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Ichiro Toba’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
As his name suggests, Ichirō Toba hails from Toba in Mie Prefecture.His signature song is “Kyōdaibune” (Brother Ship), and his real-life older brother is Yutaka Yamakawa—together they’re an enka duo of brothers.A man who suits the sea, Ichirō Toba’s songs are said to be beloved even among fishermen in port towns.Here’s a ranking of Toba’s popular songs.
Ichiro Toba Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (1–10)
Brother ShipsToba Ichirō1rank/position
Ichiro Toba’s debut single Kyodaibune (Brother Ship) is his signature song, released on August 25, 1982.
With lyrics by Tetsuro Hoshino and music by Toru Funamura, this masterpiece depicts the pathos and spirit of brothers venturing out onto the harsh sea.
It became a long-running hit after its release, surpassing one million copies sold, and is a classic of enka that was also performed on NHK’s Kohaku Uta Gassen.
The opening melody is highly memorable, and singing it while clenching your fist powerfully can help capture the mood.
Using expressive gestures helps distribute the effort so your throat doesn’t tense up, so going all-in with your movements is recommended.
A Man’s HarborToba Ichirō2rank/position
With a fisherman father and an ama diver mother, Ichiro Toba is truly an enka singer worthy of being called a “man of the sea.” Released in 1986, this song became a popular hit and was even performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Characterized by lyrics themed around the sea and fishermen’s lives and a powerful melody, it showcases Toba’s vocal prowess to the fullest.
The overall pitch is on the lower side, but it’s challenging to deliver the lyrics clearly while employing vibrato.
It takes considerable technique to sing the low-register melody with stability.
If you’re not confident with vibrato, you might focus on delivering the lyrics clearly with crisp articulation.
It’s a recommended track for those who want to let their thoughts drift to the world of the sea and its fishermen.
Festival SongToba Ichirō3rank/position
The single released by Ichiro Toba in 1985 is “Matsuri Uta.” What the protagonist—who has left his hometown to live away, leaving friends and a lover behind—remembers are the “festival songs” sung at his hometown festival and the “sound of the drums.” The lyrics also convey the protagonist’s determination that he cannot return until he makes his mark.
The chorus incorporates festival-themed sounds, and Toba’s powerful vocals make a strong impression.
Nasushiobara appears in the lyrics, making it a song with deep ties for those living in Tochigi Prefecture.
Shimokita Fishing PortToba Ichirō4rank/position
A single by Ichiro Toba released in June 1984 (Showa 59).
Since debuting in 1982 (Showa 57) with “Kyodai-bune” (Brother Ship), Toba has sung many songs themed around fishing ports and fishermen across the country.
With a fisherman father and an ama (female diver) mother, he delivers his performances with a strong sense of realism.
Song of Late AutumnToba Ichirō5rank/position
Ichiro Toba is a leading enka singer in Japan, known for his signature song “Kyodai-bune” (Brother Ship).
His song “Banshu-ka” (Late-Autumn Song) was released on January 9, 2014, and with lyrics that touch the heart, it beautifully depicts a man drinking while thinking of his loved ones, set at the end of autumn.
Many listeners may be moved by its reflections on days gone by and human connections.
It is especially recommended for long autumn nights, when you want to look back on past memories or seek music that stays close to the heart.
ComradeToba Ichirō6rank/position
This is a work that passionately sings of bonds between men.
Released in February 2025, it features the distinctive vocal ornamentation unique to enka throughout.
Toba’s singing powerfully conveys the feelings of men who have weathered life’s rough seas, which is particularly striking.
You can sense both a humble acceptance of one’s place and a proud appreciation of ties with friends.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to in moments when you want to savor life together with your comrades.
A Fisherman’s LifeToba Ichirō7rank/position
This is a song about a fisherman who catches blue eels in Kojima Bay in Okayama City.
Eels are caught in Kojima Bay, but only a very small portion of them are blue eels, distinguished by their slightly bluish bodies, as their name suggests.
They are a luxury delicacy, also known as the “phantom eel.”