A roundup of female enka singers in their 20s: The young divas of the enka world
When it comes to enka, the long-established veteran singers are, of course, very popular, but in recent years younger singers have also been gaining attention.
In this article, we’ll be introducing a whole lineup of female enka singers in their 20s!
Some have been active since their teens, some are former idols, and others are still balancing idol activities alongside their enka careers—there’s a wide variety of backgrounds.
Each has her own unique charm, from performance style to vocal tone, so be sure to take your time and listen to their songs.
- [Enka] A special feature on female singers in their 30s: Kayō singers whose music goes beyond enka
- [Rising Star] Teenage Female Enka Singer
- Diva of Enka: A roundup of female singers leading the enka world
- [2026] Active in the enka and kayō world! A roundup of beautiful enka singers
- A roundup of 40-something female enka singers with captivating voices
- Reiwa era mustn't be missed: an enka singer with excellent vocals.
- [Overwhelming Vocal Ability] A Compilation of Popular Female Singers
- [2026] Enka’s Seventh Generation! A roundup of young enka singers
- Debut songs of enka singers in the 2000s
- [Enka] A special feature on male singers in their 20s. Glamorous charm.
- Popular Enka. Latest Rankings [2026]
- [Female Singers Edition] The face of New Year’s Eve! Enka singers who appeared on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen
- [For Beginners] Recommended Enka Classics for Karaoke — Women Singers Edition
Roundup of female enka singers in their 20s: The young divas of the enka world (1–10)
I want to see my mother.Mochizuki Ruka
Ruka Mochizuki, born on July 15, 1996, in Kanagawa Prefecture, is a rising star in the enka world.
Encouraged by her mother, she was immersed in music from a young age and set her sights on becoming an enka singer.
While performing with the idol-enka group Lupinus-gumi, she made her solo major debut in July 2020 with “Shitsuren Bojō,” quickly making a name for herself.
The song topped the Oricon Weekly Enka/Kayō Singles Chart.
The following year, in 2021, she won the New Artist Award at the 63rd Japan Record Awards, continuing her brilliant trajectory.
Anticipated as a fresh breeze in the enka scene, Mochizuki’s emotionally rich voice captivates many.
Her singing honors tradition while embracing a modern sensibility, winning support not only from enka fans but from a broad audience.
Fool’s TavernSatono Suzune
Do you know Rinmo Satono, a young enka singer from Hyogo Prefecture? She made her major-label debut in September 2024 with the single “Baka Sakaba” and is affectionately known as the “Smile Enka” singer.
Her clear, resonant upper register and emotionally rich voice are especially appealing.
Before her debut, she won the runner-up prize at the Nippon Crown newcomers’ audition in 2023, and subsequently honed her skills under the guidance of enka master Hideo Mizumori.
With her cheerful personality and solid vocal ability, she has earned broad support from both younger and older audiences.
Because I love youSasaki Mai
Mai Sasaki boasts an astonishing background—she first stepped onto a stage at just 2 years and 10 months old.
While she primarily performs enka and kayōkyoku, she was actually a member of the vocal unit ARCANA PROJECT, where she also lent her talents to TV anime theme songs.
In September 2023, she made her long-awaited major debut with the single “Yakusoku Misaki/Futari de Osake o.” On the TV program THE Karaoke★Battle, she was selected as one of the U-18 Four Heavenly Kings and holds the record for the most wins, a testament to her exceptional vocal ability.
Her voice blends the soul-stirring expressiveness of traditional enka with youthful power and vitality—truly a diva of a new era.
If you’re ready to open a new door to enka, be sure to experience her singing.
Summary of female enka singers in their 20s: The young divas of the enka world (11–20)
Sanba Ren
Ren Minami, a former member of the group Minzoku Happy-gumi (formerly Enka Joshi Lupinus-gumi), pioneered the innovative genre of “Techno Enka.” Starting activities in February 2015, she performed in a style combining kimono-inspired outfits with boots and cultivated a unique sound that fused enka and techno.
The group’s success extended beyond Japan, achieving 28 performances across 8 countries within four years of its formation.
Until her graduation in February 2020, she pursued new possibilities in music.
If you’d like to experience a pop- and rock-infused sound that overturns the conventional image of enka, don’t miss it.
Chiyo Ayako
Ayako Chiyo, who pursued her dream of becoming a voice actor and moved to Tokyo alone at 17, has an impressive background.
The group she belonged to, Minzoku Happy-gumi, drew attention with a unique concept called “techno enka,” which fuses enka with electronic sounds.
The group made its major debut in 2019.
Ayako Chiyo demonstrated talents beyond the idol framework, such as writing lyrics for the group’s songs.
I highly recommend her to anyone who’s inspired by people striving toward their dreams.
Flowers and birds of the four seasonsRuri Takeno
Ruri Takeno began distinguishing herself in the world of folk songs from a young age, winning numerous national competitions.
In 2019, she captured the top prize at the National Minyo and Folk Dance Competition, a testament to her truly outstanding career.
On TV Tokyo’s “THE Karaoke★Battle,” she shone as one of the U-18 Four Emperors, captivating many viewers with her voice.
In May 2023, she released the single “Shikika-cho / Hana Tsuzuri,” which includes a song she penned herself to express her feelings for her hometown.
Building on the rock-solid vocal technique she honed through minyo, she effortlessly spans styles from enka to wa-rock.
As she also forges paths as an occupational therapist and actor, her singing carries the spirit of a new era that transcends genre boundaries.
shii hara emi
Emi Shiihara has a unique background as a former competitive swimmer who even competed at the National Sports Festival.
Born in Oita Prefecture, she began her career in 2019 with the group Enka Joshi Lupinus-gumi.
Her style, which blends the emotional depth of enka with the glamour of idols, gained popularity.
She’s also admired for her exceptional figure, often called the “idol with impossibly long legs.” In September 2024, she made her major debut as a member of Aicong, a unit produced by Tetsuya Komuro, with the single “Shouki no Sata de Night Fever.” Many are sure to be captivated by her relentless pursuit of new challenges beyond the boundaries of enka.