[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 (71–80)
Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako
A single released in 1985.
Born in 1962.
From Aichi Prefecture.
A member of Aming.
The total number of albums sold to date exceeds 16 million.
This song suits Koshien perfectly—it was once even voted the number one favorite song among high school baseball players.
Lovely RenaissanceHiramatsu Eri
A single released in 1990, it was the ending theme for the TV program “Ucchan Nanchan no Yarunara Yaraneba!” Born in 1964 and hailing from Hyogo Prefecture.
Her straightforward singing voice intertwines with the refreshing keyboard tones and lively programmed rhythms, creating an exceptionally pleasant sound.
I believeayaka
Released as Ayaka’s first single, it served as the theme song for the TBS drama “Rondo.” Figure skater Miki Ando also used this song for her exhibition program in the 2006–2007 season.
The song conveys the importance of believing in yourself.
Invisible WingsKawashima Ai
Released as Ai Kawashima’s 9th single, it was used as the theme song for the Nippon TV program “Angura no Tsuboya Yobei.” It’s a song that feels encouraging when you listen to it.
Ai Kawashima also performed as the vocalist of I WiSH.
1/2Kawamoto Makoto
A single released in 1997.
Born in 1974, from Fukui Prefecture.
Her real name is Kazuyo Kawamoto.
This song pioneered the style of female artists singing while holding a guitar, and is characterized by acoustic guitar strumming throughout the entire track.
No way to sayHamasaki Ayumi
It was Ayumi Hamasaki’s 31st single, released in 2003.
Issued as the lead single from the mini-album “Memorial address,” it was featured in a commercial for the Panasonic portable MD player “MJ57.” With this song, she won the Grand Prize at the 45th Japan Record Awards, achieving an unprecedented third consecutive win.
Every dayAbe Mao
A single released in 2010.
Born in 1990, from Oita Prefecture.
She says that singing is “a means to connect with someone.” She often comes up with her songs when driven by impulse.
It’s a song whose gentle melody and spoken-like vocals seep into the heart.