[2026] Japanese female artists. Trending singers & idols.

Lock of the Water FlowNisshoku Natsuko

Natsuko Nisshoku – “Rock of the Current” Official Music Video

Nisshoku Natsuko is a singer-songwriter who delivers songs that make the most of her technical piano playing.

She excels at composing music that incorporates a wide range of genres, including jazz, soul, and rock.

She began composing in childhood and started performing live in earnest while in high school.

After gaining recognition on music programs and at festivals, she made her debut.

She has created many concept-driven songs that explore themes such as society and life, prompting listeners to reflect on their way of living.

She is an artist who weaves rich piano tones together with messages full of distinctive appeal.

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mutō

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True loveMay J.

May J. / “True Love [Orchestra ver.]” (from the album “Imperfection,” out 10/8)

May J., who has a Japanese father and an Iranian mother, is a singer who has released many hit songs since her major-label debut in 2006.

Because of this, many people likely associate her with the image of a “diva.” Her vocal prowess is widely recognized, including through her performances on karaoke competition shows.

In 2014, she sang the Japanese theme song for Disney’s Frozen, which rapidly boosted her name recognition.

With her multinational background, she is multilingual—understanding English and Japanese, of course, as well as Spanish and Persian to a certain extent.

Having studied ballet and piano from the age of three and begun vocal training at eight, her life devoted to music continues to captivate many listeners.

The day I become the windHajime Chitose

Someday I'll Become the Wind / Chitose Moto Cover by 17maron

Chitose Hajime, acclaimed as having a “voice of the gods,” is known for her distinctive singing style influenced by the traditional Amami Oshima shimauta.

Her major-label debut single “Wadatsumi no Ki” was a hit.

In July 2002, she released her first album, Hainumikaze, which achieved the remarkable feat of topping the charts for two consecutive weeks.

In the same year, at the 44th Japan Record Awards, she won the Best Album Award.

She also performed the theme song for an NHK morning drama series, further boosting her recognition.

While experiencing marriage and childbirth, she has continued her musical activities with great energy.

In August 2010, she simultaneously released Orient, a covers album of Japanese songs, and Occident, a covers album of Western songs, showcasing her wide musical range.

She is highly recommended for those drawn to unique vocals and songs that reflect the culture of Amami Oshima.

Time recordHirahara Ayaka

Time record

Born in 1984, Ayaka Hirahara is a multitalented singer-songwriter.

Trained in classical ballet, piano, and saxophone, she made her major debut in 2003.

Her signature song, “Jupiter,” became a massive hit, and her powerful yet delicate voice has captured the hearts of many listeners.

Her appeal lies in embracing the changes in her voice as she ages and continually striving for the best possible expression.

In 2007, she received the President’s Award, among other accolades, attesting to her high level of artistry.

Hirahara’s music is recommended for those who want to enjoy a wide range of genres, from classical to jazz.

Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi

Aoi Teshima “Letter to Tomorrow (Drama Version)”

A singer who, while still an unknown newcomer, handled both the theme song and the heroine’s voice in the Studio Ghibli film Tales from Earthsea, bringing her name to wide recognition.

Her major-label debut song, Teru’s Song, set the record for the best-selling theme song among Ghibli works and served as the catalyst for introducing Aoi Teshima to a broad range of listeners.

In addition to her clear, straightforward voice, her musical background in film scores and jazz lends a depth and richness to her appeal.

Since 2020, she has also launched a YouTube channel, and she is an artist whose future success is highly anticipated.

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Hoshino Takashi

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LOVESICKyuka

Yuka “LOVESICK” Music Video

Yuka is a singer-songwriter from Takatsuki, Osaka Prefecture.

She made her major-label debut in January 2023 with “Baby you.” The track became a big topic, reaching No.

1 on Billboard’s TikTok Weekly Top 20 and surpassing 12 million streams.

In April of the same year, she also performed the theme song for an NHK late-night drama.

She admires Ayaka, and getting the chance to sing with her at a fan club event inspired her to pursue a professional career.

Her soft, gentle voice is captivating and soothing to listen to.

Many of her songs center on love, and her universally relatable lyrics have also drawn attention.

She’s an artist the younger generation should definitely take the time to listen to closely.

Just You and IAmuro Namie

Just You and I (Mix) / Namie Amuro

She began her career as a founding member of the dance performance group SUPER MONKEY’S, and after transitioning to a solo artist, she released a string of hit songs.

Known not only for her musical success but also for sparking a social phenomenon with her fashion sense—leading many young people to be called “Amurers”—she enjoyed explosive popularity.

Although she made a sudden announcement of retirement on the occasion of her 25th debut anniversary, she is still counted among the Heisei era’s divas, with a devoted fan base to this day.

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Hoshino Takashi

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