[2026] Roundup of Popular Japanese Female Singer-Songwriters
Singer-songwriters—artists who write lyrics and compose their own music—feel familiar to us, and many are active today.
In Japan, the term “singer-songwriter” is said to have taken hold in the 1970s, and it was also during this period that female singer-songwriters emerged who would go on to influence countless artists, not just their male counterparts.
In this article, we introduce female singer-songwriters who are indispensable to any discussion of Japanese music history.
Alongside legendary artists, we also feature Gen Z singer-songwriters, so if you love female singer-songwriters, this is a must-read!
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[2026] Roundup of Popular Japanese Female Singer-Songwriters (61–70)
TOMORROWMayo Okamoto
A single released in 1995 that served as the theme song for the drama “Second Chance.” Born in 1974, from Kochi Prefecture.
Also active as a pianist.
Listening to DREAMS COME TRUE’s “Mirai Yosouzu II” reportedly inspired them to pursue singing.
The year after its release, it was chosen as the entrance march for the Spring Senbatsu High School Baseball Tournament at Koshien.
JupiterHirahara Ayaka
It is included on the 2004 album “ODYSSEY.” Born in 1984.
A native of Tokyo, they grew up in a musical family: their father is a multi-reed player, their grandfather a trumpet player, and their older sister a singer-songwriter.
They have a close relationship with Masashi Sada.
The piece is based on Holst’s “Jupiter.”
I’ll stay true to myself.Shin-yama Shiori
This song was released as Shiori Niiyama’s 8th single and was selected as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Buzz Rhythm” in July.
It has a rock style and conveys a sense of hope for the future.
The coupling track, “Koi no Naka,” was written and composed by Masaharu Fukuyama.
I want to see you.sawada chikako
A single released in 1990.
Born in 1963, from Saitama Prefecture.
Used as a TV show theme song and in commercials, this track became a long-running hit, staying within the top 100 of the Oricon chart for 87 weeks.
It’s a sad song with a mellow melody that sings about the death of a lover.
Keep smiling.Tane Tomoko
Included on the 2011 album “uh Baby Baby.” Born in 1961, from Kyoto.
She’s known for her cute singing voice and lyrics that use everyday, straightforward language.
This song was released as part of a charity effort for the Great East Japan Earthquake; it’s simple, but overflowing with a forward-looking emotion that almost brings you to tears.
dolphiniruka
A single released in 1975.
Born in 1950.
Born in Tokyo.
Her real name is Toshie Kambe.
Her father was a tenor saxophonist.
Her husband and son are also musicians, making them a musical family.
This song is considered her signature piece and has been covered by various artists.
youKozaka Akiko
It was released in 1973 as Akiko Kosaka’s debut single.
At the age of 16, she entered the 6th Yamaha Popular Song Contest in 1973, won the Grand Prix by singing this song while playing the piano, and went on to appear in the 25th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1974.