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[Japanese Female Artists] Recommended Songs for Guitar and Vocals [2026]

[Japanese Female Artists] Recommended Songs for Guitar and Vocals [2026]
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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!

[Japanese Female Artists] Recommended Songs for Guitar and Vocals [2026] (1–10)

sunflowerAdo

Ado did an acoustic self-cover of Sunflower by Ado

This song evokes the image of a flower stretching straight toward the sun, and it’s a track where Ado’s gentleness and strength shine.

It’s perfect for guitar-and-vocal performance, and despite its simple chord progression, its warm melody sinks into the heart.

While acknowledging one’s own weakness, it carries the courage to face forward and a sense of gratitude toward loved ones, giving hope to listeners.

Released in July 2023, the song also drew attention as the theme for the TBS drama “18/40: Dreams and Love If We’re Together.” The lyrics and composition are by Miyuhan, with arrangement by 40mP.

With its acoustic vibe that reveals a new side of Ado, this piece is one that even beginner guitarists should definitely try.

Love WindIkuta Rira

Lila Ikuta – Koikaze [Guitar Solo Cover (Singing and Playing)]

A song that weaves a love story carried on the gentle winds of spring through Lila Ikuta’s crystal-clear voice.

It captures the nerves and anticipation of a budding romance, along with the courage to take that first step, set against delicate guitar tones.

Released in April 2025, it was written as the theme song for ABEMA’s romance reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita.

New Zealand Edition.” This marks the third time Ikuta has provided a theme song for the series, showcasing her allure as a solo artist.

Perfect for guitar-and-vocal performance, the track features a simple chord progression paired with a melody that truly resonates.

It’s relatively approachable even for first-time guitar players—why not practice with the aim of achieving that translucent vocal quality?

The song doesn’t have a title yet.Aogumo

“The song doesn’t have a title yet” – Aogumo
The song doesn’t have a title yet.Aogumo
The song doesn't have a title yet (acoustic/solo version) – Aogumo

Aogumo’s music, with its delicate guitar tones and clear, transparent vocals, resonates deeply.

This piece candidly portrays the conflicts and self-denial that accompany creative work, along with a strong desire to keep making music nonetheless.

Its appeal lies in the simple guitar accompaniment and down-to-earth emotional expression, conveying the tangle of doubt about one’s talent, jealousy born from comparisons with others, and the interplay of resignation and hope in the face of efforts that don’t seem to pay off.

Released as a single on November 4, 2024, it has garnered over 4.6 million plays, sparked by posts on TikTok.

It’s recommended for those looking to start singing with guitar accompaniment or to express their emotions honestly.

The chord progression is simple, making it approachable even for beginners.

BibbidebaHoshimachi Suisei

Bibbideba / Suisei Hoshimachi [Acoustic Cover]
BibbidebaHoshimachi Suisei
Bibideba / Hoshimachi Suisei (acoustic-style cover)

Suisei Hoshimachi’s song, inspired by a Cinderella story, features a catchy melody and addictive rhythm, carrying messages like “breaking free from a boring everyday life” and “the importance of self-expression.” It’s a piece that can be performed with rich emotion even as a solo acoustic rendition.

Released digitally in March 2024, its music video on YouTube became a massive hit, surpassing 10 million views at the fastest pace in VTuber history.

This work brilliantly fuses Hoshimachi’s powerful vocals with Tsumiki’s distinctive songwriting, and its arrangement shines even with just an acoustic guitar—so if you’re comfortable arranging to some extent, definitely give it a try!

Dinner Songtuki.

tuki. “Banquet Song” Official Music Video
Dinner Songtuki.
tuki. 'Banquet Song' acoustic self-accompanied version

If you’re looking for a song that’s perfect for acoustic guitar and vocals, I recommend tuki.’s debut track.

With emotional depth and delicate nuance, it paints the complex feelings of love and separation, featuring a simple yet resonant melody.

Released in September 2023, it also achieved commercial success, reaching No.

1 on the Billboard JAPAN single chart “Billboard Japan Hot 100” and the Oricon Weekly Streaming Chart.

The cover art, created by illustrator wataboku—whom tuki.

had long admired—expresses a distinctive world view.

This song, which reflects on realizing one’s own actions have hurt a loved one and conveys both that inner conflict and affection, is perfect for those who want to feel the subtleties of human relationships.

To you who didn’t choose meKoresawa

Koresawa “To You Who Didn’t Choose Me” [Music Video]
To you who didn’t choose meKoresawa
"To You Who Didn't Choose Me" acoustic solo performance 💔💌❤️‍🔥 #acoustic #Koresawa #newmusic #shorts

A song that candidly expresses the pain of heartbreak and complex emotions, showcasing Koresawa’s skillful word choice and catchy melodies.

It wraps the feelings of the woman who wasn’t chosen in a bright, fast-paced band sound, creating a superb structure that leaves an uplifting impression.

The track will be released digitally in February 2025 and is slated to be included on the album “To the You Who Chose Me and the You Who Didn’t,” scheduled for release in March of the same year.

The album also features songs that trended on social media and self-covers, including a track that won the Japan Record Awards’ Lyrics Prize.

It’s recommended even for beginner guitarists: despite its simple chord progression, it allows for a wide range of emotional expression.

Performed as a solo acoustic piece, it’s perfect for those who want to transform the pain of heartbreak into something uplifting.

Love thief.Yuika

Love Thief. / “Yuika” [MV]
Love thief.Yuika
Love Thief. / “Yuika” solo acoustic version.

Starting with a 3-2-1 countdown, this heart-melting song captures the moment of falling in love down to the very second.

Released in March 2022 when Yuika was 17, it channels her delicate emotions directly into the lyrics.

Its unique worldview—expressing the feeling of being in love as having it “stolen”—is especially captivating, earning support from a wide audience and inspiring covers such as one by VTuber Sara Hoshikawa.

With its simple chord progression and approachable melody line, it’s an easy piece for beginner guitarists to tackle.