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

Child of the devilHiguchi Ai

Ai Higuchi / Devil's Child (Anime Special Ver.) | Ai Higuchi “Akuma no Ko” Anime Special Ver.

Ai Higuchi is a singer-songwriter who was born in Kagawa Prefecture and raised in Nagano Prefecture.

Her live performances are characterized by a piano-and-vocal style, and one of her biggest appeals is her straight, soaring voice that blends with the piano’s tone.

Her singing conveys a sense of strength, and her vibrato—almost as if trembling—evokes an image of someone mustering every last ounce of power.

The worldview of her lyrics is also a defining feature, giving the impression of facing one’s own heart against a grand, almost fantasy-like backdrop.

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I want tomorrow to comeSakurazaka46

Sakurazaka46 “I want tomorrow to come”

Sakurazaka46, renamed in 2020 from Keyakizaka46, which was formed as the second group in the Sakamichi Series.

Produced by Yasushi Akimoto, they thrive as a J-POP idol group with a distinctive worldview.

Known for their diverse themes and expressive songs, they also captivate with powerful contemporary dance, highly artistic costumes, and visually driven works.

Their music, infused with messages of courage to trust others and hope, resonates with young people living in modern society.

Sakurazaka46’s songs are especially recommended for those with a sensitive artistic sensibility or anyone looking for a positive boost.

Are you serious? (Prod. Chaki Zulu)Awich

Awich – Are you serious? (Prod. Chaki Zulu) / The Queen of Villains: Ruthless Queen

Awich is a female rapper from Okinawa.

At 13, she heard 2Pac’s music, became captivated by hip-hop, and began pursuing music in earnest.

She debuted in 2006 with the EP “Inner Research,” and released her first album, “Asia Wish Child,” in 2007.

Since her major-label debut in 2020, she has drawn significant attention and become a prominent figure in the music scene.

While cherishing her Okinawan roots, she creates a wide range of songs—from love tracks to socially conscious messages.

Her talent is recognized not only in Japan but around the world.

Known as the queen of hip-hop, Awich delivers words that are honest and unadorned, transcending the boundaries of rap.

If you want to be moved by powerful lyrics and passionate performances, you should definitely give her music a listen.

missing youTomioka Ai

Ai Tomioka – missing you (Music Video)

Singer-songwriter Ai Tomioka, who rose to prominence through social media, began her career in 2021 and truly embodies the streaming generation’s diva.

Her clear, gentle voice has a warm quality that seems to envelop listeners’ hearts.

She actively posts videos of original songs and covers performed in a guitar-and-vocal style, and she also gives energetic street performances.

It’s striking how widely she ranges across genres, including J-pop.

She’s also proactive about crossing borders, such as by doing street performances in Seoul, South Korea.

With growing popularity in both Japan and Korea, she’s a next-generation voice to watch.

A city you can dance innozomi

Noashi (Noa) – A City You Can Dance In [Official Music Video]

While marked by a striking sense of clarity, her songs also carry a subtle, rising emotional undercurrent that leaves a cool, lasting impression.

Noshii began full-scale music production in 2022.

Centered on TikTok, she garnered over 800,000 plays with her original track “Haihai,” and in 2024 drew major attention with the viral hit “Zenhōkō Bishōjo.” A self-produced artist who handles everything from lyrics, composition, arrangement, vocals, video, to artwork, her music is characterized by an evident homage to Ringo Sheena.

Blending a wide range of genres—J-POP, jazz, Vocaloid, and more—her songs evoke a sense of nostalgia not only for younger listeners but also for a slightly older generation.

MABU feat. SoalaAYANE

AYANE / MABU feat. Soala (Music Video)

AYANE is a young singer-songwriter drawing attention for her overwhelming vocals and strong singing ability.

After starting her activities in 2016, she made her debut in 2021.

With songs like “Nakitai Yoru” and “bye bye,” she has become popular, especially among teens.

Her lyrics are known for their emotional, catchy storytelling, and she explores a wide range of genres—from piano-and-vocal ballads to youthful guitar rock and R&B.

She has been immersed in music since childhood and reportedly began writing songs when she was in elementary school.

She values interacting with fans through social media, and that feedback has further propelled her music career.

Her music is a must-listen for those who resonate with songs that portray real romance and the emotions of the younger generation.

instinctShiina Ringo

Ringo Sheena – Instinct

Sheena Ringo captivates listeners with an original musicality unconstrained by genre and a bewitching visual aesthetic.

Born in 1978, the Year of the Horse, her passionate approach to her craft truly embodies the spirit of her zodiac sign.

She made her major debut in 1998 with the single “Kōfukuron” (The Theory of Happiness) and has released numerous hits including “Koko de Kiss Shite.” and “Honnō.” In addition to her solo work, she has been active as the vocalist of the band Tokyo Jihen, whose 2020 restart made big headlines.

Her talent is highly regarded worldwide—she even served as music director for the closing ceremony of the 2016 Rio Olympics.

With accolades such as the Geijutsu Senshō (Minister of Education Award for Fine Arts) to her name, her work is recommended to anyone seeking a jolt of inspiration in their everyday life.