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[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!

[2026] Roundup of Popular Japanese Female Singer-Songwriters (31–40)

Letter ~Dear Fifteen-Year-Old Me~Anjura Aki

Angela Aki “Letter: To You, Fifteen” Music Video (HD)
Letter ~Dear Fifteen-Year-Old Me~Anjura Aki

A single released in 2008.

Born in 1977.

From Tokushima Prefecture.

His father is the president of AEON Holdings.

He originally wrote lyrics in English, but after listening to Chihiro Onitsuka’s songs, he became committed to writing lyrics in Japanese.

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Forget-me-notTatetakako

Tate Takako – Forget-me-not [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]
Forget-me-notTatetakako

Released as Takako Tate’s first single, it serves as the theme song for the film “Argentine Baba.” The original song is the Andean folk tune “El Humahuaqueño” (Hanamatsuri).

In addition to this track, several other songs have been tie-in tracks, such as “Hoseki” (Jewels), which was featured in the film “Nobody Knows.”

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I want to be honest.Yonemura Hiromi

This single, released in 1992, was used as the ending theme for the anime Crayon Shin-chan.

Born in 1966 in Kanagawa Prefecture, she gained attention for writing and composing “Ashita wa Genki ~More Music!~,” sung by Miyoko Yoshimoto on NHK’s Minna no Uta.

Her distinctive singing voice overflows with a cradle-like gentleness that makes the song soothing and pleasant.

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Return to Myself ~ I won’t, I won’t, summer.Hamada Mari

Included on the 1989 album “Return to Myself.” Born in 1962, from Tokyo.

She was a leading female vocalist in the 1980s hard rock scene and enjoyed immense popularity.

This track, while hard-edged, also showcases her keen sensibility and standout vocal prowess.

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Silent EveKarashima Midori

A single released in 1990 and the theme song for the drama “Christmas Eve.” Born in 1961 in Kagoshima Prefecture.

Since she holds a home economics teaching license, Tamori affectionately calls her “Karashima-sensei.” This song has now become a staple during the Christmas season.

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[2026] Summary of Popular Japanese Female Singer-Songwriters (41–50)

Natsumiyamasaki aoi

Released as Aoi Yamazaki’s third single, it has been used as the theme song for Seven & i Holdings’ summer gift commercials, among others.

It’s a summer song with slightly bittersweet lyrics, expressing a desire to enjoy the next summer oneself.

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SoupFujihara Sakura

Sakura Fujiwara – “Soup” (short ver.)
SoupFujihara Sakura

Released as Sakura Fujiwara’s first single, it served as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Love Song.” She also appeared in the drama, making her debut as an actress.

Additionally, the track was produced by Masaharu Fukuyama, who starred in the series.

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