[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)
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.
Mutual loveaiko
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.
[Japanese Female Artists] Recommended Songs for Guitar and Vocals [2026] (31–40)
Planet of Love ‘You’Tomioka Ai
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.
cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai
This is Ai Otsuka’s debut song, which lifts listeners’ spirits with its refreshing melody and energetic vocals.
The lyrics, comparing the bittersweet relationship of lovers to cherries, leave a strong impression.
It was released in December 2003 and included on her first album, LOVE PUNCH, the following March.
Since then, it has also appeared on various best-of compilations and vinyl releases.
The song has even been used as a cheer song for high school baseball and is loved by a wide range of generations.
Even guitar beginners can play and sing it with simple chords, so give it a try.
It’s a bright, uplifting track that will put you in a positive mood.
Ghost in the FlowersYorushika
A two-person rock band, Yorushika, who keep their looks and detailed profiles private so that the artist’s image won’t influence their work, released this as their third digital-only single.
Chosen as the theme song for the animated film “A Whisker Away,” its lyrical melody and dramatic lyrics really resonate.
By placing a capo on the 2nd fret, most of the chords become easier, but since a chord like A/C# appears—where you must let the open first string ring—you need to be careful with your fingering.
It’s a number whose beautiful melody pairs well with acoustic guitar and is highly recommended for solo singing with guitar.
Good-bye daysYUI
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.
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?