Ichiro Toba’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

brotherhood sakeToba Ichirō11rank/position

brotherhood sake

This is a classic enka song that powerfully celebrates the bond between brothers.

The lyrics, depicting the harsh life of fishermen and the love between siblings, resonate deeply with listeners.

It was released by Nippon Crown in April 1995 and is also included on the album “Best 16: Kyodai-zake, Kyodai-bune” released the same year.

Ichiro Toba’s robust vocals brilliantly express the ties between brothers and the camaraderie among men.

This work is recommended for those who cherish bonds with family and friends, and for those striving to overcome life’s hardships.

It’s a song you’ll want to listen to with someone dear, as you almost catch the scent of the sea.

Hakata Pure HeartToba Ichirō12rank/position

Ichiro Toba “Hakata Junjo” cover ② reicat tama

A song by Ichiro Toba that uses Hakata dialect here and there.

As you know, he’s from Toba and not a man of Hakata, but he delivers this local-themed song with style.

The track vividly depicts the atmosphere of the Hakata festival.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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SanyōdōToba Ichirō13rank/position

Sanyōdō

Sanyo Road portrays a man who, while harboring a selfish heartbreak, sets out on a journey in pursuit of his dreams.

Sung with a powerful kobushi by Ichiro Toba, the renowned enka master known for Kyodai-bune, it preserves in our hearts the time-honored Japanese culture that is enka.

Shima PeninsulaToba Ichirō14rank/position

Shima Peninsula

A locally rooted enka that rises with the scent of the tide and the shimmer of pearl rafts.

Born and raised by the sea, Ichiro Toba’s voice vividly portrays Wagu, Oshima, Maehama Fishing Port, and the “Shiokake Festival,” powerfully conveying pride and human warmth.

The weight of someone from Toba City in Mie Prefecture with experience in deep-sea fishing resonates, letting you feel, almost on your skin, the heat of the port’s labor and festivities.

In some years the event draws around 10,000 visitors, and there is a monument inscribed with the song at Shima Fureai Park.

Released as a single in August 2001, with lyrics by Ryuichi Satomura, composition by Katsuhiko Miki, and arrangement by Masakane Tsuta.

It was included on the October 2001 album “Ichiro Toba: Complete Collection,” and later on the album “Kono Michi.” The B-side is “Daio no Shippu” (Gale of Daio).

It was performed at the 52nd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2001.

This track is recommended for coastal drives or nights when you’re thinking of your hometown.

Its surging rhythm stirs your memories.

Hyuga-nada (Hyuga Sea)Toba Ichirō15rank/position

Hyuga-nada / Ichiro Toba cover by Keizo

Because the Kuroshio Current flows through the Pacific waters off the eastern coast of Miyazaki Prefecture, the Hyuga-nada is ideal for fishing and, as mentioned in the lyrics, serves as a fishing ground for tuna and bonito.

While the song powerfully portrays rugged, manly fishermen, it also conveys the loneliness of their work—thinking of their mothers and the lovers waiting for them back home as they head out to sea.

Showa-era manToba Ichirō16rank/position

Ichiro Toba “Showa no Otoko” MUSIC VIDEO

Enka singer Ichiro Toba, who has long sung of the spirit of “men of the sea.” As its title suggests, “Showa no Otoko” is a classic enka number that portrays the way of life of a man who ran straight through the Showa era.

The protagonist, clumsy yet unwavering in his convictions and walking through life with sincerity, is brought to life by Toba’s powerful yet warm vocals.

Toba himself has said he poured his strong feelings for his father, who survived the Showa era, into the song—and you can feel that intensity resonating in his voice.

Perfect for those who want to hear a song about a man with an unshakable backbone, or when you want to touch the heart of good old Japan.

ComradeToba Ichirō17rank/position

Comrade

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.

Kurushima StraitToba Ichirō18rank/position

Kurushima Strait ~ Osaka Bay.wmv

Located off the coast of Imabari City in Ehime Prefecture, the Kurushima Strait has long been known as one of the most treacherous parts of the sea—first Kurushima, second Naruto, and third Kanmon.

This song likens its swift currents to a man’s way of life.

Although Raymund Matsuya also has a song with the same title, it is a completely different piece.

Ama divers of TobaToba Ichirō19rank/position

Ichirō Toba “Toba no Ama” MUSIC VIDEO

A song distinguished by a melody that resonates with the heartstrings and gentle lyrics.

Its poignant yet powerful words portray the life of an ama diver and the bonds of family, permeating through with Ichiro Toba’s rich, resonant voice.

Released in May 2024, this work has become one of the most personally meaningful songs in his long career.

Filled with love for his hometown of Toba, it’s perfect for those who feel nostalgic for their roots or cherish family ties.

It’s a song with a quiet, lingering savor—one that makes you want to relax with a drink as you breathe in the scent of the sea.

two peopleIchirō Toba, Yuri Harada20rank/position

Ichiro Toba & Yuri Harada “Futari” Music Video

The duet song Futari by Ichiro Toba and Yuri Harada is a moving piece that portrays the strong bond of couples and lovers who overcome trials together.

The work is memorable for its phrases that convey a sense of complete unity when the two are together, and the seasoned vocals of both singers powerfully express the strength to find hope in the darkness and face hardships side by side.

It’s a perfect choice for karaoke duets that let you feel the bond between two people.

When you look back on the difficulties you’ve overcome with the one you love, be sure to listen to Futari.