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 (ages 41–50)
Dear sunshine—my precious youHirahara Ayaka
Having practiced classical ballet and piano since childhood and studied saxophone at a music high school and conservatory, her singing is steadily grounded in that background.
In particular, her superb breath control—likely stemming from her mastery and experience with a wind instrument (saxophone)—is remarkable.
The efficiency with which she converts “breath” into “voice” is exceptionally high, and the gentle, airy tone she uses in the upper register has the power to draw listeners into the world of the song in an instant, even if they’re only half-listening.
Anything Goes!Daikoku Maki
Maki Ohguro is a singer-songwriter who had been composing music since her elementary school days.
“Anything Goes!” is a single released in 2010 and was used as the theme song for Kamen Rider OOO.
A ballad version was later released as well.
The Other Side of Meaiko
Aiko’s 32nd single, released by Pony Canyon on November 12, 2014, and used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Suteki na Sen TAXI.” She has publicly cited influences such as KAN, Sugar Babe, Yumi Matsutoya, DREAMS COME TRUE, Carole King, the Jackson 5, Billy Joel, and Stevie Wonder—artists often described as having a somewhat “black” sound.
However, you don’t sense much of that black-music element directly in Aiko’s own vocals, and at first listen she may not strike you as a full-fledged, traditional singer.
That said, those influences come through abundantly in her songwriting.
It’s remarkable how she navigates a very intricate melody rich in blue notes within an arrangement that employs complex jazz chords.
There are many moments where you think, “She can sing that with this vocal production?”—suggesting she likely has an innate gift for excellent pitch.
I suspect many people who tried singing this song themselves found it “far more difficult than expected” and struggled to even memorize the melody.
eternityBENI
This is the 22nd single by Japanese singer BENI, released in January 2012.
It also served as the theme song for the NHK drama “Honjitsu wa Taian Nari.” Born in Okinawa, she reportedly spent her childhood moving between her hometown in Okinawa and the United States, and that broad, expansive vocal quality may be influenced by her background.
Her rich, steady vocal delivery—skillfully blending a soft mixed voice and falsetto—gives listeners a sense of reassurance.
The Maiden with Flaxen HairShimatani Hitomi
Hitomi Shimatani debuted as an enka singer and has the ability to master songs across various genres.
Her signature song, “Amairo no Kami no Otome,” was released in 2002.
It was used as the song for a Kao commercial in which Shimatani appeared.
Zankyo SankaAimer
This singer Aimer has a wonderfully appealing voice that’s a bit husky in a good way.
What strikes me is how her vocals often sound captivating even in intense, rock-tinged tracks that typically suit clearer, piercing voices.
It’s just my personal impression, but perhaps it’s easiest to imagine it as Hikaru Utada singing rock.
I think she’s a singer who hints at a new direction for J-POP and J-ROCK in a certain sense.
Chase the ChanceAmuro Namie
Namie Amuro is a singer from the Okinawa Actors School, and it was announced some time ago that she would retire in September 2018.
“Chase the Chance” is a single released in 1995 and was used as the theme song for the TV drama “The Chef.”