Enka

Description

Enka is a genre of traditional Japanese music characterized by its melodramatic style and themes of love, loss, and nostalgia. It often features a distinctive vocal delivery that emphasizes emotional expression, accompanied by instruments like the shamisen, shakuhachi, and Western orchestral elements.

History

Enka evolved in post-war Japan during the late 1940s and 1950s as a form of sentimental ballad music that appealed to older generations. Its roots can be traced back to 'enka-shi,' street performers in the Meiji Era, but it truly began to take shape as a distinct genre in the mid-20th century. Enka became popular through the 1960s and 1970s, with artists such as Hibari Misora and Keiko Fuji becoming household names. The genre often reflects themes of perseverance and the changing landscape of Japanese society.