[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 (21–30)
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.
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.
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.
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.
ContrastTOMOO
TOMOO is an artist who creates music that gently touches listeners’ hearts with simple piano tones and an emotionally rich voice.
She began her career in the early 2010s and made her major debut in 2019.
While taking on a wide range of genres from pop to ballads, her dedication to a stripped-down, singer-songwriter style is also striking.
Many of her signature songs have been used as drama theme songs, and in 2022 she successfully held her solo concert “Estuary” at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA.
Her strong will, standing on stage after overcoming health issues, moved many fans.
Her songs, often themed around nature and the passage of time, are gentle yet deeply resonant.
She’s an artist especially recommended for those who want to reflect on their inner selves through music.
Angel’s RestHisamatsu Fumina
Released in 1992 as Fumina Hisamatsu’s fifth single.
It was used as the theme song for the Yomiuri TV-produced/Nippon TV network drama “Kirei ni Naritai” (“I Want to Be Beautiful”), became her first Top 10 hit, and marked her best-selling record.
It’s a very cool track featuring her husky vocals.