[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!
- [Easy Chords] A collection of popular Japanese songs that are easy to play on guitar
- [Songs I'd love women to sing!] Popular ballads performed by female artists
- I want to perform Vocaloid songs with an acoustic guitar! A collection of recommended tracks for beginners
- Songs I'd love to hear on acoustic guitar! Reiwa-era masterpieces perfect for sing-alongs
- [Guitar] Easy Chord Progressions! A Compilation of Recommended Japanese Songs for Singing and Playing
- An acoustic guitar’s tone that leaves an impression! Recommended Heisei-era hit songs for solo singing with guitar
- [For Beginners] Recommended Songs for Female Vocal Bands: Great for Choosing Your Setlist! [2026]
- [2026] A compilation of Japanese songs/J-pop with cool guitar solos
- Karaoke songs sung by female artists recommended for Gen Z
- A collection of cool songs that sound great when sung by women, originally male songs
- [2026] Easy-to-Sing Enka: From Classic Masterpieces to Recent Hits [Female Singers Edition]
- Good songs recommended for people in their 60s: classic and popular Japanese tracks
- [2026] Easy Enka Songs for Karaoke: Recommended Picks — Women Singers Edition
[Japanese Female Artists] Recommended Songs for Guitar and Vocals [2026] (21–30)
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.
What I choseYuika
Released in December 2025, this work was written specifically for a nationwide Zepp tour and was previewed live before its official release.
The lyrics, which strikingly explore the idea that if everything were a fate we chose for ourselves, perhaps life would feel a little easier, leave a strong impression.
Centered around acoustic guitar, the warm sound seems to deliver the words directly and conveys Yuika’s resolve to have chosen singing as her weapon.
If you’re feeling uncertain about life’s choices, give it a listen.
[Japanese Female Artists] Recommended Songs for Guitar and Vocals [2026] (31–40)
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.
Best FriendKiroro
The 10th single by Kiroro, a duo from Okinawa, is a song that expresses gratitude to a best friend in plain, heartfelt words.
Released in June 2001, it became well known as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Churasan,” and was also performed at the 52nd NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen—truly a classic.
It’s a ballad filled with Chiharu Tamashiro’s feelings for her partner, Ayano Kinjo, and its lyrics of gratitude to a supportive friend resonate deeply with anyone standing at the milestone of graduation.
While the piano leaves a strong impression, the simple melody also pairs beautifully with acoustic guitar.
Why not convey your appreciation to a dear friend through your own performance?
Thank youikimonogakari
Ikimono-gakari, beloved for their wide expressive range from poppy, refreshing tunes to moving ballads, released their 18th single in May 2010, written as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series Gegege no Nyobo.
The lyrics, which gently depict hope for the future, evoke a sincere sense of gratitude toward loved ones.
The song won the Excellence Award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards and has been included in high school music textbooks, making it a piece cherished across generations.
With the warm sound of acoustic guitar at its core, it pairs perfectly with solo singing and playing.
Consider choosing it for graduations or thank-you gatherings when you want to express appreciation to those who have supported you.
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?
Song of PointillismInoue Sonoko
A singer-songwriter, Sonoko Inoue, who became interested in music under her mother’s influence, has been creating original songs and performing street live shows since elementary school.
This song, which gained attention through a collaboration with the rock band Mrs.
GREEN APPLE, was selected as the theme song for the film “Ao-Natsu: A Tropical Love Story.” While most of the chords are simple to hold and the tempo is slow overall, there are many sections with quick chord changes, so care is needed to ensure the singing doesn’t suffer while focusing on the playing.
It’s a well-known track with over 100 million total streams, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleasing ballad for a solo acoustic performance.