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[Admiration] Cute! A roundup of popular Japanese music singers and artists

There’s that classic route to becoming a fan: you hear a song by chance, fall in love with it, and then start liking the artist who sings it.

And once you become a fan, no matter what they do, you can’t help but think they’re cute… I totally get that feeling!

I guess that’s what we call having an “oshi,” right?

In this article, I’m going to introduce lots of Japanese singers who are incredibly cute and full of charm.

And of course—though this hardly needs saying—every one of them is also highly skilled as a vocalist!

[Admiration] Cute! A roundup of popular Japanese music singers and artists (21–30)

Sentimental KissShio Reira

Reira Shio - Sentimental Kiss [Official Music Video]
Sentimental KissShio Reira

Reira Ushio is a rising singer-songwriter known for her distinctive worldbuilding and clear, crystalline vocals.

Drawing on her literary training at university, she’s gaining attention for meticulous word choice and rich musicality.

She debuted with a digital single in September 2021 and has continued to release melodic tracks.

In August 2023, she achieved her long-awaited major debut with Sony Music Labels.

A song used as BGM on an ABEMA dating show reached No.

1 on Spotify’s Viral Chart.

In August 2024, she released her first EP on CD, and in the fall she captivated fans nationwide with a Tokyo-Nagoya-Osaka tour and an acoustic tour.

A true all-rounder who handles everything from writing and composing to arranging and producing, she actively engages with fans on social media.

Her lyrics vividly capture the delicate emotions of youth, and her ear-catching melodies are sure to resonate with listeners.

BUSYMYERA

MYERA “BUSY” Official MusicVideo
BUSYMYERA

MYERA is blazing a new trail in the music scene, transcending the boundaries between J-POP and K-POP.

The five-member girl group made their major debut in January 2025.

Comprised of the uniquely talented Aguri, Yui, Koto, Lilia, and Ximena, all members are seasoned performers with experience on survival shows such as PRODUCE 101.

Renowned for their dance skills, they deliver free-spirited, powerful performances.

Musically, they captivate with an experimental, genre-defying approach and deeply resonant lyrics that explore themes of self-acceptance and vulnerability.

They actively engage with fans on social media, steadily growing their fanbase by sharing behind-the-scenes content and showcasing each member’s personality.

A highly recommended artist for those seeking powerful self-expression and genuine connection.

A flower of hopei☆Ris

i☆Ris / “Kibō no Hana o” – Music Video -
A flower of hopei☆Ris

i☆Ris is a five-member unit that balances both voice acting and idol activities, expanding their work mainly through anime and live performances.

Formed in 2012, they were born from the “Anisong Vocal Audition” held by Avex Pictures and 81 Produce.

After early live shows with only a handful of audience members, their prominence rose significantly in 2014 when they played main roles in a TV anime.

In 2016, they won the Singing Award at the 10th Seiyu Awards and successfully held a solo concert at Nippon Budokan.

Centered on anime songs, their repertoire spans a wide range of genres including pop and dance music, and in 2024 they also starred in a feature-length anime film.

They’re a recommended group for music fans interested in anime and idol culture.

A rousing anthem! The girls born in Naniwatakoyaki reinboo

Takoyaki Rainbow “Zesshō! The Girls Born in Naniwa” MUSIC VIDEO
A rousing anthem! The girls born in Naniwatakoyaki reinboo

Takoyaki Rainbow, a five-member idol group based in the Kansai region, was formed in September 2012 and drew attention as “Stardust’s ultimate weapon.” The bonds forged by its distinctive members while living together were fully displayed at fan interaction events.

Centered on pop music, they released songs packed with Kansai-style energy and humor, steadily building a track record that included reaching No.

1 on the USEN Weekly J-POP Chart.

They also served as officially recognized “Sele-jos” for Cerezo Osaka, establishing a strong local presence.

Until their much-regretted disbandment in May 2021, they continued to boldly take on new challenges such as live streaming on YouTube.

Their appeal lay in energetic performances and heartwarming Kansai-dialect banter.

You’ve got to be kidding.maneki kecha

Maneki Kecak is a five-member idol group formed in 2015 under the production of the Japan Twintail Association.

They insist on fully live vocals, performing songs with lyrics by Kan Furuya and compositions by Elements Garden, and carry out their activities in costumes crafted by top-tier designers.

In 2016, they sold out three consecutive monthly solo concerts at Zepp Tokyo, Nakano Sunplaza, and Yoyogi Park Outdoor Stage, and took first place in both the audience vote and online vote at TOKYO IDOL FESTIVAL.

In September 2018, they captivated 10,000 fans at their Budokan show, and have continued to sell out venues on their nationwide tours.

They are currently operating under a new lineup led by Kaede Nagisa; the five members—praised for their Kansai-dialect banter, strong vocal ability, and high-level looks—are active as apprentice angels.

HANAGATAMIfantomu shiitaa

Phantom Theta “HANAGATAMI” (Official Music Video)
HANAGATAMIfantomu shiitaa

Phantom Theta is a five-member female idol group that captivates audiences with a fantastical worldview and a distinctive musical style.

Debuting in 2023, they present songs that transcend genres, from Showa-era kayōkyoku to modern pop.

Produced by Ado, their music boasts a rich, musical-like expressiveness that is a key part of their appeal.

Each member has a unique personality, and the harmonies woven by the five—Momoka, Miu, Rinka, Hisui, and Mona—are truly breathtaking.

Their first solo concert at Nippon Budokan is set for November 1, 2024, and their album “Memories of a Girlhood Day” is also on the way.

They’re highly recommended for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in a fantastical musical world or discover a new kind of idol.

Magical Tokimeki High BeamMajikaru Panchirain

[MUSIC VIDEO] Magical Punchline “Magical Tokimeki High Beam”
Magical Tokimeki High BeamMajikaru Panchirain

Magical Punchline has been drawing attention for their enchanting world that blends fantasy and pop.

They made their major debut in July 2016 with the mini-album “MAGiCAL PUNCHLiNE.” Formed around Rena Sato, formerly of Idoling!!!, the five-member group captivates many fans with a girly pop foundation and a unique, magic-themed musical style.

In 2024, they are actively performing both in Japan and abroad, including an appearance at SUMMER SONIC and live shows in Singapore.

A 10th-anniversary concert is planned for spring 2026, and it’s been decided that Tom-H@ck, the producer of their debut track, will create new music.

They’re highly recommended for those drawn to a fusion of a fantastical worldview and cute performances.