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

There have always been many people who, upon picking up a guitar for the first time, start by learning a few easy chords and trying simple strumming-and-singing.

Since the spread of the internet, it’s also become common for people to post “I tried singing” videos with an acoustic guitar, covering famous songs by well-known artists and even using that as a springboard to a debut.

In this article, we’re focusing on “strumming-and-singing,” the timelessly effective way to deliver a song straight to listeners, and introducing J-POP by female artists only—from the latest hits to classic masterpieces—that we’d love you to try performing on guitar.

We’ve also included videos of actual performances, so use them as a reference and enjoy!

[Japanese Female Artists] Recommended Songs for Guitar and Vocals [2026] (21–30)

Spring ThiefYorushika

Yorushika – Spring Thief (OFFICIAL VIDEO)
Spring ThiefYorushika
Spring Thief / Yorushika (Acoustic Solo Performance)

A lyrical melody line depicting the fleeting relationship between cherry blossoms and the spring breeze.

Yorushika’s poetic lyrics and translucent vocals resonate deeply in this track.

The beautiful metaphors—likening cherry blossoms to human life and the wind to the passage of time—leave a profound impression on the listener.

The lyrics, which evoke the beauty of impermanence through images of petals fluttering down, gain even more depth when performed as a guitar-and-vocal piece.

Released in January 2021, the song is included on the EP “Sousaku” and was also featured as the tie-in song for Taisei Corporation’s TV commercial “Myanmar.” You can savor the sonorities of add9 and 7th chords, making it a piece you’ll want to play and sing leisurely on a spring evening or in the quiet of night.

SUMMER SONGYUI

If you had to pick YUI’s signature summer tune—the one packed with that exhilarating summertime vibe—it would be this.

Released as a single in July 2008, the track is marked by its lively acoustic guitar strumming.

The lyrics capture the bittersweet feelings of youthful romance, and the catchy melody sticks with you after just one listen.

Despite having no tie-in promotions, it debuted at No.

1 on the Oricon charts—a true testament to its strength.

It’s also included on the album “HOLIDAYS IN THE SUN” and has been loved by fans for years.

With a relatively simple chord progression, it’s perfect for singing and playing with a guitar.

It’s the kind of classic you’ll want to hear on a seaside drive or when you’re out to make summer memories—so why not give it a try?

don’t cry anymoremiwa

miwa – don’t cry anymore / THE HOME TAKE
don't cry anymoremiwa
“don’t cry anymore” / miwa – I tried singing it, acoustic cover by haru

This is the debut major-label single by singer-songwriter miwa, whose refreshing voice and straightforward songs have earned support from a wide range of listeners.

The track was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Nakanaito Kimeta Hi,” and it also drew attention when miwa performed it on YouTube’s popular series THE HOME TAKE in 2021.

Since it uses many barre chords and occasionally features chords like B♭maj7 and Csus4, you can make it easier to play by putting a capo on the 5th fret.

The original arrangement prominently features acoustic guitar, making it a perfect number for solo singing with guitar.

EYES ON YOUNishino Kana

[75th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen Song] 'EYES ON YOU' MV Full
EYES ON YOUNishino Kana
[Fingerstyle/Solo Performance] EYES ON YOU / Kana Nishino [Covered by Sae]

Kana Nishino’s first release in about five and a half years is a ballad that delicately portrays the anxiety and heartache born from deep love for a partner—a true masterpiece.

While it can be played with simple guitar chords, its emotionally rich melody is captivating, making it perfect for acoustic performance.

Released in July 2024 as the theme song for ABEMA’s premarital boot camp show “Wedding Wars,” it also drew attention as the lead track of her comeback EP, “Love Again.” The lyrics express subtle worries and doubts in romantic relationships—a universal theme that anyone with experience in love can relate to.

Though the chord progression is approachable even for beginner guitarists, delivering it with feeling turns it into a song that truly resonates with listeners.

Mutual loveaiko

aiko - “Mutual Love” music video
Mutual loveaiko
Mutual Love / aiko Cover short ver. by Emi Noda (NodaEmi)

A song by aiko, featuring a melody that makes you want to hum along and lyrics that poignantly depict a bittersweet love, was released in May 2024 as the theme song for the film Detective Conan: The Million-dollar Pentagram.

It delicately portrays deep affection for another person along with the frustration of never fully understanding them, and aiko’s uniquely expressive vocals resonate deeply with listeners.

Her clear tone and masterful control of dynamics and tempo further enhance the song’s appeal.

It’s also a great piece for beginner guitarists to try.

Built on a basic chord progression, it beautifully harmonizes the warm timbre of an acoustic guitar with aiko’s lyrical world.

When you want to honestly convey your feelings of love to someone special, this guitar-and-vocal rendition can become a bridge that brings your hearts closer together.

Planet of Love ‘You’Tomioka Ai

Ai Tomioka – Planet in Love “You” (Music Video)
Planet of Love 'You'Tomioka Ai
Ai Tomioka – Acoustic Medley (Loving Planet “You” ~ Good-bye-bye ~ MAYBE)

Tomioka Ai’s song, which paints an original view of love through motifs of space and planets, is a perfect piece for a voice-and-guitar performance.

With delicate expressions that liken the presence of a partner to a “planet” and the pull of romance to “gravity,” this work is simple yet quietly resonates with listeners.

Released in February 2024, the track was also featured as an insert song in the Netflix original drama “Love Battle Royale,” garnering strong empathy from many listeners.

Its approachable chord progression and moderate vocal range make it friendly for beginners, and it’s an ideal choice for conveying the lyrical world—a core appeal of solo acoustic renditions.

It’s a song I hope those navigating anxieties and shifting emotions in love will try playing on their own guitar.

SoupFujihara Sakura

Sakura Fujiwara 'Soup'

This song stands out for its innovative lyrics that compare romance to soup.

Written and composed by Masaharu Fukuyama, it features a richly flavored sound that evokes the atmosphere of the American South.

Sakura Fujiwara’s smoky vocals brilliantly express the sweetness and bitterness of love, as well as the bond between two people that deepens over time.

Released in June 2016 as Fujiwara’s debut single, it served as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Love Song.” Well-suited for guitar-and-vocal performances, this track is recommended for those who want to feel the subtleties of romance and the journey of life.

Enjoy this piece that encapsulates Sakura Fujiwara’s charm.