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Lovely enka

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

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!

Playlist

[Enka] A special feature on female singers in their 30s: Kayō singers whose music goes beyond enka
show_chartTitlePlaylistReview
1eastGreen Que Sera SeraOka Midori
Green Que Sera SeraOka Midoriplay_arrow
Midori Oka: from folk songs to enka, a captivating singing voice
2eastRed spider lilies bloomKadamatsu Miyuki
Red spider lilies bloomKadamatsu Miyukiplay_arrow
A late-blooming enka singer, a voice filled with melancholy
3eastOne FlowerHayama Mizuki
One FlowerHayama Mizukiplay_arrow
The appeal of Mizuki Hayama, an enka singer from Yamagata
4eastRainy airportMoriyama Aiko
Rainy airportMoriyama Aikoplay_arrow
The Appeal and Achievements of Enka Singer Aiko Moriyama
5eastGolden love to youoka naru mi
Golden love to youoka naru miplay_arrow
Okanaru Mi's bluesy vocals
6eastKinokawa RiverYamanishi Akari
Kinokawa RiverYamanishi Akariplay_arrow
Akari Yamanishi, an enka singer from Wakayama
7eastOut of a longing for human companionship…Ami Nakazato
Out of a longing for human companionship… Ami Nakazatoplay_arrow
The career and beautiful vocal quality of enka singer Ami Nakazato
8eastWandering Bird of TearsMita Kyoka
Wandering Bird of TearsMita Kyokaplay_arrow
Kyoka Mita: Passion for Enka and a Soothing Voice
9eastLeave it to me.kuroki chiharu (kuroki shimai)
Leave it to me.kuroki chiharu (kuroki shimai)play_arrow
Enka singers the Kuroki Sisters, from Saito, make their debut.
10eastDream-foretelling birdFujii Kaori
Dream-foretelling birdFujii Kaoriplay_arrow
An enka singer from Nakano Ward, known for captivating dance and vocal performances
11eastJonkara AffectionShirayuki Miya
Jonkara AffectionShirayuki Miyaplay_arrow
Miya Toi, from folk songs to enka singer
12eastNot enough loveNishida Ai
Not enough loveNishida Aiplay_arrow
The appeal of Ai Nishida’s low-pitched voice
13eastCloud RubbingKazuki Miyu
Cloud RubbingKazuki Miyu
Miyu Kazaki is a skilled enka singer who won a folk song competition.
14eastAshikaze PassMori Konomi
Ashikaze PassMori Konomiplay_arrow
Konami Mori, an enka singer from Hokkaido
15eastSolitary NostalgiaKoshikawa Yuuko
Solitary NostalgiaKoshikawa Yuukoplay_arrow
An enka singer from Niigata, notable for their powerful vocal ability.