goes—there are almost no kobushi that spin three or more times.
If you’ve got basic kobushi technique and are comfortable with shout-style singing, you should find this song reasonably approachable.
Aya’s FestivalShimazu Aya26rank/position
Aya Shimazu’s signature song “Aya no Matsuri” is notable for her powerful vocals.
As the title suggests, it’s a lively, energetic tune.
Because there are many shouts, it might seem difficult, but surprisingly there are few kobushi (ornamental pitch turns) that repeatedly move up and down in complex ways, and each phrase is relatively short, so you won’t struggle with long sustained notes.
Instead, if you don’t articulate the opening of each phrase clearly, it can come across as limp, so be sure to focus on crisp pronunciation at the start of each line.
Guts ShipShimazu Aya27rank/position
This work, sung by the solitary enka singer Aya Shimazu, is set on the northern seas.
The lyrics, depicting a protagonist heading toward the Kuril waters where his father rests, powerfully express family love and a man’s way of life.
Released in October 1997, the song has been included in many best-of albums and is known as one of Shimazu’s signature pieces.
For example, it appears in the 2007 release “Aya Shimazu Complete Collection” and the 2022 “BEST & BEST Aya Shimazu Complete Song Collection.” Vividly portraying fishermen who live by the northern sea, it lets you fully savor the appeal of enka set on boats and in port towns.
It’s a recommended piece for those who value bonds with family and comrades.
playing the shamisen after the factShimazu Aya28rank/position
A beloved classic among fans, “Atooi Shamisen.” This piece is notable for its simple arrangement centered on the shamisen.
It’s solid, full-fledged enka, so the kobushi (ornamental vocal turns) appear as usual; however, for a song by Aya Shimazu, the number and style of kobushi used here are quite simple.
That said, there are several instances of kobushi blended with falsetto, so if it feels difficult, try lowering the key by two or three semitones.
For those looking for authentic enka that’s also easy to sing, this track is highly recommended.
Be sure to add it to your repertoire.
Strait of LongingShimazu Aya29rank/position
A compellingly austere song by Aya Shimazu, “Renbo Kaikyō.” True to enka, it features solid kobushi ornamentation, yet the piece is actually easy to sing.
The reason lies in the vocal line.
While enka typically involves frequent, complex pitch rises and falls, this song keeps the melody simple and relatively even, more like a kayōkyoku.
With kobushi appearing here and there on top of that, anyone accustomed to singing standard enka should be able to perform it without difficulty.
Thank you, memories.Shimazu Aya30rank/position
The piece “Omoide yo Arigatou” is notable for its emotionally stirring melody.
Among Aya Shimazu’s songs, this one especially emphasizes dynamic contrast.
You might think strong dynamics make it difficult, but that’s not the case.
Rather than being pure enka, it leans heavily into the essence of Showa-era pop, so there aren’t complicated pitch jumps.
Although the tempo is relaxed, there are surprisingly few long tones, so as long as you watch your vibrato and dynamics, it’s possible to aim for a high karaoke score.