![[Enka] A special feature on male singers in their 20s. Glamorous charm.](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/qwZZYEG874c/maxresdefault.webp)
[Enka] A special feature on male singers in their 20s. Glamorous charm.
Enka, a genre that lets you feel the Japanese heart and soul.
Even those who don’t usually listen to it may have encountered it on the grand stage of the Red and White Song Battle or through their grandparents.
It’s been decades since Kiyoshi Hikawa—now known for activities far beyond enka—first broke through, and in recent years young male enka singers seem to be drawing attention.
The fan base has been steadily spreading to younger generations, and the sense of closeness to the artists is one reason for their popularity.
In this article, we’ll focus on male enka singers in their 20s among these young performers!
Let’s shine a spotlight on their dazzling appeal!
[Enka] Special Feature on Male Singers in Their 20s: Radiant Charm (1–10)
Sinful LoveFutami Souichi
Souichi Futami is a powerhouse enka singer who has earned top results at folk song competitions.
Born in Kunitomi Town, Miyazaki Prefecture, he was exposed to enka and folk music from an early age.
In his first year of junior high, he won the national junior high division of the Minyo Minbu Youth National Competition, and in his second year of high school, he took first place in the men’s division of the Seicho Kariboshikiri-uta National Competition.
His greatest appeal is, without question, his vocal ability.
As his track record shows, he possesses an exceptionally high level of singing skill, and his kobushi (ornamental vibrato technique) ranks among the best of his generation.
Be sure to check him out.
The Beginning of a WomanAoyama Shin
Shin Aoyama, an enka singer from Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, made a spectacular debut as the 60th anniversary commemorative artist for Geiei.
His debut catchphrase was “A 19-year-old straight shooter in song!” and even now he continues to produce many classics in a traditional, orthodox style.
Aoyama’s greatest appeal is, above all, his masculine singing.
His voice is powerful and rugged, and combined with his manly delivery, it’s easy to see why many women find themselves captivated.
If you like enka with a strong, forceful vocal style, be sure to check him out.
Snow, Moon, and Flowerstatsumi yūto
Yuto Tatsumi is an enka singer from Fujiidera City, Osaka Prefecture.
His journey began when he won the Teens Karaoke Contest hosted by Nagara Production in his first year of junior high school, after which he spent his formative years performing street live shows.
He made his enka debut in 2018 with the single “Shitamachi Junjo.” His greatest appeal is, above all, his stable vocal ability.
As his background suggests, he possesses a high level of singing skill, delivering sophisticated kobushi (ornamental vocal turns) in every song.
Innocent CuckooHarada Namito
Nami Harada is an enka singer from Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture.
Influenced by his grandfather, he was exposed to enka from a young age, and by the sixth grade of elementary school he had even self-produced a CD of original songs, already active as an artist.
He later gained recognition on programs like NHK Nodo Jiman, and debuted as an enka singer in 2019.
His biggest appeal is, above all, his musicality.
He wields a style not found in typical enka, and some of his tracks even have a reggaeton-like vibe.
Truly, he’s neo-enka.
A Man’s Fishing GroundIchijō Kanta
Kanta Ichijo is an enka singer from Chiba City, Chiba Prefecture.
While enka singers typically conjure an image of glittering suits, he sticks to a rock ’n’ roll style with a leather jacket and jeans.
His look may be unconventional, but he’s far from a novelty act—he has earned strong results in competitions like the National Karaoke Box Grand Prix and the All-Japan Singing Championship, Utaou.
His real charm lies in his rugged voice.
His timbre and singing style have a depth you wouldn’t expect from someone in their twenties—simply overwhelming.
Winter ButterflyNakazawa Takuya
Takaya Nakazawa is an enka singer from Nagaoka City, Niigata Prefecture.
He had an interest in motorsports from a young age and seemed to be pursuing a career as a professional racer, but before entering high school he decided to become a professional singer.
From then on, he majored in vocals, and after winning NHK Nodo Jiman, he made his debut in 2017 with Nippon Crown.
His greatest charm is, above all, his deeply resonant voice.
It’s not that his voice is particularly low, but it has a depth that makes any song strike a chord with the listener.
I won’t let go, I won’t let go.Shinhama Reon
Leon Niihama is an enka singer from Shiroi City, Chiba Prefecture, whose striking looks are reminiscent of a K-pop idol.
He is the son of enka singer Yasuo Takashiro, known for the Hakata no Shio commercial jingle, and in his childhood he was devoted not to enka but to baseball.
Later, at his father’s recommendation, he set his sights on becoming an enka singer, trained from the ground up, and debuted in 2019.
His greatest charm is, above all, his mood-rich singing voice.
Although he has a pure, clean-cut image, his vocals exude a remarkably mature sensuality.