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
Roundup of female enka singers in their 70s: Voices that evoke nostalgia (11–20)
As I am in love…Akimoto Junko
Junko Akimoto began her career as a singer in a Hawaiian band and has spent many years performing live, mainly Western music such as jazz, Latin, and chanson.
In 2005, she made her major-label debut with King Records, fully stepping into the world of kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs).
In 2008, she won the Excellence Award at the 50th Japan Record Awards and made her first appearance at the 59th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen the same year.
At that time, she set a new record as the oldest first-time performer at 61 years and 6 months, which became a major topic of conversation.
Her appeal lies in a unique expressive power that blends Western-style breathing and sense of rhythm with kayōkyoku melodies, showcasing a style that captivates through phrasing and timing rather than the characteristic kobushi (melismatic ornamentation) of enka.
Kawachi Otoko-bushiNakamura Mitsuko
Mitsuko Nakamura has long been beloved as an enka singer who embodies Osaka’s downtown culture.
Born in 1950 in Higashi-Osaka, Osaka Prefecture, she has been a leading figure of Kansai-born enka since her major debut in 1986.
Her signature songs include “Kawachi Otoko Bushi” and “Osaka Jouwa ~Uchi to Issho ni Narehenka~,” and she is acclaimed for her expressive ability to move seamlessly between spoken narration and song.
In 1997, she won the Japan Record Awards’ Best Vocal Performance, and she has also appeared on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen since 1992.
In addition, through the Mitsumame-kai guide dog training support activity she started in 1993, she has helped bring a total of 43 “Mitsuko-go” guide dogs into the world.
Because it’s someone I haven’t seen in three years.Harada Yuuri
Yuri Harada is an enka singer from Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture.
She studied music at the Faculty of Education at Kagoshima University and, after graduating, had an unusual career path as an elementary school music teacher.
Inspired by the powerful impact of Saburo Kitajima’s stage performance, she set her sights on becoming a singer and made her debut in June 1982.
Her signature songs include “Kisoji no Onna” and “Tsugaru no Hana,” both long beloved by karaoke fans.
She has won multiple Gold Awards at the Japan Record Awards and appeared in the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen for three consecutive years.
Her greatest appeal lies in her expressive power, often described as “acting in song.” The time she spent studying kayō rōkyoku under Yuriko Futaba has informed her singing, which delivers lyrics with meticulous care.
Nozomi-zakaMikasa Yūko
Yuko Mikasa is one of the leading singers in Japan’s enka scene.
Her debut single, released in December 1979, reached No.
25 on the weekly Oricon chart.
It became a long-running hit for about three years and achieved million-seller status.
She went on to release a succession of songs themed around married couples, solidifying her position in the enka world.
At the 24th Japan Record Awards in 1982, she won the Long Seller Award.
With her distinctive voice and emotionally rich singing, she continues to captivate fans across generations.
She frequently appears on television and radio programs, including NHK’s Kayou Concert.
She is a recommended artist for those who want to experience the nostalgic heart of Japan.
Couple Chronicle: A Cheer Song Dedicated to My Beloved YouKaneda Tatsue
Tatsue Kaneda, originally from Sunagawa, Hokkaido, began her career as a folk singer and transitioned to enka in 1973 with the song “Kagai no Haha” (Mother of the Red-Light District).
She has released numerous hits, including “Tatsue no Kawachi Ondo” and “Onna Enka Bushi.” In 1961, she won the Japan Folk Song Association National Competition with her performance of “Esashi Oiwake.” She later moved to Tokyo and started performing as a folk singer.
In 1969, she released “Gōshū Ondo” and “Kawachi Ondo,” marking her debut.
Kaneda’s distinctive vocal timbre and emotionally rich singing have captivated many fans.
Her repertoire often reflects traditional Japanese culture and sentiment, making her highly recommended not only for enka enthusiasts but also for those interested in Japanese culture.
Sanshiro SugataSugata Noriko
Noriko Sugata made her debut as a singer in 1965 and has since led Japan’s enka scene.
Born in 1946, she continues to captivate many with her singing even well into her seventies.
In particular, Sugata Sanshiro, released in 1970, is one of her signature hit songs and remains highly popular, especially among enka fans.
With her refined expressiveness, her voice conveys the bittersweet flavors of life and resonates deeply with listeners.
These timeless songs are always fresh whenever you hear them, reminding you anew of enka’s enduring appeal.
Roundup of female enka singers in their 70s: Voices that evoke nostalgia (21–30)
The Flower Path of WomanhoodOugi Hiroko
Born in 1945, Hiroko Ogi continues to move our hearts with her warm voice and rich tone colors.
Since her 1964 debut single “Akai Tsubaki no Sandogasa,” she has brought us new songs over many years.
In particular, “Shinjuku Blues,” released in 1969, has been loved by many, and even long after its release, it is remembered as a pioneering regional song.
From 1964 to the present, her voice—unchanged in its power to resonate despite changing times—teaches us the beauty of Japanese popular song.
When you listen to Hiroko Ogi’s music, nostalgic scenes of Japan unfold before your eyes.
Among all of Hiroko Ogi’s works, why not find the one song that is special to you?