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Fuyumi Sakamoto’s famous and popular songs

Let me introduce the songs of enka singer Fuyumi Sakamoto.

She has released many well-known masterpieces, such as “Mata Kimi ni Koishiteru.”

Her greatest appeal is, of course, her vocal ability.

Her clear, pristine voice is simply captivating.

It’s said that in a middle school essay she wrote, “I want to become an enka singer,” so you could say she was destined to become one.

Now, please enjoy Fuyumi Sakamoto’s many masterpieces in this playlist.

Fuyumi Sakamoto’s Famous and Popular Songs (11–20)

Love is like a prayer.Sakamoto Fuyumi

Fuyumi Sakamoto – Love Is Like a Prayer (Orchestra Version)
Love is like a prayer.Sakamoto Fuyumi

While achieving great success as an enka singer, Fuyumi Sakamoto continues to delight us with her unchangingly beautiful voice as she ventures into various genres such as pop.

“Ai wa Inori no You da ne” (Love Is Like a Prayer) is a love song with timeless appeal, included on her 2012 album “Aishiteru… LOVE SONGS III,” and it was also used in a commercial for iichiko Hita Zen Koji shochu.

Unlike the usual iichiko commercials that showcase overseas scenery, this Japanese-style ad featuring a samurai paired perfectly with Sakamoto’s vocals.

The lyrics were written by the renowned Goro Matsui, and the music was composed by Susumu Sugawara of Billy BanBan; Billy BanBan’s version was also used in an iichiko commercial.

“Welcome home” is a good-luck charmSakamoto Fuyumi

Fuyumi Sakamoto – “Your Welcome Back Is My Good-Luck Charm” (Short ver.)
“Welcome home” is a good-luck charmSakamoto Fuyumi

Fuyumi Sakamoto is known not only for enka but also for taking on kayōkyoku and pop.

Since the release of “Mata Kimi ni Koishiteru,” she has even ventured into pure pop songs that don’t incorporate enka elements, likely buoyed by her popularity as a pop singer.

Among these, the one I especially recommend is “Okaeri ga O-mamori.” It has a relaxed tempo, yet it doesn’t rely heavily on long sustained notes, making it exceptionally easy to sing—not just compared to enka, but even to typical pop songs.

The vocal range isn’t wide either, so if you adjust the key appropriately, you should be able to aim for a high score.

Soran BushiSakamoto Fuyumi

Fuyumi's Soran Bushi ~ Fuyumi Sakamoto Cover by Fan Ruie
Soran BushiSakamoto Fuyumi

This is Soran Bushi performed by enka singer Fuyumi Sakamoto.

Also known as “Okiage Ondo,” Soran Bushi is often thought to suit a male voice, but Sakamoto’s powerful singing, resonating from deep within, makes you think, “A female rendition of Soran Bushi definitely works.”

The Northern StraitSakamoto Fuyumi

This song paints a portrait of a port town enduring the cold and the bittersweet emotion of choosing to part ways.

Against the backdrop of a snow-swept strait, it carefully depicts scenes that convey frozen feelings and firm resolve.

Fuyumi Sakamoto’s seasoned vocal artistry further enhances the song’s appeal.

Released in March 2016, this work drew attention as a single commemorating the 30th anniversary of Sakamoto’s singing career.

It was also her first “strait-themed” song, which became a topic of conversation among fans.

It’s a track I’d recommend not only to enka enthusiasts but also to anyone who loves port towns and the sea.

How about listening to it quietly on a long winter’s night?

sistersSakamoto Fuyumi

Sisters / Fuyumi Sakamoto / Relaxing Music
sistersSakamoto Fuyumi

This is a song released in 1993 by enka singer Fuyumi Sakamoto, known for “Mata Kimi ni Koishiteru” and “Yozakura Oshichi.” The song portrays an older sister quietly standing by her younger sister, who has left home after a painful love affair.

The older sister went through a similarly difficult love once and was scolded by her sister at the time, but when the younger sister does the same, she gently gives her a push forward.

She also urges her sister to at least let her know she’s safe.

It’s a song that makes you deeply feel the significance of having an older sister.

Toward tomorrowSakamoto Fuyumi

This is the image song for the Wakayama National Sports Festival.

I love Fuyumi Sakamoto, and this song isn’t very enka-like—it’s a bright, pop-style tune, so I fell in love with it right away.

It’s a really great song, and I especially love the vocals.

I hope they’ll use this song for events again.

A Hundred Nights’ JourneySakamoto Fuyumi

Fuyumi Sakamoto “Night Walk of a Hundred Nights” (released March 8)
A Hundred Nights' JourneySakamoto Fuyumi

Fuyumi Sakamoto has many famous songs, but among them, Hyakuyakō is known as one of her most heartrending tracks.

The piece has a very relaxed tempo and leans more toward kayōkyoku (Japanese popular song) than traditional enka.

There are none of the scale inflections typical of enka (kobushi); throughout, while there is some dynamic expression, the vocal line remains simple with relatively little dramatic fluctuation.

It may seem somewhat high at first, but the overall key is on the lower side, so as long as you set the key properly, anyone can sing it through.

Firefly LanternSakamoto Fuyumi

Fuyumi Sakamoto – Fireflies’ Lanterns
Firefly LanternSakamoto Fuyumi

Even among Fuyumi Sakamoto’s songs, Hotaru no Chochin stands out for its unique vibe and has gained popularity.

Rather than a kayōkyoku number, it leans heavily into pop elements, and for enka it’s quite rare in featuring a solid, weighty bassline.

The reggae-like bounce of the rhythm is also striking.

This piece prioritizes overall groove over elaborate phrasing.

As a result, there are no kobushi ornaments that require complex pitch bends.

The vocal range is also on the narrower side, so if you follow the vocal line carefully, it’s possible to aim for a high score.

Flower in DrunkennessSakamoto Fuyumi

Fuyumi Sakamoto – “Yoichūka” Full Ver.
Flower in DrunkennessSakamoto Fuyumi

Sakamoto Fuyumi’s song “Suichūka,” released in 2022.

Although Sakamoto Fuyumi studied under Futaba Yūrikō and has tackled challenging enka in her later years, she also works on catchier enka.

Among these, this piece is particularly easy to sing.

While there are some kobushi (ornamental vocal turns), the overall difficulty is low, and there are no repeated, dramatic ups-and-downs typical of elaborate kobushi.

The vocal range is somewhat wide, but even if your voice flips into head voice, it will sound like kobushi to listeners, making it easy to sing even for those with a narrower range.

Suddenly, SinbadSakamoto Fuyumi

This is a sensational video of enka singer Fuyumi Sakamoto performing Southern All Stars’ debut song “Katteni Sindbad.” Sakamoto looks as beautiful as ever in her kimono, and her live performance—even doing call-and-response—is outstanding.

I never imagined I’d get to hear “the hip-sway that sets the heart aflutter” sung with such a beautiful voice.