Hiroshi Itsuki’s New ‘Izakaya’ Song Tugs at the Heartstrings: Why His Duet with Mitsuru Nakamura, Along with ‘Yokohama Tasogare’ and ‘Chigiri’, Resonates So Deeply Now

Late night in Shimbashi. You duck under the noren curtain and there he is, a man sitting alone at the counter with a drink. That scene comes to mind so easily, probably because Hiroshi Itsuki’s voice is the very embodiment of “adult melancholy” for our generation. When I heard his latest release the other day, I just had to get my hands on it. Whether you’re a fan of enka and kayokyoku or not, this is one release you can’t afford to miss.

The buzz is all about the duet “Izakaya” by the undisputed heavyweight Hiroshi Itsuki and fellow enka powerhouse Mitsuru Nakamura. The moment you see that title, it’s bound to strike a chord with any enka fan. In his classic “Yokohama Tasogare”, Itsuki painted a poignant and beautiful picture of twilight in Yokohama’s port town. Back then, he was singing about a “city” and a “farewell”. This time, “Izakaya” dives into a more intimate, more passionate space—right into the heart of human emotion.

Listening to this new song, what first hits you is the sheer “atmosphere”. The instrumental backing is stripped back to the bare essentials, letting the rich interplay of their voices take centre stage. It feels like you’re right there in a tiny corner bar, listening to two slightly tipsy people reflecting on the past. Mitsuru Nakamura’s warm, powerful voice and Hiroshi Itsuki’s seasoned, emotive vocals blend together in a perfect, delicate balance.

Now, you can’t help but be reminded of another pillar of his career, “Chigiri”. With that iconic line, “I wish I’d never met you that day,” it was all about questioning fate and coming to terms with an inescapable bond. All these years later, “Izakaya” feels like what comes after that intense “Chigiri”—a deeper, more peaceful bond, tinged with a sense of quiet acceptance.

That’s why this new track transcends being just another duet; it resonates like the culmination of Hiroshi Itsuki’s entire artistic journey. He was the phenomenon of the 70s with “Yokohama Tasogare”, cemented the aesthetic of the mature man in the 80s with “Chigiri”, and now, in the Reiwa era, he’s reached a new peak with the perfect partner, Mitsuru Nakamura. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call this the ultimate expression of “human emotion”—the very theme at the heart of enka.

Looking at today’s music scene, with streaming at its peak, there’s a huge revival of “City Pop” and kayokyoku among the younger generation. In this landscape, “Izakaya” by the giant that is Hiroshi Itsuki feels both like a tribute to past masterpieces like Yokohama Tasogare and Chigiri, and a strong contender for a new standard in its own right.

Let’s break down what makes this song so compelling:

• A lyrical world steeped in Showa-era mood – Details like “whisky”, “glass”, and “rain” build an emotional landscape that feels like a scene straight out of a film.
• The ultimate duo: Hiroshi Itsuki & Mitsuru Nakamura – These two artists, who have each built incredible solo careers, bring out the best in each other. The chemistry they create is the song’s greatest highlight.
• A lingering finish that invites imagination – You can’t help but wonder if the protagonist from “Yokohama Tasogare” has, years later, found himself in this very izakaya. It’s a track with such depth that it sparks these kinds of daydreams.

Ultimately, a truly great song is one that gently fills the cracks in our hearts. Whether it’s a drink after work, a night when memories come flooding back, or a quiet toast with someone special—this song, “Izakaya”, fits the moment perfectly. From Showa to Reiwa, times may change, but the stories of men and women that Hiroshi Itsuki sings will continue to be a light in our hearts for years to come.

If you haven’t heard it yet, I really encourage you to put on your headphones during a quiet evening and lose yourself in the dramatic world woven by Hiroshi Itsuki and Mitsuru Nakamura. I’m sure you’ll discover your very own “Izakaya” within it.