[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] (31–40)
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.
tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa
This is the second digital single by Koresawa, a female singer-songwriter who chooses not to show her face in media such as TV and magazines.
The lyrics, which depict a breakup scene with a distinctive yet vivid sense of scenery, are likely to resonate with many people regardless of gender.
For solo acoustic performances, it’s recommended to place a capo on the 3rd fret, which allows you to play using only simple chord shapes.
There are a few instances of the D/F# chord, which requires a thumb-over form, but the fingering itself is simple and the tempo is slow, so you can play it without rushing.
If possible, try switching between arpeggios and strumming to add dynamics to your performance.
Message of RougeMatsutōya Yumi
A song by singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya, widely known by her nickname “Yuming,” who also works under the pen name Kureta Kaho when providing songs to other artists.
Originally released in 1975 as her fifth single under the name Yumi Arai, it became known to an even wider audience when it was used in 1989 as the opening theme for the Studio Ghibli film Kiki’s Delivery Service.
By using a capo on the 3rd fret, you can minimize barre chords and play it with simple chord shapes, making it approachable even for beginner guitarists.
It’s a song that almost everyone has heard thanks to the film’s popularity, so it’s also recommended as a sing-and-strum piece.
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.
SakuraMyuk
A ballad about spring partings, released in March 2025, where a transparent vocal and piano-centered minimal soundscape quietly portrays the feelings left behind by a departing season.
The lyrics by Kota Takenawa strike a superb balance between restraint and space, avoiding grandiose rhetoric while layering the transience of cherry blossoms over shifting relationships, leaving ample room for each listener to project their own memories.
Composed by Hiroo Yamaguchi and arranged by Tomohiro Okubo, the track begins with acoustic guitar and piano gently intertwining through the intro and first verse, then opens up with string layers toward the chorus.
The chord progression is classic yet enriched with passing chords that add light and shade, achieving scale through emotional temperature rather than sheer note density—an especially striking touch.
Barre chords are used throughout, but the relaxed tempo makes them comfortable to hold.
It’s a song you’ll want to perform solo with guitar on a spring day when you wish to share your feelings with someone.
[Japanese Female Artists] Recommended Songs for Guitar and Vocals [2026] (41–50)
Sentimental KissShio Reira
A song that portrays bittersweet feelings of love is perfect for acoustic guitar and vocals.
Reira Shio’s clear voice and the delicate lyrics weave a captivating world.
Released in May 2022, the track was also used as background music for an ABEMA dating show.
It skillfully expresses the emotions of young people struggling with love and has gained popularity on TikTok.
Sung over the gentle tones of a guitar, it’s sure to resonate deeply with listeners.
It’s a recommended piece for anyone who wants to sing with heartfelt feelings for someone special.
pupilŌhara Sakurako
This is the second single by singer Sakurako Ohara, whose father is the narrator Naochika Hayashida and who herself also works as a radio personality.
The song was chosen as the support anthem for the 93rd All Japan High School Soccer Tournament, and its fresh melody woven with a clear, translucent voice evokes the vividness of youth.
Since the song uses many barre chords overall, you can make it easier by putting a capo on the 4th fret; however, that can make the diminished chord shapes trickier, so choose whichever is more comfortable for you.
While the original features a strings-focused arrangement, it’s also a great pick for acoustic guitar and vocals only.