[Prince of Enka] Keisuke Yamauchi’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.

Although he made a dazzling debut in his teens with the catchphrase “I’m an enka high schooler,” he didn’t immediately break through.

After persevering through several difficult years, Keisuke Yamauchi now enjoys top-tier popularity as the “Prince of the Enka World.” Since his first appearance in 2015, Yamauchi has been a regular on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, making him a familiar name in households across Japan.

He’s a versatile singer who not only excels in classic enka but also delivers glamorous kayōkyoku, pop, and even ballads.

Many of Yamauchi’s songs make you want to try them at karaoke, and today we’re highlighting some that are especially easy to sing.

If you’ve only recently discovered Yamauchi, be sure to check these out!

[Prince of Enka] Keisuke Yamauchi’s Easy-to-Sing Songs [2026] (11–20)

Scarlet LipsYamauchi Keisuke

Keisuke Yamauchi “Scarlet Lips” Music Video

Scarlet LipsYamauchi Keisuke

Welcoming lyricist Goro Matsui, Keisuke Yamauchi’s 2019 single “Kuchibiru Scarlet” is, as the title suggests, packed with a classic Showa kayōkyoku flavor, and it was performed at that year’s NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen—so many listeners will likely think, “Oh, that song,” as soon as they hear it.

If you like kayōkyoku, the melody will feel instantly familiar, and you’ll probably find it easy to sing at karaoke.

From around the B-melody, the lines flow with expansive melodies in succession, so try singing while minding your breathing points to avoid running out of breath.

Raise the rankinglower

Report a problem

In conclusion

Yamauchi’s singing voice, which combines a bright tone that seems to reflect his sincerity as it is, is truly innate, and the technique of clearly singing very low notes is, as expected, difficult.

That said, from classic enka to the kayōkyoku style, many of Yamauchi’s songs are easy for even enka beginners to get into, and the melodies are clear and straightforward, so they should feel great to sing at karaoke!