Aki Yashiro’s Most Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Gift of LifeYashiro Aki22rank/position

Aki Yashiro — Gift of Life

The singer of “Jinsei no Okurimono” (Life’s Gift) is Aki Yashiro.

Lately, she has appeared in commercials and collaborated with Niconico, actively working beyond the enka world.

It’s said that even among younger people who are from a different generation than Yashiro, she is a highly recognized enka singer.

I hope she continues to thrive more and more in the future.

A woman’s heartYashiro Aki23rank/position

Aki Yashiro 'Onna-gokoro' (A Woman's Heart)

Onnagokoro, known as one of Aki Yashiro’s early masterpieces.

Although it falls under the enka category, it leans more toward a blues-style kayōkyoku.

As a result, instances of kobushi are very few; aside from one spot at the end of the chorus, there isn’t anything resembling a typical kobushi.

Even that kobushi at the end of the chorus only shifts by a single scale degree, so its difficulty as a kobushi is quite low.

For those who enjoy somber, brooding songs, this might be right up your alley.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Ryo

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love songYashiro Aki24rank/position

Aki Yashiro “Love Song”

Aki Yashiro’s “Koi-uta” is a classic noted for its powerful vocals.

The song employs a style similar to the Kawachi Ondo, incorporating kobushi while flipping the voice.

Many people may find this style intimidating, but if you carefully adjust the key to the point where the voice naturally flips, it tends to be easier to sing than standard kobushi.

Although the vocal line is generally strong throughout, there are no notable long sustained notes except at the end of the chorus, so even those who struggle with breath control should be able to sing it without difficulty.

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Ryo

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To my hometown…Yashiro Aki25rank/position

Aki Yashiro: “To My Hometown…”

Aki Yashiro’s classic “To My Hometown…” features a melody that strikingly balances brilliance and depth.

True to enka style, kobushi appear throughout.

Songs with many kobushi are generally hard to belt out, but that’s not the case here.

The kobushi in this piece are less a specialized technique unique to kobushi and more like strong vibrato—extensions of vibrato, so to speak.

Since this type of kobushi is far easier than the typical kind, the overall difficulty of the song is naturally lower.

While it doesn’t call for outright shouting, singing with a bit of strength will make the song sound more radiant, so give it a try.

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Ryo

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Moon’s Little BoatYashiro Aki26rank/position

Tsukino Kobune

The coupling track “Tsuki no Kobune” from Aki Yashiro’s 2020 single “Izakaya ‘Showa’” is a hidden gem composed by Yashiro herself.

Having challenged the jazz field in the 2010s and even made her world debut, Yashiro returns here to the realm of enka and kayōkyoku, and her calm, seasoned vocals—tempered by life’s bitters and sweets—truly move you.

From a karaoke perspective, the overall pitch is quite low for a female vocalist, so many men should be able to tackle it in the original key.

If you read the lyrics carefully and sing as if speaking to someone, you can bring out the song’s distinctive atmosphere.

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KOH-1

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A blues that tingles me to the boneYashiro Aki27rank/position

A blues that tingles me to the bone

Aki Yashiro, who remained active throughout her life from the 1970s to the 2020s, delivered a standout song in the 2000s: “Hone made Shibireru Blues” (“A Blues That Numbs to the Bone”)! With lyrics by Toyohisa Araki, music by Hideo Mizumori, and arrangement by Tatsumi Yano, it’s a kayōkyoku-style track that, true to its title, carries a bluesy flavor.

Overall, the melody sits on the lower side, making it a good recommendation for those who struggle with high notes.

Conversely, for those who find low notes difficult, it’s great practice for singing a sultry low register with vibrato.

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KOH-1

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Dawn of PartingIshihara Yūjirō / Yashiro Aki28rank/position

Dawn of Parting: The original song by Yujiro Ishihara and Aki Yashiro. The original. Please listen to the genuine brilliance that isn’t a cover. “You devoted yourself to me as if your life depended on it.” “You loved me more than anyone.”

“Dawn of Parting,” released in 1974.

This song is tenderly sung by two powerhouse Showa-era vocalists, Yujiro Ishihara and Aki Yashiro.

The lyrics are short and the melody is easy to remember, so with a bit of practice you’ll be able to sing it right away! Since it’s a song about mature love, enjoy its world together with the person you sing it with.

This song might even be the spark that brings your hearts much closer.