[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] Popular Japanese Female Singer-Songwriters Summary (11–20)
I love you more than anyone.Furuchi Toko
It was released in 1996 as Toko Furuuchi’s seventh single.
The song was used as an insert track for the YTV/NTV drama “Watch Out for Us,” and it remains a popular karaoke classic love song.
It has been covered by many artists, regardless of gender.
A Perfect SkyBONNIE PINK
Singer-songwriter BONNIE PINK captivates with her unique musicality and lyrics that convey deep insight and lyrical poise.
Debuting in 1995 with the album “BLUE JAM,” she has created works around the world through collaborations with musicians both in Japan and abroad.
In May 2006, she scored a major hit with a Shiseido ANESSA commercial song and performed on the year-end NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
Her songwriting process often begins with writing poems like a diary, composing lyrics and music with a strong emphasis on the rhythm of words.
Her songs are notable for lyrics that are said to be about 80% imagination and for a sound that carries a Western pop sensibility.
Frequently featured in TV dramas, films, and commercials, BONNIE PINK continues to attract attention from all genders for her vocal ability and songwriting talent.
Highly recommended for fans of Western music and those drawn to profound lyrics.
To the Lightmiwa
Known for her musicality that spans a wide range of genres from pop and rock to acoustic, miwa has produced numerous hit songs since making her debut with “don’t cry anymore” in 2010.
She is especially popular among young people and enjoys broad support from a wide fan base, contributing theme songs to many films, TV dramas, and anime.
miwa’s music is characterized by heartwarming melodies and delicate lyrics.
Influenced by her father from an early age, she was exposed to music by overseas artists and grew up listening to the likes of Carole King and Deep Purple.
Continuing her energetic activities, she released a new single in March 2024.
Singing while playing guitar, she truly stands as a leading figure among contemporary female singer-songwriters.
Highly recommended for those drawn to a voice that resonates with the heart and an approachable, friendly presence.
EverythingMISIA
MISIA is a singer with overwhelming vocal prowess and a five-octave range, active not only in Japan but around the world.
Hailing from Tsushima, Nagasaki Prefecture, she captivates many fans with a musical style rooted in R&B and soul.
She debuted in February 1998 with the single “Tsutsumikomu you ni…,” and her album released the same year, “Mother Father Brother Sister,” sold over 2.5 million copies.
“Everything,” released in 2000 as the theme song for the drama Yamato Nadeshiko, remains a beloved ballad to this day.
In 2018, she won the Japan Record Awards’ Best Vocal Performance, further cementing her reputation.
Her powerful yet embracing voice is highly recommended for anyone seeking healing through music.
Sentimental KissShio Reira
Reira Ushio, who debuted in September 2021, is known as a singer-songwriter who writes and composes her own songs.
Her clear, powerful voice, addictive melodies, and distinctive writing that conveys a one-of-a-kind worldview are truly captivating.
She has garnered popularity—especially among young people—with a total of roughly 17.15 million views on her YouTube channel.
It’s no surprise she’s drawing attention across various media, from being featured as background music on ABEMA’s dating shows to trending on TikTok.
Her experience performing street live shows has greatly influenced her musical style, and the songs born from that are uniquely crafted, often depicting people from imagined worlds.
She’s highly recommended not only for fans of singer-songwriter music, but also for anyone interested in discovering new talent.
La La LaDaikoku Maki
It was released in 1995 as Maki Ohguro’s 10th single.
Chosen as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Aji Ichimonme,” it became her third million-selling record and her biggest hit.
It is also known for often being performed as the final song at her live concerts.
[2026] Roundup of Popular Japanese Female Singer-Songwriters (21–30)
Harusaki KobeniYano Akiko
Included on the 1981 album “Tadaima.” Born in 1955, from Aomori Prefecture.
Her real name is Akiko Suzuki.
She currently lives in New York.
Ryuichi Sakamoto is her former husband.
The melodies, brimming with pop sensibility and written with her unique touch, combined with her singing voice that is almost mechanical at times, result in a work that exudes originality.