[Ones to Watch in 2026!] Recommended Female Singers & Recent Female Artists

Child of the devilHiguchi Ai

Ai Higuchi / Devil's Child [Official Video] | Ai Higuchi “Akuma no Ko” Attack on Titan The Final Season Part 2 ED theme

Ai Higuchi is a singer-songwriter born in Kagawa Prefecture and raised in Nagano Prefecture.

She began studying classical piano at the age of two and built a diverse musical background before making her major-label debut in November 2016 with the album “Hyakurokujū-do” (One Hundred Sixty Degrees).

Her powerful, expressive alto voice and profound lyrics, written from a distinctive perspective, are captivating.

In 2022, she achieved global success with the ending theme for the TV anime Attack on Titan The Final Season Part 2, reaching No.

1 on Apple Music and the iTunes Store J-POP charts in numerous countries.

Fusing classical, jazz, and pop, she dramatizes everyday scenes and inner conflict in a unique style that resonates with many listeners.

Beyond producing her own music, she also writes songs for other artists, and her talent has a deeply compelling impact on those who hear it.

CinderellaTomei

Tomei – Cinderella Covered in Ashes [Official Lyric Video]

Born in 2003, Tomori is a singer-songwriter who, despite being a current university student, has already earned high acclaim both in Japan and abroad.

Her music career began when videos she posted from her bedroom closet on TikTok drew attention.

In the spring of 2022, her talent was recognized by director Makoto Shinkai and Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS during the vocal auditions for Suzume, and she was chosen to perform the song “Suzume.” In July 2023, she made a striking start with her major-label debut single, “Haikaburi.” With genre-defying musicality and a voice capable of expressing a wide range of emotions, Tomori is sure to move the hearts of all who deeply love music.

I had no idea at all.Nakamura Emi

NakamuraEmi “I Had No Idea at All” Music Video

She grips the mic, fixes a sharp gaze on the sky, and sings.

A voice so powerful you’d never expect it from her petite frame shakes the dust off listeners’ weary souls.

NakamuraEmi is a singer-songwriter from Kanagawa.

She made her major debut at around 33, bringing real-world work experience to her music.

She shouts words only she could write—born from what she went through becoming a major artist and from her years as an office worker—using her whole body to deliver them.

One look at her standing on stage with that dignified expression, and you’ll be blown away by how cool she is.

Recommended tracks: “Major Debut” and “Tokyo Tower.”

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Yoimachi Jēn

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Where Love Leadsakase akari

Akase Akari / The Course of Love (My Dress-Up Darling / Official Music Video)

Akari Akase is a next-generation artist attracting attention both in Japan and abroad.

She began her activities in high school as a TikToker, posting videos mainly focused on cosplay.

Later, as she appeared as a model in numerous magazines, she garnered responses from audiences who hadn’t previously watched TikTok.

In 2022, she made her major debut with “Koi no Yukue,” the ending theme of the anime My Dress-Up Darling.

She also showcases cosplay in the music video for the song.

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yamamoto

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I want to fall in love dramaticallyKodama Hikari

I Want to Fall in Love Dramatically / Hikari Kodama (Official Music Video)

Hikari Kodama, known for her exceptional expressiveness, is another artist to watch.

She began her music career in middle school.

In college, she was also active as a member of the acoustic session unit Prasonica, which has produced many artists.

She later started working as a voice actor, showcasing her beautiful voice in anime as well.

In 2023, she handled an anime’s opening theme and achieved her long-awaited major debut.

You won’t want to miss her work both as a voice actor and as a singer.

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yamamoto

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Gunzō SummerPan no Mimimi

Mimi Panno – Summer in the Crowd (Self Cover)

Mimi Panno is a current high school singer who rose to prominence through “Take You Higher,” and is known for her collaboration with KOTONOHOUSE.

She gained major attention in 2022 with the theme song for Powerful Pro Baseball 2022.

Centering her activities on YouTube and streaming apps, she became popular for covering Vocaloid songs.

“Take You Higher,” which fuses KOTONOHOUSE’s “Kawaii Dance Music” craftsmanship with her clear, soaring vocals, has won strong support from many young listeners.

In particular, young people seeking new musical styles and listeners attuned to digital music trends should remember her name now!

Chu, diversity.ano

ano “Chu, Diversity.” Music Video

Ano, who used to be a member of the idol group Yurumerumo! (You’ll Melt More!), quit idol activities in 2020 and has been working as a solo artist.

In 2021, she formed a band called I’s, where she serves as vocalist and guitarist.

This song was selected as the ending theme for episode 7 of the anime Chainsaw Man, which features a unique approach of changing the ending theme each week.

The lyrics and themes tie in with the anime’s content, so it’s likely even more enjoyable to listen after watching the episode.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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