Ichiro Toba’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

And yet, lifeToba Ichirō8rank/position

Ichiro Toba 'Saredo Jinsei' MUSIC VIDEO

Ichiro Toba’s “Saredo Jinsei” is a heartfelt masterpiece released on January 11, 2023.

Its soul-stirring lyrics capture the fleeting moments of life.

The scenes that reflect on old friends and bid farewell to lost time and memories will also resonate deeply.

It’s as if the song asks what truly matters amid life’s constant changes, showcasing Toba’s profound insight as an enka singer.

Laden with a symbolic message about encounters and farewells, and the ongoing journey of life, it offers an emotional depth that listeners can project their own feelings onto.

Blending nostalgia with freshness, this work is an enka classic recommended for fans of all generations.

Casablanca GoodbyeToba Ichirō9rank/position

Ichiro Toba “Casablanca Goodbye” (Official Audio)

Enka singer Ichiro Toba, popular for his wide-ranging musicality from male-voiced to female-voiced songs, has left many masterpieces.

Among them, Casablanca Goodbye is especially recommended as an easy song to sing.

While there are a few spots that feature kobushi (traditional enka vocal ornaments), overall the piece has a flavor closer to kayōkyoku (Japanese popular song).

It employs a very light mixed voice, but the high phrases aren’t very long, and it doesn’t demand much power overall, so the overall difficulty is on the lower side.

Its mood-rich melody is sure to get the crowd going!

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Ryo

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Sada Misaki (Cape Sada)Toba Ichirō10rank/position

Sadamisaki — Ichirō Toba

A powerful paean to Sada Misaki in Ehime Prefecture by Ichiro Toba, a “man of the sea” with a background as a former fisherman.

The image of fishermen pursuing their dreams in the harsh Bungo Channel is vividly portrayed through Toba’s soul-stirring vocals.

It seems to boldly proclaim that the pride of those who live at Japan’s westernmost edge is so noble that even Mount Fuji, the nation’s highest peak, would pay it respect.

This song will set the hearts of all who love their hometowns ablaze—not only those connected to Ehime.

A masterpiece infused with the majestic scenery of Sada Misaki and the indomitable spirit of the people who live there.

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.