[Enka] A special feature on female singers in their 30s: Kayō singers whose music goes beyond enka

POPS writer/editorKEI
Since discovering music during my school days, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. I have experience writing articles for sites like Utaten. 2000s J-pop and 2010s K-pop were especially the soundtrack of my youth. With the mindset that “good is good,” I enjoy music across genres. Thanks to past work environments and their influence, I was exposed to lots of classic rock and kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs), which may have broadened the scope of what I love. At RAG MUSIC, I currently focus on K-pop and J-pop. I strive to edit with a feel for the scene and an eye for hit potential.

Enka, a genre that lets you feel the heart and soul of Japan.

Even if you don’t usually listen to it, many people may have encountered it on the grand stage of the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen or through their grandparents.

In this article, we introduce female enka singers who, at the time of editing, are in their 30s, among those who deliver enka’s powerful and dazzling charm.

Some of them also sing songs that incorporate various flavors such as kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs).

Many have blogs or post on social media themselves, which may help you feel closer to and more familiar with the world of enka.

Please use this as a guide when looking for your favorite enka singer!

[Enka] Special Feature on Female Singers in Their 30s: Kayō Singers Beyond Enka (11–20)

Solitary NostalgiaKoshikawa Yuuko

[MV] Yukiko Koshikawa / Nostalgic Soliloquy

Solitary NostalgiaKoshikawa Yuuko

Yuko Koshikawa is an enka singer from Murakami City, Niigata Prefecture.

In fourth grade, she won the Yūkyūzan Cherry Blossom Kids Singing Contest by performing “Osaka Suzume.” She later appeared on NHK Nodo Jiman and NHK’s “Oi, Japan! Today We’re All About Niigata.” She debuted in 2012 under the name Yuu Asahina with the song “Echigo Sakura.” In 2019, she changed her stage name to Yuko Koshikawa (using different characters), and since 2021 she has been performing as Yuko Koshikawa (current name).

Her standout appeal lies in her exceptional vocal ability—as her career attests, she possesses strong singing skills and delivers consistently stable performances in live shows.

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In conclusion

We’ve introduced a whole lineup of female enka singers in their 30s.

Along with classic, orthodox enka, there are also many singers taking on songs that incorporate a variety of styles, such as kayōkyoku.

Did you find the singer you were looking for? If you have recommendations like “This female enka singer is in her 30s too!” we’d love to add them, so please share them with us!