![[Enka] A special feature on female singers in their 30s: Kayō singers whose music goes beyond enka](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/dR_Mk7ONduk/maxresdefault.webp)
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!
- A roundup of female enka singers in their 20s: The young divas of the enka world
- A roundup of 40-something female enka singers with captivating voices
- A Japanese female singer with excellent singing ability; an outstanding vocalist.
- Diva of Enka: A roundup of female singers leading the enka world
- [Enka] A special feature on male singers in their 30s: authentic kayōkyoku brimming with sensual allure
- [Female Singers Edition] The face of New Year’s Eve! Enka singers who appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen
- Popular Enka Singers Ranking [2026]
- [2026] Active in the enka and kayō world! A roundup of beautiful enka singers
- Reiwa era mustn't be missed: an enka singer with excellent vocals.
- [For Beginners] Recommended Enka Classics for Karaoke — Women Singers Edition
- [For Women] A roundup of enka songs that can score high in karaoke
- [2026] A roundup of female enka singers in their 60s: Artists who support Japanese enka
- [Overwhelming Vocal Ability] A Compilation of Popular Female Singers
[Enka] Special Feature on Female Singers in Their 30s: Kayōkyoku Vocalists Beyond Enka (1–10)
Green Que Sera SeraOka Midori
Midori Oka is an enka singer from Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture.
She began singing folk songs at the age of five and was selected as the youngest-ever Hyogo Prefecture master in the Hyogo Prefectural Japan Folk Song Festival Master Competition.
She later shone as a member of HoriPro’s idol group HOP CLUB, and after graduating, launched her career as an enka singer.
Her greatest allure is, above all, her catchy yet sultry voice.
With solid vocal technique and a commanding presence, her singing captivates many listeners.
Be sure to check her out.
Red spider lilies bloomKadamatsu Miyuki
Miyuki Kadomatsu is an enka singer from Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture.
She reportedly became interested in enka at the age of two, began serious vocal training in junior high school, and passed the audition on Nippon TV’s program “Uta Sta” when she was sixteen.
After that, she spent many years working as a karaoke guide vocalist before finally making her debut in 2019.
You could say she was quite a late bloomer as an enka singer.
Her appeal lies in her wistful singing style—her vocals carry a mature, melancholy depth that’s hard to believe for someone in her thirties.
One FlowerHayama Mizuki
Mizuki Hayama is an enka singer from Tsuruoka City in Yamagata Prefecture.
It seems she had been singing at senior citizens’ gatherings since she was four, joined a karaoke club in sixth grade, and, after entering high school, became a member of the Yamagata Prefecture Kayō Promotion Association.
She later won the prefectural kayō championship, worked as a shrine maiden for six years, and, after winning an audition, arrived at where she is today.
Her greatest charm is, above all, her sultry vocal tone—remarkably mature for someone in her thirties.
The gap with her cute looks is striking, so be sure to check out her music videos.
Rainy airportMoriyama Aiko
Aiko Moriyama is an enka singer from Utsunomiya, Tochigi Prefecture, who has also been active as a TV reporter and actress.
She debuted as an enka singer in 2004, and from May 7, 2005 to March 31, 2012, she served as a 23rd-term “Brunch Reporter” on TBS’s popular program “King’s Brunch.” Currently, while continuing her activities as an enka singer, she is also active as a stage actress.
Her greatest charm lies in her high expressive ability.
In addition to her solid skills as an enka singer, she excels at singing with deep emotion.
Golden love to youoka naru mi
Narumi Oka is an enka singer whose blues-inspired vocals leave a strong impression.
She’s actually closer to a kayōkyoku (Japanese pop) singer than a traditional enka artist.
She originally debuted as an enka singer with Tokuma Japan, but has since moved to Nippon Crown.
Though a late bloomer, she’s been gaining attention in the kayō scene.
Her greatest appeal, without a doubt, is her bluesy vocals.
That melancholy, smoky voice makes her the perfect singer to accompany a late-night drink, don’t you think?
Kinokawa RiverYamanishi Akari
Akari Yamanishi is an enka singer from Arida City in Wakayama Prefecture.
She previously served as the lead vocalist of the girls’ chorus group MIZMO, and she’s now gaining popularity on competitive karaoke battle shows.
Her greatest charm, above all, is her exceptional vocal ability.
Although her career path hasn’t been the brightest for an enka singer, her singing skills are among the best for her generation.
Her powerful vocals, born from a rich, full-bodied voice, are truly overwhelming!
Out of a longing for human companionship…Ami Nakazato
Ami Nakazato is an enka singer from Shinagawa, Tokyo.
With a photographer father and a mother who is a Japanese classical dancer, she grew up immersed in the arts from an early age.
Discovered in Harajuku in 2001, she began her career as an actress and also performed as a member of the underground idol group Chō Bakuretsu Ranman Musume.
She later set her sights on becoming a singer and made her major-label debut in 2012 with “Hitori Shikokuroji” on Nippon Crown.
Her greatest appeal lies in her beautiful vocal timbre—sensual and feminine—combined with strong singing technique that makes every song a captivating listen.