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)
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.
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.
Compilation of female singers who create wonderful cover songs (31–40)
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!
Wine Red HeartShiina Ringo
Shiina Ringo captivates listeners with her one-of-a-kind artistic world.
She debuted in May 1998 with the single “Koufukuron” (The Theory of Happiness), and her music—fusing rock, jazz, kayōkyoku, and other genres—has won wide acclaim.
Songs like “Honnō” and “Gips” retain an undimmed allure and continue to influence many artists today.
Her landmark 2000 album “Shōso Strip” sold over 2.3 million copies.
That literary and provocative worldview is perfect for anyone seeking a musical experience unlike any other.
Be sure to give her songs a listen.
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!
A Good Day to Set Out on a JourneyOnitsuka Chihiro
Chihiro Onitsuka is an artist who has built her own unique world with a soul-stirring voice.
Debuting in 2000, her song Gekkou, which became a massive hit as the theme for the TV drama TRICK, sold over 560,000 copies.
Her ability to captivate listeners with just piano and vocals is a truly unparalleled charm.
Her acclaimed album Insomnia became a million seller, and in December 2001 she won the Japan Record Awards’ Lyrics Award for Mezame.
If you want to immerse yourself in lyrics and vocals that cut deep into the heart, be sure to step into her world.
Falling in Love feat. Akiko KobayashiGILLE
Singer GILLE drew attention when a cover video she posted on YouTube in 2012 became a hit.
She had originally debuted in 2011 under the name TASHA gee, later changing her stage name to GILLE.
Making use of her language skills, she sings English covers of Japanese hit songs.
Her appeal lies in her expansive, soulful voice, and she can deliver songs across genres—from ballads and rock to dance-arranged tracks.
Her cover songs have been released as both singles and albums, and she has also produced many original tracks.
In 2016, she changed her stage name again and has been active as JILLE.
In conclusion
We’ve rounded up a selection of wonderful female singers who have created lots of cover songs. While many of them work on covers alongside their own original tracks, there are also singers who have boosted their popularity by covering beloved classics. If any of the artists introduced in this article caught your interest, be sure to take your time and listen to their cover songs.