The term enka refers to two different styles of Japanese music. The first is a traditional type of music from both the Meiji period (1868–1912) and the Taisho period (1912-1926). The second is a genre of melodramatic Japanese popular songs, which has been likened to American country music in terms of themes and audience. The term now usually refers to the latter.
The term enka (演歌 - from enzetsu public speech and ka song) originated in Meiji Japan. It began as a form of political dissent - speeches set to music to make them spread more easily - but quickly changed form. It was the first style to synthesize the Japanese pentatonic scale with Western harmonies.
In recent decades, enka music has declined both in sales and in recognition as American-like J-Pop music has become more popular. However, there are still many in Japan who like it. Its popularity among younger Japanese people has increased lately because of singer Kiyoshi Hikawa and the early solo releases of then-Morning Musume member Yuko Nakazawa. Enka singers, especially females, usually perform in a kimono.
More on [ Enka ]

Barbara's Enka Site - Detailed description of the genre, profiles of performers, album reviews, audio samples, and links.
Meta Description: [ Barbara's Enka Site gives a detailed description of the Japanese musical genre known as Enka, and also an overview of some of the top Enka performers and their albums. ]
Enka - Song of Sweet Resignation - Describes the origins of enka and its cultural underpinnings.
The Native Ballad, or Enka - Brief history of the music tradition.
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