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!

Playlist

A roundup of female enka singers in their 70s: voices that evoke nostalgia
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	A Woman’s HarborŌtsuki Miyako		Miyako Otsuki, a singer who continues to captivate hearts with enka
2	companion on the road; fellow traveler; taking someone along (often unwillingly)Makimura Mieko		Mieko Makimura’s singing voice coloring the scenery of the Showa era
3	The person I fell in love withMiyako Harumi		Harumi Miyako captivates Japan with her powerful singing voice.
4	Boat SongYashiro Aki		Aki Yashiro: a soulful voice that resonates through a diverse array of music
5	Ishikari ElegyKitahara Mirei		Mirei Kitahara captivates with her emotionally rich singing voice
6	City of Ukiyo-eUchida Akari		Akari Uchida, a singer who warms hearts with enka
7	Let’s leave it to fate (and see what happens).Suizenji Kiyoko		The appeal of enka singer Kiyoko Suizenji
8	In Search of Love and DeathAoyama Kazuko		A celebrated singer of the Showa era, expressing life through song
9	To each their ownNakamura Mitsuko		The Appeal and Achievements of Enka Singer Mitsuko Nakamura
10	Life won’t give (it) to me / Unyielding lifeSegawa Eiko		Eiko Segawa thrives as an enka songstress
11	Memories SakeKobayashi Sachiko		Enka singer Sachiko Kobayashi: a charm that transcends generations
12	I miss youMisawa Akemi		Akemi Misawa, enka singer who had a huge hit with Wataridori (Migratory Bird)
13	Younger brother,Naitō Yasuko		Yasuko Naito, a singing voice brimming with the sentiment of the Showa era
14	monologueAkimoto Junko		The Late-Blooming Enka Singer, Junko Akimoto’s Challenge
15	As I am in love…Akimoto Junko		The appeal of Junko Akimoto, who sings in a wide variety of genres.
16	Kawachi Otoko-bushiNakamura Mitsuko		Mitsuko Nakamura, a popular Osaka enka singer
17	Because it’s someone I haven’t seen in three years.Harada Yuuri		Yuri Harada, an enka singer from Kumamoto
18	Nozomi-zakaMikasa Yūko		Yuko Mikasa, a million-selling enka singer
19	Couple Chronicle: A Cheer Song Dedicated to My Beloved YouKaneda Tatsue		Tatsue Kaneda switches from folk songs to enka.
20	Sanshiro SugataSugata Noriko		Noriko Sugata continues to captivate with her singing voice even past 70
21	The Flower Path of WomanhoodOugi Hiroko		Hiroko Ogi: Carrying on a soul-stirring singing voice
22	Raised in a downtown neighborhoodSasa Midori		Midori Sasa is an enka singer with a clear, translucent voice who portrays the four seasons and the human journey.
23	someone else’s shipOno Yukiko		Yukiko Ono, the songstress of the enka world, transcending eras