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

Light the fire.Nakamura Emi

NakamuraEmi “Light the Fire” MUSIC VIDEO

Singer-songwriter Nakamura Emi, born in 1982 and hailing from Kanagawa Prefecture.

Exposed to J-pop from a young age and honing her craft through performances at cafes and live houses, she established a distinctive style.

She made her major-label debut in January 2016 at the age of 33, releasing the album “NIPPONNO ONNAWO UTAU BEST.” Her powerful lyrics and melodies—unexpected from her petite frame—are a key part of her appeal.

A turning point came with her encounter with hip-hop, which shifted her toward a lyric-centered songwriting style.

She infuses her songs with her own experiences and complexes, creating highly message-driven music that resonates with listeners and gives them courage.

She’s an artist especially recommended for those who enjoy music with a strong, empowering feel.

FlowerNatsukawa Rimi

Flowers: Flowers in Everyone’s Heart ✿ Rimi Natsukawa ✿ (guitar) Chuei Yoshikawa

Rimi Natsukawa, who hails from Ishigaki City in Okinawa Prefecture, is a songstress whose clear, translucent voice resonates in the heart.

She’s a perfect fit for songs like Nada Sōsō, Hana, and Shima Uta—pieces that pair Okinawan-style melodies with poignant lyrics.

A lifelong lover of singing, she honed exceptional vocal skills through enka and traditional folk music.

Her repertoire spans widely, from Okinawan folk to pop and even covers of Western songs, so you’ll likely find tracks that suit your taste.

Let her crystal-clear voice—evocative of Okinawa’s brilliantly clear skies and seas—surround you and bring you healing.

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hiyori

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IgnoreIkuta Erika

Erika Ikuta “Ignore” MV

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.

stoppage timeNoda Megumi

Aimi Noda – Lost Time (Official Lyric Video)

Singer-songwriter Emi Noda has been active in music since her student days, consistently achieving excellent results in various auditions.

In addition to her own work as a vocalist, she energetically contributes songs to other artists as well.

Her greatest appeal is undoubtedly her outstanding vocal ability that grabs your attention from the first listen.

More and more listeners are being captivated by her mature, atmospheric voice.

You can fully appreciate her charm not only in her original songs but also in the cover videos uploaded to her YouTube channel, so if you’re interested, be sure to check them out.

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Hane Keisuke

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mid-20syui nishio

Yui Nishio “mid-20s” Official Music Video

Yui Nishio, who is based in Nagoya, is one of the hottest singer-songwriters right now.

She participated in the talent discovery project ‘SONG’S NAGOYA 2016’ in 2016, and went on to take part in a series of auditions, including ‘KimiUta — I Want to Hear Your Song —’ in 2017 and ‘Hanjuku Audition 2018’ in 2018.

Along the way, she steadily built her reputation and skills, and in 2022 she won the LINE NEWS AWARDS 2022.

Her clear, translucent voice is sure to capture your heart.

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yamamoto

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To usKaneko Ayano

Kaneko Ayano – To Us / Kaneko Ayano – To All of Us

Ayano Kaneko, who hails from Yokohama in Kanagawa Prefecture, is active as a singer-songwriter, actor, and model.

Her charm lies in her simple yet powerful singing voice.

In 2012, she released a self-produced record titled “Inzei Seikatsu” (Royalty Life), which led to her performing as the opening act for SCANDAL’s Tokyo concert.

In 2014, she released her first nationally distributed record, “Raise wa Idol” (In the Next Life, I’ll Be an Idol), and in 2018 she won the CD Shop Award for her album “Shukusai” (Celebration).

Be sure to listen to “Happii End o Kikasete Okure yo” (Let Me Hear Happy End), a song that represents Kaneko’s roots!

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Hamada Takuya

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Leina

Reina – Dozing (Light Sleep) | [TEXTED] Leina – Utatane | Lyrics | Dingo Music

Singer-songwriter Leina, who is garnering attention for her innovative sound infused with Western pop influences, made her debut at 14 and has won fervent support from younger listeners with songs that delve deeply into human emotions.

In September 2022, she took first place on TV Asahi’s music audition program “Music Champ 2022,” propelling her into the spotlight.

Her strong affinity with the digital-native generation is another draw, with her tracks going viral on social media.

Influenced in part by Korea as well, she enjoys passionate support there too, with street performances and solo shows drawing huge crowds.

Inspired by artists like Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish, she self-produces her music with a distinctive expressive style, and her multifaceted talents extend to creating artwork and video pieces.

Combining delicate sensitivity with powerful expression, her music is highly recommended for those seeking songs that resonate with genuine, relatable feelings.