A roundup of female enka singers in their 70s: voices that evoke nostalgia
We’d like to introduce female enka singers who, having experienced life’s bittersweet ups and downs and possessing a rich expressive power, are still active in their seventies! It’s no exaggeration to say that this generation has led the world of enka, a genre that conveys the spirit of traditional Japan.
Even as we move through the Heisei and Reiwa eras into ever-newer times, the voices of enka singers from this generation will remind you of the good old days of Japan.
If you want to feel a nostalgic Japan, or savor the voices of artists who helped build an era of enka, be sure to check them out!
- Great enka masterpieces and hit songs of the 1970s
- [2026] A roundup of female enka singers in their 60s: Artists who support Japanese enka
- [Enka] A special feature on female singers in their 80s. Singers who were active from the early to mid-Showa era.
- Diva of Enka: A roundup of female singers leading the enka world
- Women’s Enka: A collection of classic enka songs expressing women’s emotions
- A roundup of leading female enka singers representing the Showa era
- A roundup of male enka singers in their 70s: legendary vocalists who support the enka world
- Nostalgic enka. A collection of classic enka hits from the Showa era.
- [Recommended for people in their 70s] Songs that really move you. Beloved classic Japanese hits of the past.
- [Female Singers Edition] The face of New Year’s Eve! Enka singers who appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen
- [For Beginners] Recommended Enka Classics for Karaoke — Women Singers Edition
- Great enka masterpieces and hit songs of the 1980s
- 【2026】Difficult Enka Songs to Sing — Women Singers Edition
Compilation of female enka singers in their 70s. Voices that evoke nostalgia (1–10)
In Search of Love and DeathAoyama Kazuko
Kazuko Aoyama is a singer born in 1946 who has released many unforgettable enka songs.
In 1964, she won the Japan Record Award with “Ai to Shi o Mitsumete” and also performed on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen that same year.
Her voice conveys the depth of life, transporting listeners back to the Showa era.
Her talent also shone in the theme song for the film Blue Mountain Range.
Together with her husband, Takashi Kobe, she has carried on their musical dreams, remaining beloved by many fans in every era.
Truly, her songs, which stir the spirit of wa (Japanese harmony), never lose their luster even as the years go by.
To each their ownNakamura Mitsuko
Mitsuko Nakamura, from Higashi-Osaka in Osaka Prefecture, is an enka singer known for her emotionally rich vocals rooted in Kawachi ondo and rokyoku.
She debuted in 1986 with “Koi no Higo Tsubaki,” and her 1989 release “Kawachi Otoko Bushi” became a huge hit, now a karaoke standard.
She has appeared 15 times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, earning praise for her expressive performances of spoken-line enka and kayō rokyoku.
Raised in a poor family, Nakamura made a late-blooming debut at age 36.
Years of effort and perseverance bore fruit, and she is now a leading figure in the enka world.
Highly recommended for those who want to feel nostalgic Japan or savor the voice of an artist who helped define an era of enka.
Life won’t give (it) to me / Unyielding lifeSegawa Eiko
Eiko Segawa, a grand dame of the enka world, grew up as the second daughter of singer Shin Segawa, surrounded by music from an early age.
Her career as a singer began with “Namida no Kagebōshi” in 1967, and in 1970 she scored a hit with “Nagasaki no Yoru wa Murasaki,” which deeply moved listeners.
She has continued to sing numerous classics, including “Yagiri no Watashi” and “Inochi Kurenai.” Her natural, endearing personality has also made her a favorite on variety shows.
Riding on simple, nostalgic melodies, Segawa’s singing voice is sure to feel familiar to anyone.
Be sure to listen to her songs and let them evoke images of Japan in days gone by.
Roundup of female enka singers in their 70s: Voices that evoke nostalgia (11–20)
Memories SakeKobayashi Sachiko
Sachiko Kobayashi, a towering figure in the enka world from Niigata.
From a young age, her singing captivated people across Japan, and her 1979 hit “Omoide-zake” firmly won the hearts of enka fans.
In 1980, she went on to win the Japan Cable Music Award with “Tomarigi,” among many other hits that defined the era.
But her appeal isn’t limited to classic enka; younger generations affectionately call her the “Last Boss,” and she’s influenced audiences who don’t usually listen to enka.
Through her involvement with anime songs and VOCALOID, she’s gained support from a wide and diverse fan base.
Her timeless songs, passed down through the years, offer gentle, heart-stirring moments to listeners of all ages.
I miss youMisawa Akemi
Akemi Misawa, who debuted in 1978, has long brightened Japan’s enka scene.
Her rich expressiveness and deeply nuanced voice captivate fans across generations.
In particular, “Wataridori,” which drew major attention in 1987, garnered numerous awards, including the NHK Koga Prize.
Even as times change, Misawa’s unchanging appeal resonates in listeners’ hearts, conveying a timeless Japanese beauty.
Please take a moment to listen to her voice.
Younger brother,Naitō Yasuko
Born in 1950, Yasuko Naito is a powerhouse singer from Honmoku, Yokohama.
She made a spectacular debut in 1975 with “Otouto yo,” followed by a major hit in 1976 with “Omoide Boroboro.” Her singing deeply resonates with many, carrying a warmth and wistful melancholy that seems to transport listeners back to the nostalgic Showa era—truly breathtaking.
Once you hear her voice, you’ll never forget it.
Beyond her music career, she has also showcased her talent as a radio personality, contributing greatly to the entertainment world.
She has continued to create new songs for many years—be sure to see and hear her performances!
monologueAkimoto Junko
Junko Akimoto, born in 1947, is an enka singer with a wealth of life experience.
She was familiar with music from an early age and continued to build diverse musical experience as an adult, including performing in a Hawaiian band.
Although she made a late debut at the age of 58, she gained sudden attention with the 2008 release of “Ai no Mama de…” and made her first appearance on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen at 61.
Her appeal lies in her rich vocal quality and singing ability that spans a wide range of genres—from Hawaiian and jazz to traditional folk songs.
Supported by her family as she pursued her dreams, Akimoto has inspired many people with courage.
She is a recommended artist for those who want to feel the nostalgia of Japan or experience a voice that reflects a life fully lived.