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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Female Japanese singers with excellent singing ability (141–150)
The person I fell in love withMiyako Harumi
Harumi Miyako, who reigned as the queen of enka.
Born in Kyoto, she debuted in 1965 with “Namida no Renrakusen” and went on to produce hits such as “Kita no Yado kara.” She won the Japan Record Award in 1976, and her sudden retirement announcement in 1984 became a social phenomenon.
Her powerful singing style, known as the “Harumi-bushi,” captivated many fans.
After making a full comeback in 1989, she has continued to exert a major influence on the Japanese music scene with her overwhelming vocal prowess.
She is a recommended artist not only for enka fans but also for anyone who wants to be enthralled by exceptional singing.
Song of the DawnKishi Yoko
Yoko Kishi, who made a name for herself as a chanson singer, completed the graduate program in vocal music at Tokyo University of the Arts in 1958.
She signed with King Records in 1961 and made her debut the following year.
In 1964, she won the Singing Award at the 6th Japan Record Awards with one of her signature songs, captivating many with her beautiful voice and expressive power.
Her musical style was influenced by European genres, to the extent that she was described as “Koshiji to dazzle, Kishi to enthrall.” Although she was diagnosed with a collagen disease in 1970, she overcame it and resumed her musical activities in 1971.
She went on to produce many hit songs and appeared multiple times on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
She is a highly recommended singer for those who want to experience the charm of chanson and canzone.
Surely!Nakamura Kaho
Kaho Nakamura is a female singer-songwriter from Kyoto, and the song we’re introducing here, “Kitto ne!,” is her debut single released in October 2018.
While her vocal style is likely rooted in R&B, within her own songs she delivers a wide range of vocal expressions that go far beyond that realm.
I was impressed by how skillfully she switches between techniques like falsetto and mixed voice.
Don’t you find this kind of vocal style—never overbearing, yet speaking volumes to the listener—truly wonderful?
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.
EarnestJunko Sera (ALHAMBRA)
The lead track from Japanese HM/HR band ALHAMBRA’s album “The Earnest Trilogy,” released in December 2016.
If I recall correctly, I handled the vocal recording, mixing, and mastering for this album, and hearing Junko’s vocals live in the studio was truly remarkable.
It was astounding how she maintained those high notes throughout the entire recording session without any decline.
This is a work I highly recommend female metal singers listen to and learn from!