[2026] Roundup of Popular Japanese Female Singer-Songwriters

semicolonyama

yama『semicolon』Music Video

Yama, known for their clear, translucent singing voice, has been drawing a great deal of attention.

Although a mysterious artist who keeps their identity hidden, they enjoy overwhelming support—particularly from younger listeners—for a unique musical style that fuses digital and analog elements.

Grounded in electronica and indie rock, they skillfully blend programmed sounds with live instruments to explore new possibilities in music.

Their 2023 album “awake&build” delivered an innovative work that transcends conventional boundaries by merging band-driven sound with electronic production.

They have also collaborated with accomplished artists such as Sohei Mishima of cinema staff and Matt Cab.

With a crystalline, beautiful voice and literary lyrics that stir the heart, their music is a perfect match for listeners with a delicate, nuanced sensibility.

Only onezarame

Only one

Zarame is a striking blue-haired “nega-posi” singer-songwriter.

With a translucent voice and a uniquely expressive emotional style, she creates music that stirs listeners’ hearts.

She began with street performances in Tokyo and steadily built popularity through word of mouth on social media as an emerging artist.

Since July 2024, she has been landing tie-ins with anime and TV dramas one after another, and her performance video on the YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE has surpassed 3.4 million views, steadily expanding her fanbase.

From ballads to rock, she covers a wide range of genres, and her lyrics and expressive power—while embracing negative emotions—still evoke a sense of hope, resonating with many listeners.

She’s an artist you’ll want to listen to when you feel lost in life or when you want to cherish your feelings for someone.

Valentine Showdownnozomi

Valentine Showdown

Noshi is a singer-songwriter with a translucent voice and delicate expressive power.

She began her music career in earnest in 2023 and is a multifaceted creator who self-produces everything from lyrics, composition, and arrangement to vocals and artwork.

In 2024, she topped the TikTok Weekly Top for two consecutive weeks and was selected to perform a song for an Ito En commercial, steadily expanding her support mainly on social media.

In 2025, she was chosen for Spotify’s “RADAR: Early Noise 2025,” garnering attention as a leading figure in the next generation of the music scene.

Influenced by Shiina Ringo and RADWIMPS, her songs combine a unique lyrical sensibility with pop appeal and profound emotional expression, resonating with many listeners alongside her soul-stirring vocals.

She is highly recommended for those drawn to delicate sensitivity and richly expressive singing.

PLAYER 1Nagay Haruko

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'PLAYER 1' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – PLAYER 1

Haruko Nagaya, the vocalist of Ryokuoushoku Shakai, commands a strong presence with her crystal-clear singing voice.

Formed during her time at Chukyo University, the band has gained popularity for songs that skillfully fuse pop and rock, paired with her distinctive vocals that blend poignancy and power.

Since their major debut in 2018, they have provided theme songs for numerous TV dramas and anime, and have produced smash hits with over 300 million streams.

In 2020, they won Best Rock Video at the MTV VMAJ, and in 2023 they received an Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards.

As a music creator who also writes and composes, Nagaya has a gift for vividly expressing the emotions of teens and people in their twenties, resonating with many listeners.

She’s a highly recommended artist for music fans seeking a pure, translucent voice and lyrics that truly move the heart.

spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota

Tsumugu / Tota

Tota is a bedroom artist with a diverse musical palette, ranging from indie rock to synth-pop.

They began their online activities in February 2021 and have been gaining attention primarily through social media.

In 2023, they provided the tie-in song for Kanro’s Pure Gummy web commercial.

Their own tracks have also earned overwhelming support from younger listeners, with more than 400 million plays on TikTok.

Their appeal lies in a distinctive husky voice—powerful yet transparent—and poetic word choice.

On the album “oidaki,” philosophical lyrics blend beautifully with tracks that evoke elements of bedroom pop.

In October 2023, they held their first solo live show at Shibuya WWW in Tokyo, drawing attention as a live performer as well.

Tota is an artist recommended for those seeking solace in delicate lyrics and a uniquely compelling voice.

tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa

Koresawa “Tobacco” [Music Video]

Singer-songwriter Koresawa from Osaka Prefecture captivates listeners with a uniquely husky voice that sinks deep into the heart.

Blending pop, folk, and indie, she launched her independent label RECO RECORDS in 2014 and began her music career.

Since her major-label debut in 2017, she has released a string of notable works, including the albums Kore Kara, Kore Desho, and Jun’ai Closet.

In 2024, she won the Japan Record Awards’ Lyricist Award.

Notably, she consistently appears in the media through her bear character, “Reko-chan.” Alongside her earnest dedication to music, her songs—filled with down-to-earth emotions woven into the lyrics—have become a comforting presence that resonates with many listeners in their everyday lives.

Yuika

Because I love you. / “Yuika” [MV]

Yuika is a rising young singer-songwriter on a roll.

She first gained attention through her activity on social media and made her major-label debut with Universal Music in 2024.

With songs that resonate with teenage emotions, she has won strong support from young people in Korea, especially on TikTok and YouTube.

While rooted in pop, her style—portraying down-to-earth love and youth—captures the hearts of the social media generation.

Centered around her signature song “Suki Dakara” (“Because I Like You”), she has earned high praise from Korean listeners as well.

She’s a recommended artist for anyone who wants to connect with the wavering feelings of love and coming of age.