[2026] Roundup of Popular Japanese Female Singer-Songwriters

The color of loveHiguchi Ai

Ai Higuchi / The Color of Love [Official Video] | Ai Higuchi ‘Koi no Iro’

Ai Higuchi, who is active as a singer-songwriter, released this digital-only single in July 2023.

Over a simple backing track centered on piano and strings, she delivers a stunning vocal performance.

In particular, the sections sung in her powerful mid-to-high alto range let you fully savor the appeal of her voice.

If you listen with attention to how she closes phrases, her use of rests within the melody, and the effective placement of breath noises, you’ll truly appreciate her exceptional expressive singing technique.

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Kei Takahata

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Mind and BodyUeda Marie

Marie Ueda 'Heart and Body' PV

It is included on Marie Ueda’s indie debut single “Kokoro/S/Sa.” This release consists of three discs, each a two-track single.

The song is used in the smartphone game app SHOW BY ROCK!!.

It’s a memorable track with lyrics that repeat the same words many times.

Look Back AgainYaita Hitomi

Hitomi Yaida – Look Back Again

Included on the 2001 album “Candlize.” Her father loved karaoke, so she grew up in a home where music was always playing, which inspired her to pursue singing.

Her voice—sometimes slipping into falsetto—stands out over a mid-tempo rhythm with a subtly Asian flavor.

LET IT OUTFukuhara Miho

Miho Fukuhara “LET IT OUT”

A single released in 2009.

Born in 1987.

Originally from Sapporo.

In her third year of junior high school, she sang a Mariah Carey song on a Hokkaido local TV program and quickly gained attention, which led to her debut.

Her remarkably wide vocal range—unusual for a Japanese singer—is one of her greatest strengths.

Poem of the Wandering Starssuis from Yorushika

The music video for Hoshimeguru Uta sung by Yorushika’s suis has been released! You’re sure to be captivated by her breathtakingly clear vocals. Kyocera Original Animation Part 3: “Is Now Included in the Future?” Special Movie.

Suis moves many people’s hearts with her translucent singing voice and lyrics that weave complex emotions.

She debuted in 2017 as the vocalist of Yorushika and drew attention with hits like “Dakara Boku wa Ongaku wo Yameta” (That’s Why I Gave Up on Music).

She is also active with her solo project “suis from Yorushika,” engaging in a wide range of activities including collaborations with various artists and anime theme songs.

Her delicate expressiveness and melodious vocals are captivating, enchanting a large fanbase.

Her lyrics, which depict the subtleties of love and human relationships, are sure to resonate.

She is a highly watched female singer-songwriter, recommended for those seeking solace in a voice that truly speaks to the heart.

As long as there is love, everything will be okay.Hirose Kōmi

As long as there is love, everything will be okay.

Included on the 1993 album “GOOD LUCK!” and used as the theme song for the film “Yamai wa Kikara: Byōin e Ikō 2.” Born in Fukuoka Prefecture.

Her real name is Asami Yonemitsu.

A proven talent who received elite musical training from the age of five, she is also known as the “Queen of Winter” due to her many winter hits.

A gentle feelingChara

Chara “Yasashii Kimochi” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Included on the 1997 album “Junior Sweet.” Born in 1968.

From Saitama Prefecture.

Her stage name comes from the fact that the sound of her name resembles “arabiki,” meaning coarsely ground sausage, leading people to call her Arabiki.

Her unique vocals ride over a somewhat dreamlike melody, creating an extremely soft and gentle atmosphere.