![[Enka] A special feature on male singers in their 30s: authentic kayōkyoku brimming with sensual allure](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/aehVeU6kn_Q/maxresdefault.webp)
[Enka] A special feature on male singers in their 30s: authentic kayōkyoku brimming with sensual allure
Enka lets you feel the heart and soul of Japan.
Even people who don’t usually listen to it may have encountered it on the grand stage of the New Year’s Eve Kouhaku Uta Gassen, or through their grandparents.
It’s been decades since Kiyoshi Hikawa—now known for a career that goes beyond enka—broke onto the scene, and in recent years, young male enka singers seem to be attracting attention.
Some have broken out thanks to TV programs, while others are newcomers who debuted only recently.
In this article, we’ll focus on male enka singers in their 30s among these younger artists!
They’re full of charm, combining sensuality, freshness, and a sense of gravitas.
[Enka] Special Feature on Male Singers in Their 30s: Authentic Kayōkyoku Brimming with Allure (1–10)
Rain falls on Hollander SlopeYūji Matsuo
Yushi Matsuo is an enka singer from Isahaya City, Nagasaki Prefecture, known for his distinctive phrasing that weaves in trilled “r” sounds.
He made his major debut in 2012 with Kuchinashi Bojo as a newcomer commemorating Nippon Crown’s 50th anniversary.
Since then, he has achieved significant success among male enka singers in their 30s, including debuting at No.
1 on the Oricon enka/kayō rankings.
His appeal lies in his powerful vocals that incorporate the aforementioned trills, along with a high level of expressiveness that exudes a depth of pathos hard to believe from someone in his 30s.
EbisuSanada Naoki
Naoki Sanada is an enka singer from Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture.
He devoted himself to baseball during his school days, but it seems he gave up pursuing sports after an injury.
Later, during the Great East Japan Earthquake, he heard Misaki Usuzawa’s singing on TV before her debut, which inspired him to aim to become an enka singer, and he debuted in 2016.
His biggest appeal, above all, is his raspy voice, isn’t it? With a powerful, blues-like vocal style that excels in impact, he’s well worth checking out.
Gaien Nishi-doriHikaru, Yamato (hayabusa)
Hayabusa is a kayō music group that debuted in 2012 with “Yokohama Yokorenbo.” They perform a wide range of kayō songs—from works produced by Masayoshi Tsuruoka, a leading figure in mood kayō, to anime theme songs.
Hikaru was born in 1987, and Yamato in 1993.
Both deliver deeply expressive vocals that resonate in the heart, each with a distinct and appealing timbre.
Hikaru’s vocals have a mellowed quality reminiscent of traditional performing arts like kabuki, while Yamato’s voice exudes masculine allure; together they create a unique harmony you won’t find with solo singers.
Many of their songs are relaxed and easy to listen to, making them a great recommendation for those who enjoy that style.
Kushiro 5:35 a.m. departure to NemuroMioka Shota
Shota Mitsuoka is an enka singer from Fujieda City, Shizuoka Prefecture.
Influenced by his grandparents who ran a karaoke cafe, he began singing enka from a young age, and as a first-year high school student he won the NHK Nodo Jiman competition held in Yokohama, Kanagawa.
After continuing to hone his craft, he caught the attention of Hiroshi Itsuki and made his major debut as an enka singer in 2015.
His charm lies in his rich, mature vocals.
While his voice itself has the youthful timbre of someone in their 20s or 30s, his singing style exudes the poignant depth of a seasoned enka performer in their 50s.
He is 29 at the time of writing, but he will turn 30 on November 30, so we have included him here!
Sea of the TimesŌe Yutaka
Hiroshi Oe is an enka singer who is well known even among people who aren’t familiar with enka.
Born in Kishiwada, Osaka Prefecture, he became known to the public after appearing on TBS’s popular show “Sanma’s SUPER Karakuri TV.” His greatest appeal is, above all, his stable vocal ability.
Although he is often perceived as a novelty act, he is actually a bona fide enka singer.
Among his generation, his expressive power is particularly outstanding, so if you like traditional, orthodox enka, be sure to check him out.
Because it’s pouring rainDate Yuta
Yuta Date is an enka singer from Date City, Hokkaido.
He began singing as an elementary school student at local super sento bathhouses and nursing homes, and after appearing on NHK Nodo Jiman in 2004, he embarked on years of groundwork.
In 2012, under the production of Masao Sen, he made his major debut with “Bokyo Akatombo.” His greatest appeal is, above all, his expressive power.
The way he sings every song with contorted facial expressions and deep emotion is sure to capture listeners’ hearts.
Be sure to check him out.
Sekihoku PassShimizu Hiromasa
Hiromasa Shimizu is an enka singer from Shibukawa City, Gunma Prefecture.
Born completely blind due to retinopathy of prematurity, he became familiar with enka under the influence of his grandparents and has lived brightly and resiliently while singing enka.
Later, after achieving strong results on NHK Nodo Jiman, he debuted as an enka singer in 2008.
His greatest appeal is, above all, his vocal ability.
He didn’t gain popularity because he is blind; rather, he is a genuine enka singer who earned acclaim purely for his top-tier vocal prowess.
Please don’t look for me…Minase Dan
Dan Minase is a young enka singer from Aso in Kumamoto Prefecture.
He studied jazz, pop, and vocal music at a music school in Tokyo, but his love for Showa-era kayōkyoku led him to switch to enka.
After debuting in 2009 with “Inoritai no Kami-sama ni / Midasarete,” he moved to Nippon Crown.
On August 2, 2023, he released “Saganaidene…” as his first single since the move.
With his youthful, charming voice and good looks, there’s no doubt he’ll help energize the enka world from here on out!
Moon cherry blossomKai Kento
Kaito Inuto is an enka singer from Nagano Prefecture.
In addition to enka, he excels at kayōkyoku as well, capturing the hearts of many fans with his wide-ranging musicality.
He’s an exceptionally tall singer at 193 cm, but for a tall vocalist, his voice is notably gentle.
His charm lies in his approachable vocals.
He rarely uses strong kobushi (ornamental vibrato), so his songs tend to be catchy.
All of his works are easy to listen to, making them recommended even for those not familiar with enka.
Love Bullet TrainYamauchi Jirō
Jiro Yamauchi is an enka singer from Aso City in Kumamoto Prefecture, known for his refreshing good looks.
At the age of two, he impulsively jumped into a show by Batten Arakawa and danced along to the enka playing, and the response made him realize the joy of performing in front of people.
Although he studied jazz and pop styles from his student days into his early working years, he hit a wall and, with a renewed mindset, set his sights on enka.
He made his CD debut in 2013 with “Koi no Shinkansen” on Espro Records.
He possesses a voice with a grand quality that evokes his upbringing surrounded by the great nature of Aso, and a tone that makes listeners feel cheerful.