Kiyoshi Hikawa’s Triumphant Return to Enka at Kouhaku

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.