[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] (41–50)
Anytime Anywheremilet
It’s a song that leaves a strong impression with a sound that gradually expands from a quiet beginning and milet’s powerful, emotive vocals.
While poignantly portraying feelings for someone far away, the lyrics also convey a faint hope for reunion, touching the heart.
Released digitally in September 2023, the track gained significant attention as the ending theme of a popular anime.
Its melody line suits acoustic guitar accompaniment, and the lyrics call for deep emotional expression, making it well worth the challenge even for beginner guitarists.
It’s a perfect song to sing with feelings for someone important to you.
[Japanese Female Artists] Recommended Songs for Guitar and Vocals [2026] (51–60)
Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi
How about trying a self-accompanied performance of “Ashita e no Tegami” by singer Aoi Teshima, whose voice is so moving it grips listeners’ hearts and won’t let go? Teshima, who has also sung theme songs for Studio Ghibli films, is loved by a wide range of generations.
Released in 2016, this song was the theme for the drama “Love That Makes You Cry” starring Kasumi Arimura and Kengo Kora.
It’s such a heart-grabbing piece that performing it with just vocals and an instrument might even bring some listeners to tears.
First LoveUtada Hikaru
Hikaru Utada astonished the world with her flawless vocals and innate talent.
Cut from her debut album “First Love,” this song is a masterpiece that delicately portrays the pain of heartbreak and the memories of a first love.
Released in March 1999, it reached No.
2 on the Oricon Singles Chart and became a massive hit, topping the karaoke chart for 15 consecutive weeks.
Even at 16, Utada’s sensitivity in distilling her own experiences into lyrics captivated countless listeners.
The bittersweet words carried by a gentle piano melody also suit acoustic guitar accompaniment perfectly.
It’s the ideal song for when you want to reminisce about love or express your feelings to someone special.
threadNakajima Miyuki
Beyond her own songs, singer-songwriter Miyuki Nakajima has written numerous works for others, with her productions topping the Oricon singles chart across five different decades.
This is her 35th single, released as a double A-side with “Inochi no Betsumei” (“Another Name for Life”), and it’s also well known for being covered by many artists, including Bank Band and Chris Hart.
It uses many barre chords, but placing a capo on the 3rd fret makes it easier.
However, since it includes the chord Am7/D, which requires barring from the 1st to the 5th strings, be sure to press cleanly so all strings ring out.
It’s a classic that everyone knows, making it perfect to showcase as a solo acoustic performance.
A song about being cheated on but still in love.riria.
This is the first digital single by singer-songwriter Riria, who performs on social media platforms like TikTok and YouTube without revealing her appearance.
It’s her first original song, and despite being an indie artist, it became a hot topic for its modern spread, even reaching No.
1 on LINE MUSIC’s weekly rankings.
Most of the chords used are barre chords, but using a capo on the 4th fret simplifies them, making it easier to play while singing.
Also, playing it in arpeggio style brings it closer to the original, so why not give it a try?
Racing into the NightYOASOBI
A two-member music unit, YOASOBI, who built a unique worldview and presence by creating songs based on existing stories.
This is their first digital-only single.
Dominating the J-pop scene in 2020, it sparked a social phenomenon with overwhelming popularity among younger listeners.
By placing a capo on the 3rd fret, you can play it using relatively simple chords, but the song also presents challenges such as the tricky E7/G# chord shape, an increased number of barre chords after the key change, a fast tempo, and rapid chord changes.
It may be a bit difficult for beginner guitarists, but since it’s a song everyone knows, it’s sure to hype up the crowd when performed as a solo acoustic piece—so definitely give it a try!
Between the Sky and YouNakajima Miyuki
This song features lyrics with deep emotion and a powerful message, and it is Miyuki Nakajima’s 31st single, released in May 1994.
Used as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Ie Naki Ko,” it became a massive hit, selling over a million copies thanks in part to the show’s high ratings.
The lyrics, which express profound compassion for a loved one and empathy for the pain in the heart, are sure to resonate with listeners.
Since it is built on a simple chord progression, it might be a good choice to try as a guitar-and-vocal performance.
How about singing it while savoring the meaning of the lyrics and infusing it with the feelings you hold in your heart?