1.
enka singer; a singer who performs enka (traditional Japanese popular ballads)
Refers to professional singers who specialize in the enka genre.
A compound of 演歌 (enka, a genre of sentimental Japanese ballad music) and 歌手 (singer). Enka is associated with themes of love, loss, loneliness, and nostalgia, often using a distinctive vocal style called kobushi (melismatic vibrato).
Common collocations
- 演歌歌手デビュー: debut as an enka singer
- 大物演歌歌手: big-name enka singer
- 演歌歌手を目指す: to aspire to become an enka singer
Cultural note
Enka singers are often associated with an older audience demographic, though some younger performers have revitalized the genre. Many famous enka singers are household names in Japan and regularly appear on NHK's annual 紅白歌合戦. The genre peaked in popularity during the 1970s-80s but remains culturally significant.