Kiyoshi Hikawa’s Triumphant Return to Enka at Kouhaku

“I was pleasantly surprised.”

The singer Kiyoshi Hikawa (47), surrounded by a large group of staff, emerged from NHK with a look of fulfillment on his face.

After suspending his singing career following his performance at the 2022 “NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen” to take a break, Hikawa made his return after two years at last year’s Kōhaku, performing “Hakumo no Shiro.” Late at night on New Year’s Day after the broadcast ended, dressed in a black coat, Hikawa was seen enthusiastically chatting with staff until his transport arrived. With a satisfied expression, he got into the vehicle.

“Hikawa had become known for his flamboyant costumes and makeup while performing anime songs and similar genres. At the 2022 Kōhaku, he wore a flashy gold outfit and sang ‘Limit Break x Survivor,’ the opening theme for the anime Dragon Ball Super (Fuji TV). Many viewers expected him to appear in a similar style this time. However, to their surprise, he took the stage in traditional hakama attire and passionately sang his 2003 enka song ‘Hakumo no Shiro.’ Longtime Hikawa fans were pleasantly surprised,” said a TV magazine writer.

After his performance, Hikawa smiled and said:

“As long as I have life in me, I want to keep singing, so I ask for your continued support. Thank you very much.”

Social media reacted immediately to his appearance. While some expressed disappointment, saying, “I was hoping to see a new side of Hikawa,” the majority praised his return, commenting, “Enka suits him best—his singing is incredible,” and “His voice and aura have grown even more powerful since his hiatus.” Some even called it a return to his roots. How did people in the music industry view this comeback?

 

Enka Singer Fully Returns

“In recent years, he has been challenging himself in various ways, trying to break free from the fixed image of enka singer Hikawa Kiyoshi. His longtime manager from his previous agency, Nagara Productions, is still with him, and with the support of long-standing staff, including the current president of his label, Nippon Columbia, he was given the freedom to do everything he wanted. His two-year hiatus was also a decision made out of respect for his wishes, and his comeback now reflects his determination to return to his roots and sing enka properly from the ground up. It is safe to say that enka singer Hikawa Kiyoshi has made a full comeback,” said a music industry insider.

Last summer, Hikawa held his 25th anniversary concerts in Tokyo and Osaka, with more than half of the setlist consisting of the traveler enka songs he has performed over the years. On social media, comments such as  Longtime fans are truly relieved and will continue to support him and Hikawa singing enka is the best were widely seen.

On January 7, the news site NetLab conducted a survey titled [Chosen by Women in Their 60s and Older] The Greatest Japanese Vocalists in History! in which Hikawa ranked second. The reasons cited included not only his androgynous charm but also his overwhelming vocal prowess as an enka singer.

Starting January 31, a film adaptation of last year’s tour, Theatrical Version: Hikawa Kiyoshi KIYOSHI HIKAWA＋KIINA. 25th Anniversary Concert Tour ～KIIZNA～, will be screened. Fans will have another opportunity to fully appreciate the reborn Hikawa, who has returned to his roots.