HIKARI releases a breathtaking new single, Cheer Song for Enko Sakai about award-winning Buddhist monk Enko Sakai. This orchestral ballad features deep, emotional female vocals that seem to come from another world. The ethereal beauty of the melodic vocals is both passionate and romantic, grand in scope and cinematic in feel. Imagine the intensity of a Japanese Phantom of the Opera; this song touches the heart and sends shivers down your spine. Crafted and sung for Enko Sakai using AI, Cheer Song for Enko Sakai proves that the blend of human emotion and AI technology can create deeply moving music. Exquisite orchestral strings flow from low, soft passages to high, epic climaxes, making this a truly soul-stirring experience.
The track is now playing night and day on the New York FM A-List Playlist and is also featured daily as a special ORCHESTRAL POWERPLAY at 2:30 PM Eastern USA Time for the next month.
About Enko Sakai
Born in 1963 in Aichi, Japan, Enko Sakai initially worked as an office employee. He later followed in the footsteps of his maternal grandfather, a Buddhist priest, and entered the priesthood. At the age of 27, he joined Enryakuji Temple on Mt. Hiei, the head temple of the Tendai sect, leaving the Pure Land sect behind. Two years later, he completed rigorous training and entered Myojoin Temple, eventually becoming head priest at 42.
@enkosakai 酒井圓弘の応援歌｡ Cheer Song for Enko Sakai #バラード ♬ オリジナル楽曲 – 酒井圓弘/会社員→住職✅
Enko Sakai transformed Myojoin Temple into a welcoming space for visitors seeking spiritual guidance. The temple gained media attention for its unique approach to practice and is now frequently featured on television and in magazines. Visitors can participate in waterfall meditation, sutra chanting, and Zen meditation.
At 40, Enko Sakai became a certified counselor after completing training in mental health and hypnosis management. He also gained expertise in Reiki, Qigong, yoga, meditation, and energy work. Combining this knowledge with his spiritual experience, he has guided people to find balance and new paths in today’s high-stress society. At 50, he began studying English to share his message with a global audience.
Enko Sakai also made his film debut in Love on Mars, where he played himself and served as executive producer.