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.
Sign of LoveMori Nana
Nana Mori is currently flourishing as an actress, and her singing voice is incredibly captivating as well.
She began her music career in 2020 with a film theme song, and her cover of “Smile,” produced as a beverage commercial song, has garnered over 35 million views on YouTube.
The expressive power that earned her the Best New Actress award at the Seiyu Awards for her role as a heroine in an animated film surely shines through in her singing, too.
If you listen to her album “Album,” featuring tracks provided by a variety of creators, you’re bound to discover a new side of her.
Be sure to check it out!
HOWEVERKahara Tomomi
One of the singers who epitomized the J-POP scene of the 1990s is Tomomi Kahara.
With an emotionally rich voice, she deftly handled everything from ballads to dance-pop, gaining popularity after her 1995 debut with hits like “I BELIEVE” and “I’m proud.” Her 1996 album LOVE BRACE was a massive success, selling a total of 2.57 million copies.
A proven talent who won the Best New Artist Award at the 37th Japan Record Awards, she’s also known for bringing out different charms from original songs—her 2014 cover album even won the Planning Award.
If you’d like to experience a voice that’s both powerful and delicate, be sure to give her a listen!
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!
PretenderHirose Kōmi
Known by the nickname “Queen of Winter,” singer-songwriter Kōmi Hirose is celebrated for her music rooted in classical traditions—powerful and captivating, wouldn’t you agree? She debuted in 1992, and the following year scored a massive hit with a song made famous in a ski equipment store commercial.
In recent years, her YouTube activity has drawn attention as well, with her “I tried singing” cover series surpassing 430,000 subscribers.
Her covers, delivered with assured vocal prowess, bring out the strengths of the originals while radiating a fresh allure.
If you want to be swept away by a commanding voice, be sure to give her a listen.
Graduation PhotoImai Miki
After working as a model, Miki Imai embarked on a career as a singer.
Her greatest appeal lies in her crystal-clear voice that seems to gently permeate the listener’s heart.
She debuted in 1986, and her 1996 single “PRIDE” was a massive hit, selling over 1.6 million copies.
Many people likely came to know her through this classic.
In 2011, she received the Best Mother Award, and her lifestyle has also garnered attention.
In addition to her original songs, she has performed many cover tracks, making her perfect for those who want to enjoy a different atmosphere from the original versions.
Let her voice reveal a new side to beloved classics.
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.