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

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.

Playlist

The Allure of Deep Vocals: A Collection of Yutaka Yamakawa’s Easy-to-Sing Songs [2026]
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	America BridgeYamakawa Yutaka		The America Bridge is a fusion of Showa-era kayōkyoku and pop music.
2	stationYamakawa Yutaka		Yutaka Yamakawa 45th Anniversary Debut New Song 'Eki' (Station)
3	Farewell at a Rain-Soaked InnYamakawa Yutaka		Farewell Shigure-juku is a hidden masterpiece by Yutaka Yamakawa
4	Stopover (getting off partway)Yamakawa Yutaka		Yutaka Yamakawa’s powerful singing and distinctive kobushi (ornamental vocal trill)
5	Big brotherYamakawa Yutaka		A simple enka imbued with respect for my older brother
6	parting snowYamakawa Yutaka		Yamakawa Yutaka’s classic “Wakare Yuki” is an easy-to-sing enka song.
7	From AimatigusaYamakawa Yutaka		From Love-Waiting Grass, a heartfelt vocal performance
8	KeikoYamakawa Yutaka		Keiko is subdued and moist, holding back her strength
9	Sake is a lullaby for men.Yamakawa Yutaka		Sake is a delicate enka, a lullaby for men.
10	Omokage Main LineYamakawa Yutaka		Yutaka Yamakawa’s sultry enka mood ballad
11	cherry blossoms at nightYamakawa Yutaka		Yutaka Yamakawa’s “Yozakura” is enka-style and has a low difficulty for kobushi (melismatic ornamentation).
12	bond; emotional ties; connectionYamakawa Yutaka		Yutaka Yamakawa’s masterpiece “Kizuna” is a song characteristic of enka.
13	New York StoriesYamakawa Yutaka		A fusion song of pop and enka by Yutaka Yamakawa.
14	Harbor TavernYamakawa Yutaka		Port Tavern is a masterpiece that expresses masculinity with a low voice.
15	barroom scoundrelYamakawa Yutaka		Yutaka Yamakawa’s Good-for-Nothing of the Tavern
16	Snow Dance BridgeYamakawa Yutaka		Yutaka Yamakawa’s mood kayō song. A Shōwa-era kayōkyoku with little variation.