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 (131–140)
Friday’s Free FairAkao Kazushige (Terra Rosa)
She may be something of a well-kept secret in general, but she’s the lead singer of the Japanese stylistic hard rock band TERRA ROSA.
For those unfamiliar with the band, quite a few listeners might think, “Wait, isn’t this a male vocalist?” Her voice holds its own against the intensely distorted guitars and the heavily overdriven organ—one of TERRA ROSA’s trademarks—without ever being overpowered.
I’ve chatted with Ms.
Akao several times and even done some casual recording with her, and she’s told me she actually wants to sing in a more feminine style (laughs).
She’s a truly outstanding singer whom anyone aiming to be an HM/HR vocalist should listen to at least once!
tears showerHarada Yuuri
As expected from a disciple of Saburo Kitajima, his vocal ability is guaranteed.
Even with enka, which can get heavy and sticky if you pour in too much emotion, Harada can convey feeling while holding back—that exquisite balance is the mark of a pro.
Among his recent songs, I think this one is packed with Harada’s appeal.
crescent moonayaka
Ayaka, known for her overwhelming vocal prowess, is a singer-songwriter from Osaka who debuted in 2006 with “I believe.” She is active in the J-POP genre and excels at vocals and piano.
Since her debut, she has produced many hit songs, and her first album, “First Message,” achieved million-selling status.
In 2009, she married actor Hiro Mizushima and announced that she had Graves’ disease, leading to a temporary hiatus.
She established her own label in 2011 and resumed her activities.
Ayaka’s appeal lies in her powerful voice and emotionally direct singing.
Believing that singing is about “conveying and delivering to people’s hearts,” her performances move many listeners.
She is highly recommended for those who love to sing and for anyone who wants to experience a deeply moving voice.
UFOpinku redii
This was Pink Lady’s sixth single, released in December 1977.
Among the string of hits they produced during their massive boom, this was their biggest, and its impact was enormous.
If you were in your late 40s to around 50 as of 2020, you probably remember scenes of almost all the girls in your class singing and dancing to this song (lol).
Although Pink Lady was treated purely as an idol group at the time, their vocal ability—foundational technique as well as expressive singing—was remarkable.
It’s one of those songs that offers a glimpse into the high level of talent among Showa-era idols.
feel my soul ～2012 ver.～YUI
YUI’s first single, released in February 2005.
At the time of this release she was still only 17.
While her vocals aren’t the kind that overwhelm you like a full-fledged powerhouse singer, she delivers a very steady performance that uses her “youth” as a strength, revealing how capable she already was.
It’s a track aspiring singers should definitely take as a reference.