Aiya Shimazu Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Strait of LongingShimazu Aya29rank/position

Aya Shimazu “Renbo Kaikyō” Music Video (full ver.)

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.

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Thank you, memories.Shimazu Aya30rank/position

Thank you, memories.

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.

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Mother-Koi Return BoatShimazu Aya31rank/position

Mother-Koi Return Boat

Aya Shimazu’s early song “Haha Koi Modori-bune” (“Mother-Love Homeward Boat”).

Starting with a powerful opening, this piece is a textbook example of enka, featuring many instances of kobushi—the signature enka ornament—throughout.

Songs heavy on kobushi might seem difficult, but in this case the kobushi generally involves just one or two quick pitch bends up or down, so it doesn’t reach the formidable difficulty of folk-song style.

In addition, there are few long sustained notes, so for singers accustomed to enka, this should be on the easier side.

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white magnoliaShimazu Aya32rank/position

white magnolia

Ayako Shimazu’s masterpiece “Shirakobushi” opens with a striking intro featuring beautiful humming.

While this piece leans more toward kayōkyoku than enka, it also incorporates elements of folk music.

Folk typically features simple vocal lines, and this song embraces that aspect as well.

The shout right before the chorus is the tricky part, but since there are no complex pitch shifts or kobushi (melismatic ornaments), anyone accustomed to singing enka should be able to handle it without trouble.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Mihonoseki Tide SongShimazu Aya33rank/position

Aya Shimazu [Miho-no-Seki Tide Song]

Mihonoseki, located in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, is a historic port town.

The famous Aya Shimazu sings an enka song themed around Mihonoseki.

The gentle flow of the melody, combined with Shimazu’s powerful voice, beautifully conveys the majesty of the sea.

As a flower, as a personShimazu Aya34rank/position

Aya Shimazu “As a Flower, As a Person” Music Video

A moving piece beloved by fans, “Hana toshite Hito toshite.” This work showcases Aya Shimazu’s expansive vocals, but aside from those soaring parts, there aren’t any especially difficult points.

It leans more toward kayōkyoku than traditional enka, and it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say it has strong pop elements, so you won’t have to wrestle with the intricate kobushi (melismatic ornamentation) typical of enka.

The range is somewhat wide, so be sure to adjust the key to suit your own vocal range before giving it a try.

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Destiny ~At Last, the Angel Turned This Way~Shimazu Aya35rank/position

Destiny ~At Last, the Angel Turned This Way~

Aya Shimazu is known for her overwhelming vocal prowess as an enka singer, but she also takes on pop covers and, unexpectedly, works on catchy tunes as well.

Among her songs, the one I especially recommend is “Unmei ~Yatto Tenshi ga Kocchi o Muita~” (Fate ~At Last, the Angel Turned This Way~).

This piece is not enka; it strongly leans toward kayōkyoku, and there are no kobushi (the intricate ornamental turns) that require complex technique.

While it does call for powerful vocals incorporating shouts and steady long notes, these are far easier compared to kobushi, so for those who are fairly familiar with enka, it might feel like a relatively easy song to tackle.

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