A roundup of female singers who create wonderful cover songs
Among the singers active in the J-pop scene, some perform their own original songs, while others take on a wide range of cover songs.
There are also singers who usually focus on original music but include a cover as a bonus track or occasionally release an entire cover album.
In this article, we’ll spotlight female singers who create wonderful cover songs.
The main appeal of cover songs is that they let you experience a different flavor from the original.
Covers can also serve as a chance to learn about a singer’s background or discover new songs.
Be sure to listen to plenty of the cover tracks by the singers introduced below.
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Female singers who do wonderful cover songs (21–30)
SamsaraNakajima Mika
Mika Nakashima is well known for her clear, husky voice, but in fact she once felt insecure about it.
In her teens, however, on her mentor’s advice, she began aiming to become a singer.
Now she’s a major artist everyone knows! Beyond music, she also has talent as a model and actress.
With numerous signature songs like “Yuki no Hana” and “ORION,” her portrayal of the singer protagonist in the live-action film adaptation of Ai Yazawa’s NANA left a huge impact on us.
cherryBando Tomiko
Formed in 1999 and known for releasing songs like “Hinotaru Sakamichi” and “Fukai Mori,” Tomiko Van debuted as the vocalist of the male–female duo Do As Infinity.
Her calm, husky, and powerful voice gives the impression of a cool, confident woman.
Although Do As Infinity disbanded in 2005 to much regret, they reunited in 2008 and resumed activities.
While Do As Infinity’s original songs are excellent, Tomiko Van’s cover tracks also draw you in with a distinctly different feel.
I miss you so much right nowShenelu
Australian singer-songwriter Che’Nelle’s song “Believe,” the theme for the 2012 film “BRAVE HEARTS: Umizaru,” topped the digital charts and became a long-running hit that’s often sung at karaoke.
Many of you may know her from her powerful vocals showcased on Japanese TV karaoke showdowns.
Her clear tone and feminine high notes really resonate.
Raised in Malaysia and Australia, Che’Nelle’s activities in Japan are also worth keeping an eye on.
The RoseTeshima Aoi
Aoi Teshima is known for her gentle, whisper-like voice.
She became an overnight sensation with Theru’s Song, featured in Studio Ghibli’s film Tales from Earthsea.
In addition to singing, she also voiced the heroine, Theru, in the same work.
Teshima herself has said that she and the character share traits like being stubborn and strong-willed.
She’s also famous for songs like Letter to Tomorrow and Song of Time.
After graduating from junior high, she went on to a music school where she could earn qualifications equivalent to high school and junior college, showing her deep passion for music.
The Last Night TrainMISIA
With her expansive and powerful vocals, singer MISIA captivates countless listeners.
She made her major debut in 1998 with the single “Tsutsumikomu Yō ni…” and has released numerous hits such as “Everything” and “Aitakute Ima.” Beyond her music, she is actively involved in social contribution, including support for the LGBTQ community and for children in Africa and Kenya.
On a cover album released in 2011, she interpreted classics by Nat King Cole and Michael Jackson.
She also covered Kai Band’s “Saigo no Yogisha” on her own jazz album.
With a one-of-a-kind, exceptionally high level of vocal prowess, she is a singer whose gentle, enveloping voice reaches across the world.
powder snowBENI
Debuting in 2004 with “Harmony,” she was selected for numerous original songs used in commercials and as theme songs, including the ending theme “GOAL” for the anime Eyeshield 21 and the Kao Biore Body Deli commercial song “Kiss Kiss Kiss.” BENI, who comes from the 2002 National Beautiful Girl Contest, is also renowned for her stunning looks.
Beyond her remarkable singing voice, she has been active in many fields, collaborating with cosmetics as part of projects supporting women.
East and Westiri
One artist drawing attention for her distinctive husky voice and sense of groove is iri.
Her appeal lies in an urban sound rooted in R&B and hip-hop, and she built her career from solo performances at her local jazz bar.
She made her major debut in 2016, and is known for signature tracks like Watashi, which was featured in a Nike Women campaign, and the emotive Aitai wa.
In the 2014 audition that launched her career, she won the grand prize, and her album Groove it topped the charts.
If you enjoy sophisticated music, you’ll likely be drawn into her world.
Be sure to check out iri’s cool sound!