演歌
Enka is a genre of Japanese popular music characterized by sentimental ballads that express deep emotions such as love, loss, and nostalgia. It features dramatic vocal performances utilizing traditional techniques like kobushi (melismatic ornamentation) and vibrato, blended with a mix of traditional Japanese and Western instrumentation.
Origin: Japan; evolved from ryūkōka and nagauta theater music, incorporating kayōkyoku influences.
Era: Post-WWII (1950s) to present; peaked in 1970s-1990s.