[Japanese Female Artists] Recommended Songs for Guitar and Vocals [2026]

Become a flowerRyokushokushakai

Ryokuoushoku Shakai “Become a Flower” Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – Be a Flower

Become a flower / Ryokuoushoku Shakai [Acoustic Cover]

Rin-ne’s wonderful song, which delicately portrays the emotional journey from bud to blossom, was released in December 2023 as their eighth single and serves as the opening theme for the anime “The Apothecary Diaries.” Despite its simple chord progression, it captivates with a memorable melody and profound lyrics, offering a unique soundscape that blends band instrumentation with traditional Chinese instruments.

It’s a masterpiece that reveals a different charm when performed as an acoustic guitar vocal.

It reached No.

8 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and surpassed 100 million cumulative streams in April 2024.

It’s especially recommended for those who want to try a singer-songwriter style that brings out a different atmosphere from the original or who value expressing their own individuality.

I stillmilet

milet “I still” Music Video (Theme song for the film ‘Unknown Girlfriend’)

[I still/milet] Acoustic cover

An emotionally moving ballad written as the theme song for the film “Shiranai Kanojo,” this track is overflowing with milet’s charm.

Centered on the fragility and permanence of love, its striking title cleverly plays on the English phrase “I’m still” and the Japanese “aishiteru” (I love you).

The lyrics deeply resonate with the film’s story—that hearts remain connected even if the world changes.

The song will be released for digital pre-distribution on January 31, 2025, with a CD single to follow on February 26.

It’s also drawing attention for milet’s new challenge of performing the song herself within the film, in her first-ever role as the heroine.

With its heartfelt lyrics, it’s perfect for a guitar-and-vocal rendition.

Highly recommended for those who want to convey their feelings to a loved one or relive the film’s emotional impact through music.

heavy smokenishina

Nishina – Heavy Smoke [Official Video]

heavy smoke

A masterpiece of guitar-and-vocal storytelling by nishina that portrays a fleeting crush and a heartrending dependency.

Scenes of earnest unrequited love are woven through her soft yet resolute voice, leaving a deep impression on the listener.

The metaphors that layer heavy expressions of love with a dependence on smoking are exquisite, capturing her fragile, beautiful feelings for the heavy smoker.

Included on the April 2021 album “odds and ends,” this song also drew attention for its one-take performance on YouTube’s THE FIRST TAKE.

With a simple acoustic guitar arrangement, it’s approachable even for beginners.

A song you’ll want to play and sing alone on a quiet night.

Good-bye daysYUI

YUI　『Good-bye days ～2012 ver.～』

The moment the acoustic guitar intro plays, many of you might vividly recall a scene from the film.

This song was written as the theme for the movie “Midnight Sun” (Taiyō no Uta), starring singer-songwriter YUI from Fukuoka Prefecture.

Released as a single in June 2006 under the character-name credit “YUI for Kaoru Amane,” it pairs lyrics that evoke love blossoming within limited time and the foreshadowing of an inevitable farewell with YUI’s down-to-earth vocals, moving listeners to tears.

Although it’s a heartrending ballad that mirrors the film’s worldview, its chord progression is relatively simple, and it has long been beloved as a practice piece for solo singing with guitar.

When you want to savor time with someone precious, pick up your guitar and sing it, too.

To all my ex-girlfriendsKoresawa

Koresawa - To All My Ex-Girlfriends [Lyric Video]

Koresawa “To All My Ex-Girlfriends” [Acoustic Cover]

This song by Koresawa, a singer-songwriter from Osaka, is perfect for anyone wanting to try singing and playing guitar.

She expresses gratitude to past lovers over a sprightly, country-tinged sound.

Released in September 2024, the track showcases Koresawa’s humor and down-to-earth emotional expression.

It’s linked to her “Kore Theater” series of performances, and a nationwide tour has also been announced.

Recommended for those seeking courage to step into a new romance or wanting to embrace past relationships in a positive light.

Even with just a single guitar, its charm comes through—be sure to listen to this heartwarming message song.

A bouquet with loveSuperfly

Superfly “A Bouquet With Love” Music Video

With Love, a Bouquet / Superfly Covered by haru (sang and played acoustic)

A song that expresses deep bonds and gratitude toward family and loved ones was released as a single in February 2008 and is known as the theme song for the TBS drama “Edison no Haha” (Edison’s Mother).

Although it hadn’t been officially released at the time, it had been performed live before Superfly’s debut and was already popular among fans.

Superfly’s powerful vocals and positive message captured the hearts of many, and by 2019 the music video surpassed 100 million views on YouTube.

The song conveys feelings of gratitude and the courage to take a new step forward, and it’s often used at weddings to express thanks to parents.

Even beginner guitarists will find it easy to play thanks to its simple chord progression, and the lyrics are approachable—so why not give it a try?

1/2Kawamoto Makoto

【MV】Makoto Kawamoto “1/2”

Makoto Kawamoto “1/2”

This song is characterized by refreshing guitar tones and lyrics that resonate deeply with the heart, fully showcasing Makoto Kawamoto’s charm.

Released in June 1997, it was selected as the opening theme for the anime Rurouni Kenshin and created a huge buzz.

The lyrics symbolically express the depth of love and bonds, leaving a powerful impression on listeners.

Combined with Kawamoto’s distinctive vocal style, it’s a piece that makes you want to try performing it with just voice and guitar.

It’s a song I especially recommend to those feeling the fragility or anxiety of love.