![[2026] Enka Singer from Tohoku](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/984SLLvdahw/sddefault.jpg)
[2026] Enka Singer from Tohoku
Kohei Fukuda, Kenji Niinuma, Masao Sen… They’re all well-known figures in the enka world, but do you know what they have in common?
In fact, they all share the same trait: each of them hails from the Tohoku region.
When it comes to enka, many songs are themed around Tohoku or are local anthems, and as mentioned, many famous enka singers come from Tohoku.
In this article, we spotlight enka singers from Tohoku, including younger artists who have debuted in recent years.
That favorite enka singer of yours might actually be from your hometown, too.
Be sure to check out the article!
[2026] Enka singers from Tohoku (1–10)
Woman’s BluesFuji Keiko
While many associate Keiko Fuji with Tokyo’s Shinjuku, she was actually born in Ichinoseki, Iwate Prefecture.
Debuting in September 1969 with “Shinjuku no Onna,” she quickly rose to stardom thanks to her distinctive vocal style and deeply expressive delivery.
With her husky low register and a unique genre dubbed “enka of resentment,” she continued to captivate countless fans.
In 1970, she received the inaugural Japan Record Grand Prize for “Keiko no Yume wa Yoru Hiraku,” among many other honors.
Her songs, often themed around poverty, loneliness, and the sorrows of women, have been highly praised for their profound emotional impact.
Fuji’s voice is perfect for those who want to feel life’s struggles and joys.
Despite her tumultuous life, her music continues to inspire and move many people to this day.
Will you marry me?Niinuma Kenji
Kenji Niinuma, a native of Ofunato City in Iwate Prefecture, made his debut in 1976 with “Omoide Misaki,” and his second single became a major hit.
That same year, he won the New Artist Award at the 18th Japan Record Awards and made his first appearance on NHK’s Kohaku Uta Gassen.
He went on to produce many hit songs, including “Headlight,” “Sake to Futarizure,” and “Tsugaru Koionna.” In addition to his music career, he also showcased his talent as an actor, appearing in films and TV dramas, as well as in variety shows, radio programs, and commercials.
Beloved by many fans for his warm singing voice and personality, Niinuma has continued to be active in the enka world since his debut and is set to celebrate the 50th anniversary of his debut in 2025.
Tsugaru PlainSen Masao
Masao Sen, whose deeply emotional, nostalgic singing voice has captivated many fans, hails from Rikuzentakata in Iwate Prefecture.
He made his debut in 1965 with “Kimi ga Suki,” and the following year scored a million seller with “Hoshikage no Waltz.” In 1968, he made his first appearance at the 19th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
A song he released in 1977 became a massive hit after he kept performing it for two years, ultimately selling over a million copies.
He received the Long Seller Award at the 21st Japan Record Awards, and gained popularity across Asia, including in China and Singapore.
Sen also obtained airplane and helicopter licenses and at one point owned a private aircraft.
Known as a devoted bird lover, he reportedly dotes on his birds so much that he brings them along in dressing rooms and even on buses while traveling.
The Last Train of the Red LampKasuga Hachirō
Hachiro Kasuga, a towering figure in Japan’s enka world and a source of pride for Aizubange Town in Fukushima Prefecture.
He debuted in 1952 with “Akai Ranpu no Shūressha” (The Last Train with the Red Lamp), and went on to release numerous hits such as “Otomisan.” With his clear, beautiful high notes and deeply expressive singing, he continued to captivate many fans.
In 1973, he received the Grand Prize in the Music Division at the Agency for Cultural Affairs Arts Festival, and in 1989 he was awarded the Medal with Purple Ribbon.
Together with Michiya Mihashi and Hideo Murata, he formed “Sannin no Kai,” holding charity concerts and contributing to the development of the enka genre.
His final performance was at Nakano Sunplaza on September 6, 1991, and he passed away on October 22 of the same year at the age of 67.
He is recommended for those who want to listen to classic Showa-era enka or be soothed by a richly emotional singing voice.
grandchildŌizumi Itsurō
While running a cherry farm, Itsuro Oizumi—born in Kahoku Town, Nishimurayama District, Yamagata Prefecture—won the Tohoku-Hokkaido Minyo Grand Prize in 1977 and began his full-fledged music career, making him truly one of the leading artists of the Tohoku region.
His independently produced song “Mago” (Grandchild), released in 1996, was re-released as his major-label debut in 1999 and became a massive hit.
It held the No.
1 spot on the Oricon Enka chart for 26 consecutive weeks and earned a Special Award at the Japan Gold Disc Awards in 2000.
That same year, it won an Excellence Award at the Japan Record Awards, and he made his first appearance on NHK’s Kohaku Uta Gassen.
With his warm vocals that sing of family love and his dedicated efforts to support the bone marrow bank, he has gained support across generations.
He is an enka singer recommended for those seeking a sense of nostalgia and warmth.
Nambu Semi-shigureFukuda Kouhei
Kohei Fukuda, a native of Morioka City in Iwate Prefecture, is an enka singer with a father who was a folk song (minyō) vocalist.
He debuted in 2012 and produced hits such as “Nambu Semi Shigure.” His strengths are the solid vocal technique and richly expressive delivery honed through minyō.
In 2013, he won the Newcomer Award at both the Japan Cable Radio Awards and the Japan Record Awards, and he also made his first appearance on the NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year.
Although he was hospitalized in 2018 for an acute gastric mucosal lesion, he has continued to work energetically after recovering.
Fukuda’s songs, which fuse the appeal of minyō and enka, are perfect for those who love traditional Japanese music.
homesickness for one’s hometown; nostalgic longing to return to one’s rural rootsWada Seiji
Enka singer Seiji Wada, who hails from Koriyama City in Fukushima Prefecture, spent 11 years training as a disciple of Saburo Kitajima before making his second debut in 1999 with “Ueno-hatsu.” Centering his activities on enka, Wada won the New Artist Award at both the 32nd All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards and the 41st Japan Record Awards for his debut song.
His powerful, emotionally rich voice continues to captivate many fans.
In 2012, he became independent and established his own agency, actively expanding his activities.
In recent years, he also launched a YouTube channel, continuing to take on new challenges.
Wada’s vocals are recommended not only for enka enthusiasts but for anyone seeking songs that resonate with the heart.