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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Skilled singers. Japanese female vocalists with high singing ability (121–130)
demon huntingNisshoku Natsuko
Natsuko Nisshoku is a Japanese singer-songwriter who performs with piano.
Perhaps owing to her long background in classical piano, her singing style is rooted in a powerful, resonant voice that hints at an operatic influence, and even a single listen conveys her high caliber as a vocalist.
Although she is a piano-playing singer-songwriter, the piano in her music is not merely an accompaniment instrument; it interweaves inseparably with the vocal line to form the songs—one of the hallmarks of her work.
The slightly jazz-tinged piano playing and melodic writing are also part of her appeal.
Drinks for twoAzusa Michiyo
Michiyo Azusa, known as a songstress who represents the Showa era, enjoyed a long career from the 1960s, releasing numerous classic hits.
Her signature song released in 1974 ranked 18th on the Oricon year-end chart.
With her distinctive voice and expressive delivery, she continues to be loved across generations.
Her unique stage performance—singing while sitting cross-legged—also drew attention.
After moving to CBS/Sony in 1979, she produced a string of hits, and a song she covered in 1982 became one of her signature works.
Highly recommended for those who want to fully savor the charm of Showa-era pop and be moved by an emotionally rich voice.
Purple Rain SentimentFuji Ayako
Aya Ko Fujii, who debuted in 1987, is a singer known as an enka artist while also revealing an unexpected side in her love for rock music.
She had a major breakthrough in 1992 with “Kokoro-zake,” winning the 25th Japan Cable Awards.
That same year, she made her first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Fujii’s appeal lies in her sultry vocal tone and steady singing technique, and her talents also stand out in that she writes and composes her own songs.
In recent years, she has continued to take on new challenges, such as sharing her lifestyle on social media.
She is a recommended artist not only for enka fans but also for anyone who enjoys a variety of music genres.
From Kyoto to HakataFuji Keiko
Keiko Fuji, known for her distinctive husky voice and deeply emotional singing, debuted in 1969 with “Shinjuku no Onna” and quickly became a star in the enka world.
While rooted in enka, her musical style incorporated elements of rock and jazz, earning strong support especially from young listeners.
Her innate sense of rhythm, beats conscious of the rock generation, and lyrics themed around “aimless loneliness and heartbreak” resonated with many.
Fuji’s songs stayed near the top of the Oricon charts for extended periods and had a major impact on Japanese pop culture.
Behind the glamorous stage, she faced numerous hardships, but she reflected them all in her music and life, elevating her unique artistry.
Ishikari ElegyKitahara Mirei
Mirei Kitahara is a songstress who represents Japan’s enka world.
She debuted in 1970 with “~” and achieved a major breakthrough with her signature hit “~,” released in 1975.
Born in Aichi Prefecture, she excelled in sports from a young age, especially tennis.
At 16, she studied under Ichiro Saeki and subsequently trained with various mentors as she set out on the enka path.
Though rooted in enka, her vocal prowess extends to many up-tempo numbers, and her performances seem to reflect the athletic experience of her youth.
Her signature song “~” received high acclaim, winning the Lyrics Award and Arrangement Award at the Tokyo Music Festival, and in 1997 a monument bearing its lyrics was erected at the Otaru Guest House in Hokkaido.
She is a skilled singer whom not only enka fans but also younger generations should hear.