[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!
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[2026] Enka singers from Tohoku (1–10)
Osaka Flower BlizzardKudō Ayano
Ayano Kudo made her debut in 2014 with “Sakuranbo Koishinbo,” attracting attention as the “Sunny Daughter of Yamagata” and becoming a leading young enka singer from Yamagata Prefecture.
Her single “Arai Gami,” released in January 2023, achieved the remarkable feat of debuting at No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Enka/Kayōkyoku Singles Chart.
Having studied folk music from childhood and won numerous folk song competitions, Kudo’s voice has been praised by her mentor, Tetsuya Gen, as a “forgotten treasure of the Showa era.” In January 2024, she established her own private agency and changed her stage name to her real name, Ayano Kudo, signaling a new phase of challenges.
Combining nostalgia with freshness, Kudo’s warm voice evokes the scenery of her hometown and is perfect for those seeking enka that truly resonates.
New Soma Love SongNumazaki Shūichi
Shuichi Numazaki, a native of Miyagi Prefecture, is an enka and kayōkyoku singer-songwriter who debuted in 2013 with “The Town with the Sairi Residence.” He captures hearts with songs that weave the landscapes of Miyagi into music and express deep love for his hometown.
In 2019, he released the album “Scent of the Sea Breeze,” solidifying his standing as a singer-songwriter.
In November 2018, he released “The Red Waterwheel Restaurant,” a work that drew attention for its evocative depictions of his hometown scenery.
Numazaki also runs the Crown Numazaki Kayō Academy, where he is dedicated to nurturing new artists.
With lyrics that portray local landscapes and people’s emotions, and a warm, comforting voice, he delivers enka that evokes nostalgia.
He is a recommended artist for those who value ties to their hometown and to the people around them.
Crimson TearsTsubuki Miyu
Miyu Tsubuki is a young enka singer born in 1996, from Yabuki Town in Fukushima Prefecture.
She made her debut in February 2015 with “Aizu: Yama no Kami,” drawing attention for her natural, resonant vocals that evoke the scenery of her hometown.
In the same year, she won the Best New Artist Award at the Kayo Festival hosted by the Japan Singers Association.
She has also taken on new challenges, such as forming the unit “Michinoku Musume!” with fellow enka singers from Tohoku and collaborating with a heavy metal band.
With a voice that combines strength and warmth, she is expected to bring fresh energy to traditional enka.
She’s a recommended artist not only for enka lovers but also for music fans seeking a new sensibility.
[2026] Enka Singers from Tohoku (11–20)
Michinoku Pure Love SongHayama Mizuki
Mizuki Hayama is an enka singer from Yamagata Prefecture.
She began pursuing a career as an enka vocalist in the mid-2000s and has steadily built her career, including being selected as a nominee for the Japan Singers Association’s Best New Artist Award in 2016.
Known for hits such as “Benibana Bojō” and “Sakata Kamome Uta,” Hayama captivates many fans with emotionally rich lyrics and melodies.
While rooted in traditional enka, her music also incorporates contemporary elements, earning support from a wide range of listeners.
In 2016, she also won the Excellent New Artist Award at the Japan Record Awards, a testament to her proven talent.
She’s a recommended artist not only for enka fans but also for those seeking new musical discoveries.
Sanriku Great Catch Celebration SongSambongi Tomoko
Tomoko Sambongi, a native of Hirono in Iwate Prefecture, is active as an enka singer rooted in her local community.
She debuted in February 2019 with “Anata no Koizakura,” and has drawn attention with songs themed around the Sanriku sea and its fisheries.
Community-focused tracks such as “Sanriku Tairyo Iwai Uta” and “Santetsu no Fue” are beloved at local festivals and events.
Sambongi also serves as a tourism ambassador for Hirono, working hard to showcase the area’s appeal.
With her warm singing voice and approachable personality, she wins the hearts of fans.
While cherishing the region’s culture and natural character, she shares the charms of Sanriku with audiences nationwide through song.
Seeing her sing enka with her love for her hometown in her heart is sure to move you.
strawberryOosawa Momoko
Since her debut in 2003, Momoko Osawa—a singer-songwriter from Ofunato City in Iwate Prefecture—has drawn attention for her distinctive musical style that, while rooted in enka, incorporates elements of rock and pop.
Her signature song “Ichigo” (Strawberry), a heartfelt expression of gratitude to her mother, is beloved by many fans.
Her talent has been highly recognized, including receiving the Japan Composer’s Association Encouragement Award in 2011.
Beyond her musical activities, Osawa is also deeply engaged in social contribution, such as leading a song project to raise disaster-preparedness awareness and performing goodwill concerts at welfare facilities.
With her warm vocals and lyrics that resonate closely with people’s hearts, Osawa’s music is highly recommended for anyone seeking enka that truly moves the soul.
Gutsy Roughneck ShipOdashiro Naoko
Naoko Odashiro is a folk singer from Miyako City in Iwate Prefecture who is also active in the enka and kayōkyoku genres.
Rooted in her hometown’s traditional musical culture, she began her career as a folk singer.
She later moved into the worlds of enka and popular song, releasing numerous works that convey the heart of Japan.
In February 2019, she released a song depicting the powerful lives and passions of men of the sea.
Characterized by a robust melody and lyrics that portray the emotions of seafarers, the piece is made special by Odashiro’s passionate vocal performance.
Her voice resonates deeply with listeners, delivering the message of the lyrics with clarity and emotion.
She is recognized as an important figure supporting the musical culture of Iwate Prefecture and performs at local festivals and events.