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

N.E.O.CHAI

CHAI – N.E.O. – Official Music Video (subtitled)

Formed in Nagoya, Aichi in 2012, the four-piece girl band CHAI delivers a unique sound that blends a wide range of genres, including alternative rock and hip-hop.

Their 2015 EP “Hottaraka Series” drew significant attention from the outset, landing in the Top 50 on Spotify’s overseas charts.

In 2018, they released music through prestigious indie labels in the U.S.

and U.K., signed with Sub Pop, and further solidified their international reputation.

They have also earned numerous accolades, including recognition at the 10th CD Shop Awards in 2018 and taking the top spot on Buzz Rhythm 02’s “This Is Going to Buzz 2018.” With “NEO Kawaii” as their guiding concept, their music is packed with fresh, message-driven works beneath a pop surface—highly recommended for fans of Western music as well.

Heralding springyama

yama – Harbinger of Spring (Official Video)

Yama, a mysterious artist who has been gaining strong support especially among younger generations, is shaking up the music scene with a unique sound that fuses electronica and indie rock and songs imbued with delicate lyricism.

Though emerging from the internet, they dominated the upper ranks of the music charts in 2023 with the hit album “awake&build.” Innovative arrangements that weave together programmed sounds and live instruments, along with profound lyrics that probe the essence of humanity, have captivated many listeners.

Yama has also produced songs tied to anime, drawing growing attention from overseas.

Combining social media buzz with high musical quality, Yama’s works vividly reflect the feelings of today’s youth and make for a perfect pick for anyone seeking a fresh musical discovery.

YuiriMurayama Yuiri

[MV full] Yuiri / Sayaka Murayama [Official]

Sayaka Murayama of AKB48 captivates many fans with her clear, transparent singing voice.

She debuted in December 2011 as a 13th-generation trainee of AKB48 and has honed her skills through numerous performances.

From 2014 to 2017, she recorded the most theater appearances for four consecutive years, earning the nickname “Goddess of the Theater.” In January 2020, she became the first active member to reach 1,000 theater performances, continuing to build an impressive track record.

Known for her delicate expressiveness and solid vocal ability, she held a solo concert at Tokyo Dome City Hall in January 2019.

Her firm yet soaring vocals and meticulous song interpretation are highly regarded, and she has covered many songs by artists renowned for their singing prowess.

She is the perfect artist for music fans who value nuanced expression and reliable vocal technique.

PLAYER 1Nagay Haruko

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'PLAYER 1' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – PLAYER 1

Haruko Nagaya, the vocalist of Ryokuoushoku Shakai, commands a strong presence with her crystal-clear singing voice.

Formed during her time at Chukyo University, the band has gained popularity for songs that skillfully fuse pop and rock, paired with her distinctive vocals that blend poignancy and power.

Since their major debut in 2018, they have provided theme songs for numerous TV dramas and anime, and have produced smash hits with over 300 million streams.

In 2020, they won Best Rock Video at the MTV VMAJ, and in 2023 they received an Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards.

As a music creator who also writes and composes, Nagaya has a gift for vividly expressing the emotions of teens and people in their twenties, resonating with many listeners.

She’s a highly recommended artist for music fans seeking a pure, translucent voice and lyrics that truly move the heart.

A story about a girl struggling with the ‘kaeruka’ (frogification) phenomenon.riria.

riria. / A story about a girl troubled by the ‘frog-prince effect.’ [Music Video]

In 2020, singer-songwriter Riria’s song “I Got Cheated On, But I Still Love You” became a massive hit, catapulting her to widespread popularity, especially among young people.

She is very much a new-generation artist, working primarily on social media without showing her face.

Often described online as having an “angelic voice,” her singing is strikingly clear, beautiful, and delicate—listening to it feels cleansing for the soul.

Another key to her popularity is her lyrics, which resonate deeply with people her age.

If you were born around the 2000s, you should definitely give her music a listen.

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Hane Keisuke

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Thoughts and feelings toward loveaiko

aiko - “Mutual Love” music video

Aiko is known as a singer-songwriter distinguished by her nuanced emotional expression and husky singing voice.

Centered around pop and rock, she continues to captivate many listeners with songs that weave in delicate emotions.

She made her major debut in 1998 and has maintained a strong presence in the J-pop scene ever since.

Her 2000 release sold over 500,000 copies, and at the end of that year she made her first appearance on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

Characterized by simple arrangements using guitar and piano and a powerful voice that sings of love, she has also been nominated for the Japan Record Awards and the Japan Gold Disc Awards.

Her songs, which express the joys and sorrows of romance from a unique perspective, resonate deeply and evoke strong empathy alongside her moving vocals.

She is highly recommended for anyone seeking music that stays close to heartfelt, down-to-earth emotions.

Time capsuleAo

Ao – Time Capsule [Official MV]

A delivering emotional rock sound, Ao is a three-woman band formed in April 2024.

The band was launched by its central figure, Zarame, in pursuit of new musical expression.

Zarame’s warm, powerful vocals combined with the driving sound created by Momo and maki have captured the hearts of many music fans.

Their nationwide eight-city tour, the “Beyond Baby Blue tour,” ran from October to November 2024, traveling from Shibuya to Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Kobe, Osaka, Nagoya, and Sendai, and concluded with a solo show at Ebisu LIQUIDROOM.

Taking its name from “Ao,” meaning blue—symbolizing youth and new beginnings—the band pours an unyielding spirit of dreams and hope into their songs.

Ao is highly recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy music with a positive outlook.