A Japanese female singer with excellent singing ability; an outstanding vocalist.

Former vocal coach specializing in Western musicRyo
With the motto “Learn the basics and enjoy putting them into practice,” I worked as a vocal coach specializing in Western music. As a teen, I questioned the idea that “Western music equals English,” and started listening to songs from around the world. Today, I devour music from over 80 countries and run a personal blog introducing tracks. I often listen to genres like nuevo flamenco, bolero, canzone, and R&B. I’ll keep updating articles daily to find the one perfect song you’re looking for!
Music producer, composer, vocal coach, keyboard playerKei Takahata
From around 1995 to 2000, he built experience as a composer and producer at a major label, then moved to the United States. In Los Angeles, he studied vocalization and singing under top voice trainer Elizabeth Sabine, mastering the so-called Hollywood vocal method she advocated. After returning to Japan, he trained and produced a variety of singers, earning high praise for his direction that maximized the appeal of both the songs and the vocalists. In a collaboration video with Guild’s vocalist ryuichi, he handled keyboard performance, vocal direction, and sound production. (Passed away in 2025)

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 great singing ability (151–160)

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.

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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.

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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!