A Japanese female singer with excellent singing ability; an outstanding vocalist.
Even when we say someone is “a good singer,” that can mean many different things.
They might have astonishingly steady pitch, a superhuman vocal range, exquisite sense of rhythm, or a truly overwhelming voice.
This time, I’ve picked out female singers who are widely regarded as “great” from various angles like these, as well as female singers who, from my years of experience as a vocal producer and voice coach, make me think, “She’s outstanding!”
Of course, a singer’s appeal doesn’t necessarily lie only in technical skill.
But every now and then, isn’t it nice to listen with a focus on “skill”?
I hope this will be helpful for those who aspire to become singers as well.
- [Overwhelming Vocal Ability] A Compilation of Popular Female Singers
- Diva of Enka: A roundup of female singers leading the enka world
- Cool If You Can Sing! Popular Karaoke Songs Recommended for Women
- [Feels Great to Listen To!] Popular Songs by Female Artists with Captivating High Notes
- [Powerful] A roundup of Japanese pop singers with incredible vocal power
- 【2026】Difficult Enka Songs to Sing — Women Singers Edition
- Recommended female vocalists for anime songs
- A masterpiece with exhilarating high notes. An enchanting high-tone voice.
- Reiwa era mustn't be missed: an enka singer with excellent vocals.
- [For Teen Girls] Popular Karaoke Songs That Are Easy to Sing
- [Crystal Voice] An artist with a clear, translucent singing voice.
- [For Women] A roundup of enka songs that can score high in karaoke
- Songs you’d want women to sing at karaoke! Karaoke picks recommended for Gen Z
Female Japanese singers with excellent vocals (61–70)
eternityBENI
This is the 22nd single by Japanese singer BENI, released in January 2012.
It also served as the theme song for the NHK drama “Honjitsu wa Taian Nari.” Born in Okinawa, she reportedly spent her childhood moving between her hometown in Okinawa and the United States, and that broad, expansive vocal quality may be influenced by her background.
Her rich, steady vocal delivery—skillfully blending a soft mixed voice and falsetto—gives listeners a sense of reassurance.
If you call it loveUru
Uru is a Japanese singer-songwriter.
She has earned numerous tie-ins so many people have likely heard her songs.
One of her greatest charms is the beauty of her mix voice and falsetto.
Many listeners are captivated by her clear, translucent vocals that even evoke a sacred atmosphere.
Her contrasting vocal expressions are also noteworthy, from a gentle, whisper-like delivery to a powerful, expansive style.
Tears aren’t just for show.Nakamori Akina
Akina Nakamori is a Japanese singer and actress.
Since she debuted as an idol in 1982—a year said to be a banner year for idols—there may not have been many opportunities for the public to fully recognize her vocal prowess.
But I believe she is actually a singer with strong vocal ability.
It’s true she isn’t known for shockingly high notes or a powerfully masculine delivery, but her singing that makes the most of her mid-to-low range—likely her greatest strength—is very compelling.
She may not be flashy, but she’s a singer with solid, reliable skill.
In the song I’m introducing here, “Kazarijanai no yo Namida wa” (“Tears Aren’t Just for Show”), she masterfully handles the highly challenging melody written by Yosui Inoue.
Starry NightYuka
Yu-ka’s “Hoshizukiyo” is a song that draws listeners in with its vivid musical sensibility and exquisite control in the high register.
Her sense of rhythm and skillful switching to a rich, low chest voice convey overwhelming vocal prowess.
Especially in the chorus, she unveils a mixed voice that perfectly suits the gentle ballad, producing a soft yet clear tone through a projection technique that covers a wide range.
This track brilliantly fuses the sensibilities she gained from living abroad with elements of J-pop expression, gaining even more depth through the way she blends breath in the lower passages.
Her captivating vocals possess a beauty you won’t forget once you’ve heard them.
BAKUYoshioka Kiyoe (Ikimonogakari)
Kiyoe Yoshioka, the lead vocalist of the Japanese rock band Ikimonogakari, is a singer whose vocal ability is highly acclaimed.
In the single “BAKU,” released digitally in January 2021 and introduced here, she demonstrates that skill to the fullest.
When people think of Ikimonogakari, many might imagine cute, high-pitched songs, but what’s noteworthy about this track is her powerful delivery that makes full use of a solid mid-to-low range.
Anyone who has taken even a bit of voice training may have felt this: singing powerfully with a firm mid-to-low register is actually harder than belting high notes.
This song offers a glimpse into Yoshioka’s exceptional prowess as a vocalist.
Oneway GenerationHonda Minako
This was a single by Minako Honda, released in February 1987.
It was also the theme song for the drama “Papa wa News Caster,” starring Masakazu Tamura.
She might not strike you at first listen as the kind of singer who makes you think “Wow, what a virtuoso!” but the steady, assured vocals you hear in this track are, in my opinion, more than worthy of high praise.
Considering it was released in 1987, this was a time before today’s pitch-correction technologies existed.
Singers from the era when the technology wasn’t yet developed really were amazing in so many ways!
Spring Awakens in Toi (Ver.1)UA
This is a collaborative track by UA and MONDO GROSSO, included on MONDO GROSSO’s album “Nando demo Atarashiku Umareru” released in June 2017.
The CD features Version 2, while the Version 1 in this video is included in the advance release on the iTunes Store.
UA’s vocals—tinged with a touch of melancholy yet brimming with wild, primal strength—blend perfectly with the deep house direction MONDO GROSSO pursues on this work, which incorporates a wide array of musical elements including soul, jazz, reggae, dub, electro, and world music.
UA’s singing showcases masterful use of “breath”: skillful rhythmic expression using breath noise and nuanced breath control from falsetto to middle voice, lending the track a profoundly soulful color.