The Allure of Deep Vocals: A Collection of Yutaka Yamakawa’s Easy-to-Sing Songs [2026]

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and for over 18 years I’ve contributed to music magazines, disc guide books, mooks, and web media. As a writer my main field is Western music, but as a listener for over 35 years, I always try to keep my curiosity alive with the motto “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in bands, where I was a bassist who handled songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve played include bass, guitar, and piano. I began studying English in my mid-40s and continue to do so today.

Yutaka Yamakawa, a veteran enka singer whose debut single “Hakodate Main Line,” released in 1981, became a hit, captivates listeners with his appealing low voice that carries a touch of melancholy while still feeling urbane and polished.

His elder brother Ichiro Toba, as well as his nephews Ryuzo Kimura and Tetsuji Kimura, are also active as enka singers, making the family a force that energizes Japan’s music scene.

Although Mr.

Yamakawa is currently battling illness, he continues to work energetically, and his song “Aniki,” released in October 2024, drew significant attention.

Among Mr.

Yamakawa’s many classic songs, I researched and compiled recommendations that are easy to sing at karaoke.

If you’ve only recently discovered Mr.

Yamakawa, this is a great chance to check them out.

[The Charm of Low Notes] A Collection of Yutaka Yamakawa’s Easy-to-Sing Songs [2026] (11–20)

barroom scoundrelYamakawa Yutaka

Sakaba No Rokudenashi

barroom scoundrelYamakawa Yutaka

Yutaka Yamakawa is known for having many mood-rich songs, but he has also released some bright yet wistful masterpieces.

Among them, the one I especially recommend is “Sakaba no Rokudenashi” (Good-for-Nothing at the Bar).

While there are moments of slightly forceful kobushi (ornamental vocal turns), the overall vocal line is rendered softly.

The range is narrow and there are a fair number of rests, so even without strong fundamental skills like breath control or a wide vocal range, it’s a song you can convincingly deliver with a few simple techniques.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Snow Dance BridgeYamakawa Yutaka

Yukimai Bashi

Snow Dance BridgeYamakawa Yutaka

Among enka singers, Yutaka Yamakawa is especially known for the strong influence of Showa-era kayokyoku in his music.

He is noted for having many songs in the mood kayokyoku style, and Yukimaibashi is a track where you can fully savor that mood-kayokyoku flavor.

This song does not feature kobushi, a hallmark of enka, and instead maintains a gently flowing vocal line with little dramatic rise or fall throughout.

The vocal range is narrow and there are no powerful long tones, so as long as you can manage vibrato and dynamic shading, almost anyone could sing it at a semi-professional level.

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In conclusion

As mentioned at the beginning, Mr.

Yamakawa’s continued presence on stage—singing while still battling illness—gives courage to many people.

It’s truly remarkable how his voice, imbued with strength, kindness, and a touch of melancholy, keeps evolving and gaining depth.

I hope you’ll use this article as a guide and try singing many of Mr.

Yamakawa’s classic songs at karaoke!