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

Be…Ms. OOJA

Ms.OOJA “Be…” at the Okayama International Music Festival 2015

Singer-songwriter Ms.OOJA began her career independently in 2006.

She made her major-label debut in February 2011, and in 2012 her song “Be…,” written as the theme for a TBS drama, became a hit, surpassing one million downloads.

While she is known for love songs, she also creates many uplifting message songs that cheer on her listeners.

She performs numerous cover songs as well, and her signature charm lies in her silky voice with a “1/f fluctuation” quality.

On March 27, 2022, she held a 10th-anniversary concert at Nippon Budokan.

Her music cherishes the joy of feeling free and expressing oneself, and is recommended for anyone looking to move forward.

I love you, love you, love you so muchchay

chay “I Love You, Love You, Love You Too Much” (Short Ver.)

Released in 2015 as chay’s seventh single.

The song portrays the feelings of a girl on the night before her first trip with her boyfriend, featuring lyrics that capture a cute, girlish mindset and a nostalgic sound that evokes the atmosphere of Showa-era pop.

chay’s slightly nasal vocals also add to its charm.

PreciousItō Yuna

Yuna Ito – Precious @ Dream Live 2011

Yuna Ito is a U.S.-born singer-songwriter with Japanese and Korean roots.

She drew attention in 2005 for her role as Reira in the film NANA, making a dazzling debut on the music scene.

She went on to release a string of hits such as ENDLESS STORY and Precious, and also performed an ending theme for the popular anime Mobile Suit Gundam 00.

Renowned for her ballad performances, she moves listeners with her commanding, resonant voice.

Her collaborative single with Celine Dion is also particularly intriguing.

Although her public activities slowed around 2012, she thrilled fans in 2019 with her first concert in Japan in eight years.

She’s highly recommended for anyone who wants to be captivated by moving ballads and a voice that speaks to the heart.

Things that have formShibasaki Kou

Ko Shibasaki / Things That Have Form

Ko Shibasaki, who is also active as an actress, made her debut as a singer in 2002 with the single “Trust my feelings.” She has continued to release music consistently since then, working across a wide range of genres with a focus on J-pop.

With her distinctive voice and expressive power, her music has captivated many fans, and several of her songs used as film and drama theme songs have drawn significant attention.

In 2016, she founded her own company and became its CEO.

Beyond her musical activities, she is highly engaged with environmental issues and actively contributes to society, giving talks on sustainable agriculture and more.

Why not experience Shibasaki’s captivating voice and her multifaceted talents?

BLUE BIRDHamasaki Ayumi

Ayumi Hamasaki / BLUE BIRD

Ayumi Hamasaki has been active across a wide range of fields, including acting, singing, and modeling.

She made her debut in 1998 and became an instant breakthrough, influencing young people not only with her music but also through her fashion and makeup.

Her glamorous looks, vocal ability, and dance performances captivate fans in many different ways.

The numerous awards she has received, including the Japan Record Award, speak to her overwhelming charisma.

Bold and sexy, she is an indispensable artist when talking about the Heisei era.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

Plastic LoveTakeuchi Mariya

Mariya Takeuchi – Plastic Love (Official Music Video)

Mariya Takeuchi is a singer-songwriter who is also active as a lyricist and composer.

She is one of the indispensable artists when discussing city pop from the 1970s to the 1980s, and around 2010 she was one of the sparks that drew global attention to the genre.

Her sultry, laid-back sound and lyrics depicting cityscapes and the push-and-pull of romance are particularly memorable.

Along with Tatsuro Yamashita, who produced Plastic Love, she can be considered a key figure in shaping the culture of city pop.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

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.