[2026] Japanese female artists. Trending singers & idols.
What kind of music do you usually listen to?
There are many genres in Japanese music, and I’m sure some of you enjoy listening to songs by female artists.
These days, thanks to subscription services, you can instantly listen to plenty of songs—including any that catch your interest!
In this article, we’ll introduce female artists from Japan, both new and old, including trending singers and idols.
If you find a vocalist you like, be sure to check out their other songs too!
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[2026] Japanese female artists: Trending singers & idols (71–80)
IgnoreIkuta Erika
Erika Ikuta is known as an artist with a clear, beautiful singing voice and solid technique.
She debuted in 2011 as a first-generation member of Nogizaka46 and, alongside her idol activities, also thrived as a musical theater actress.
After graduating from Nogizaka46 in 2021, she transitioned to a solo career.
In 2024, she released her first EP, “capriccioso,” establishing a unique world that fuses her classical roots with pop music.
Having studied piano since childhood, she boasts numerous accolades, including being a prizewinner in the Piano Division of the 21st Japan Classical Music Competition and receiving the 8th Tokiko Iwatani Encouragement Award.
With a wide repertoire ranging from musical theater classics to pop, Ikuta’s expressive voice captivates listeners’ hearts.
Her music is highly recommended for those seeking encounters with beautiful sound.
If I Could Be Honest feat. SpontaniaJUJU
A female singer who set her sights on jazz at age 12, moved to the United States alone at 18, and went on to make her major-label debut.
Not only does she have a distinctive musical sensibility shaped by absorbing New York sounds like jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and soul, but her sharp talk skills and stylish image—running her own brand, among other ventures—have earned her strong support, especially among young women.
In addition to original songs, she has released many cover albums, and her impeccable song selection has won her a broad base of listeners who are already familiar with the tracks, further highlighting her talent.
If you haven’t heard her sing yet, be sure to give her music a listen.
I long to see you now.MISIA
When it comes to the queen of Japanese R&B, isn’t MISIA the first name that comes to mind? Her ultra-high whistle voice—said to span five octaves—is a weapon uniquely her own that no one can imitate.
With signature songs like “Tsutsumi Komu Yō ni…” and “Ai no Katachi,” she reached massive success with “Everything,” released in 2000, which sold over two million copies.
She even closed out NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 2020, and we can’t take our eyes off her continued achievements!
ForevermoreUtada Hikaru
Hikaru Utada is an artist who made a sensational debut by releasing the single “Automatic” at age 15.
Her first album, “First Love,” has sold a total of 7.65 million copies and still holds the record for the best-selling album in Japan.
Her unique personality—perhaps influenced by growing up in the United States—has also contributed to her popularity, and combined with her cool musical style, she remains an enduring favorite.
In 2021, “One Last Kiss” was chosen as the theme song for the Evangelion feature film, a franchise known for its passionate fanbase, and it became a hot topic.
If you haven’t listened to her yet, she’s an artist you should definitely check out!
Thunderous applauseLiSA
Singer LiSA has created numerous anime theme songs, coloring many stories with her voice.
When talking about her, it’s impossible not to mention the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, which became a social phenomenon.
In 2019, she made her first appearance on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen with Gurenge, and in 2020 she returned for a second time with a Demon Slayer medley that included Homura.
She began her career in 2005 and rose to widespread fame with her big breakthrough, but even before that she had released many excellent songs—so why not take this opportunity to explore her body of work?
Tomorrow’s wayYUI
It was released in 2005 as YUI’s second single.
The song was used as the theme for the Shochiku film “HINOKIO,” and YUI’s original, profound lyrics resonate deeply.
Although she has not been notably active in music since going on hiatus in 2012, she remains an artist whose comeback is eagerly anticipated.
ORIONNakajima Mika
An artist who continues to captivate fans with overwhelming vocal prowess and expressive power, while also thriving as an actress and voice actress.
She made her acting debut in 2001 as the heroine of the TV drama “Wounded Love Song,” and simultaneously made her singing debut with the drama’s theme song “STARS,” a remarkable start she earned through sheer talent.
Although she temporarily halted her music activities in 2010 due to the worsening of patulous Eustachian tube in both ears, she has remained highly active since her full-fledged return and is a singer who represents J-POP.