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.
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Great singers. Japanese female vocalists with high singing ability (91–100)
fragileMochida Kaori (Every Little Thing)
Released in January 2001, Every Little Thing’s 17th single.
It also served as the theme song for the TV show “Ainori.” The theme of this article is “Japanese female singers who are good at singing and have high vocal ability,” but I think the appeal of ELT’s vocalist Kaori Mochida as a singer lies in her positive touch of amateurishness that never makes her feel like a full-fledged, classically trained singer.
Her voice isn’t meticulously crafted for singing; if anything, it’s like that of a karaoke-loving big sister you might find anywhere.
Yet it has plenty of inner strength, and the stable singing supported by that strength may be backed by her career of running at the forefront ever since her debut.
It’s a confident voice that seems to say, “Try to imitate me carelessly and you’ll get hurt, okay?”
Child GodShimabukuro Hiroko
Released in July 2013, this is Hiroko Shimabukuro’s 15th single.
It is also her first single after changing her artist name from “hiro,” which she had used since SPEED’s debut, to her real name, Hiroko Shimabukuro.
Ever since debuting with SPEED at age 12, Shimabukuro has been widely praised for her vocal ability beyond her years, and on this track you can fully enjoy her growth into a truly “mature singer.” Warabigami (“Child of the Gods”) is a cover of a song by Okinawan singer Misako Koja, and Shimabukuro brings out the Okinawan flavor of the melody and lyrics—fitting, as she herself is from Okinawa—to the fullest.
Her vocal approach on the high notes, which likely draws on traditional Okinawan folk singing techniques, is particularly outstanding.
Great singers. Japanese female vocalists with high singing ability (101–110)
True loveMay J.
May J.
is a singer who made her operatic stage debut at the age of eight.
“Honto no Koi” (True Love) was released in 2014 and became her first single to enter the Oricon Top 10.
The song was used as an insert track in the TV drama “Dousousei: Hito wa, Sando, Koi wo Suru” (Classmates: People Fall in Love Three Times).
applausechiaki naomi
Naomi Chiaki’s “Kassai,” sung with the powerful vocals that defined the Showa era, continues to move and captivate listeners.
In particular, the warm, lower-register melodies draw the audience into the world of the song.
Its concise, memorable melodic lines also make it appealing and easy for singers to learn.
There are many cover versions arranged with consideration for vocal range and key, allowing people of all ages to enjoy the piece.
Through this simple yet dramatically unfolding masterpiece, why not take this moment to rediscover the brilliance of Showa-era kayōkyoku?
Nagasaki BluesAoe Mina
Mina Aoe, born in 1941, was a leading figure in the world of enka and popular songs.
She debuted in 1966 and gained popularity with her husky voice and blues-influenced enka style.
In 1968, she had two million-selling singles and won the Japan Record Award for Best Vocal Performance.
The following year, she earned the award again with the biggest hit of her career.
She appeared on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen 18 times, cementing her status as a singer.
In the 1990s, she broadened her musical activities by releasing jazz albums and performing in Brazil.
Despite falling ill in 1998, she continued her musical career and passed away in July 2000 at the age of 59.
Aoe’s songs are still loved by many today and are highly recommended for fans of enka.
The Sun of the DowntownBaishō Chieko
It’s undeniable that her work as an actress—especially known as Tora-san’s younger sister, Sakura—has been so outstanding that her identity as a singer has faded into the background.
But she truly has a beautiful voice.
And no wonder—she was active in the Shochiku Revue, so of course she’s good at singing.
evening cicadaNagayama Yōko
This is Ms.
Nagayama’s enka debut song.
Since she used to sing folk songs, she has tremendous vocal power and is an excellent singer.
Even as she’s aged, her cute face and outstanding figure haven’t changed—and on top of that, she sings so well; it’s like giving a demon an iron club.
There was a rise of beautiful enka singers in the 1990s, but she stood out even among them.