[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!
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[Japanese Female Artists] Recommended Songs for Guitar and Vocals [2026] (21–30)
Spring ThiefYorushika
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.
don’t cry anymoremiwa
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.
SoupFujihara Sakura
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.
EYES ON YOUNishino Kana
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.
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko
This is the fourth major-label single by singer-songwriter aiko, who has earned support for her delicate lyrics that accurately capture a woman’s feelings and for her hook-filled songs that stick in your head after just one listen.
The track was used as the ending theme for the music program “CDTV” and the variety show “Jobireba!?”, and it’s also known as one of aiko’s signature songs.
Although it features many barre chords and some tricky shapes like G#maj7 and F#6, the overall tempo is relaxed, so take your time when playing.
Its wistful lyrics and melody pair beautifully with the sound of an acoustic guitar, making it a perfect ballad for a sing-and-play performance.
Hello,my friendMatsutōya Yumi
The moment the gentle touch of the piano accompaniment begins, many people can’t help but shed a tear, don’t you think? Precisely because the song’s structure is simple, Yumi Matsutoya’s genius for melody, her one-of-a-kind voice, and the lyrics that nostalgically depict a farewell all come through directly, stirring a quiet sense of emotion.
Released in June 1994, it became a major hit and was also used as the theme song for the NHK drama “Chōnan no Yome” (The Eldest Son’s Bride).
Even when you’re far apart, you want to convey your feelings to a dear friend.
It’s the kind of song that makes you want to pick up a guitar and sing it from the heart when you feel that way.
ButterflyKimura Kaera
The song created for a close friend’s wedding is characterized by Kaela Kimura’s gentle vocals and lyrics overflowing with love.
Centered on themes of friendship, love, and hope for the future, it was released as a digital single in June 2009 and was also included on the album “HOCUS POCUS,” released in July of the same year.
It became a major hit right after its release, achieving one million downloads in two months via digital distribution.
After her performance on the Red and White Song Battle, there were even days when it was downloaded 40,000 times in a single day.
Its warm lyrics and melody captured the hearts of many, and it has come to be widely loved as a wedding standard.
It’s also an approachable piece for beginner guitarists, so why not try a heartfelt acoustic rendition for someone special?