RAG Music
Lovely music

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.

Female Japanese singers with excellent singing ability (141–150)

Life is full of ups and downs.Shimakura Chiyoko

Life Has Its Ups and Downs – Chiyoko Shimakura – Guitar Solo Cover
Life is full of ups and downs.Shimakura Chiyoko

Chiyoko Shimakura, known as a leading figure in Japanese enka, debuted in 1954 and produced numerous hit songs, including “Tokyo dayo Okkasan” (Mother, This Is Tokyo).

She received many awards, such as the Japan Record Awards and appeared on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, establishing herself as a central figure in the enka world.

Her work is marked by deep emotional expression and relatable lyrics, leaving many memorable songs in listeners’ hearts.

In November 1974, she even ventured into new musical genres by releasing a collaboration album with artists from the New Music scene.

Her vocal prowess and expressive power have continued to exert a significant influence on Japan’s music scene for many years.

She is highly recommended not only for enka fans but also for anyone interested in Japanese musical culture.

Report a problem

Love Me Up (Prod. Chaki Zulu)Awich

Awich – Love Me Up (Prod. Chaki Zulu) (2022)
Love Me Up (Prod. Chaki Zulu)Awich

Awich was born in 1986 and hails from Okinawa.

It’s pronounced “Ay-witch.” Love Me Up was released in October 2018.

Although Awich is generally categorized more as a rapper than a singer, her vocal ability is impressive.

She speaks to you with a compelling voice that rivals that of top-tier Black singers (though I don’t really like putting it that way).

Likely thanks to her upbringing in Okinawa and her time studying abroad, her excellent English pronunciation and sense of rhythm are outstanding, and it’s great that there’s none of the groove-disrupting quality you sometimes hear from Japanese rappers.

Kei Takahata
Report a problem

Alone at the tavernNakamura Mitsuko

Drinking Alone at a Tavern Nakamura Mitsuko
Alone at the tavernNakamura Mitsuko

Mr.

Nakamura is the epitome of a late-blooming singer who achieved success through relentless hardship.

While “Kawachi Otoko Bushi” is extremely well-known, this song could be considered its counterpart—the very height of darkness.

It’s such a gloomy piece that it can really bring you down, yet there are times when I just want to be alone and immerse myself completely in its world.

Report a problem

In conclusion

We’ve introduced many Japanese female singers with great vocal skills—what did you think? From pop singers to rock band vocalists and enka performers, we carefully selected popular artists who are widely praised as “way too good!” Was your personal favorite included? We tried to be as objective as possible in our choices, but since it’s music, some of the author’s subjectivity inevitably comes through.

If you’re thinking, “Why isn’t that person on the list?!” we’d love to hear your requests and opinions.

Please feel free to share your thoughts with the editorial team!