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.

Playlist

A Japanese female singer with excellent singing ability; an outstanding vocalist.
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Return to Myself ~ I won’t, I won’t, summer.Hamada Mari		Mari Hamada achieves great success as a rock singer.
2	Summertime CinderellaNagay a Haruko (Ryokushoku Shakai)		Haruko Nagai’s vocal ability is orthodox and captivating.
3	Call U Every NiteMICHICO		The treasure of R&B: MICHICO’s vocal prowess and charm
4	Love SickAina ji Endo		Aina The End’s husky voice
5	Forbidden tale (BAND-MAID)SAIKI		BAND-MAID is a high-level girls’ rock band.
6	sunflowerAdo		A song where Ado’s vocal switches are outstanding
7	HyperNova (m-flo loves Maya)maya		R&B newcomer singer Maya is one to watch.
8	LIES GOES ONMay’n		Introduction to May’n’s 21st single track
9	hyururira-pappatuki.		Popular with youth, tuki. boasts top-tier pitch control.
10	The decisive battle is on Friday.Yoshida Miwa (DREAMS COME TRUE)		Miwa Yoshida’s singing embodies Japanese sensibilities and a strong sense of rhythm.
11	A flower blooming amid the rubbleNanjō Yoshino		Yoshino Nanjō’s captivating and steady singing voice
12	Like a star…MISIA		MISIA's deep singing voice and expressive power are captivating.
13	beautiful womanchanmina		CHaNMINA, a female rapper loved by multiple generations
14	The Kouga Ninja Scrollskuroneko (onmyo-za)		The theme song of the anime “Basilisk” and Kuroneko’s vocal ability
15	God of RomanceHirose Kōmi		Kohmi Hirose’s classic winter song, featuring her captivating high-tone vocals
16	One-Winged BirdShikata Akiko		Akiko Shikata’s debut single “Katayoku no Tori”
17	Blue CanaryYukimura Izumi		Izumi Yukimura’s Musical Life and Achievements
18	Stars on EarthNakajima Miyuki		Miyuki Nakajima, whose distinctive singing voice colors the music world
19	Aim to be a Pokémon MasterMatsumoto Rika		A voice actor famous for playing Ash in Pokémon
20	moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro		Chihiro Onitsuka shot to fame with “Gekkou” (Moonlight).
21	What A Wonderful WorldMāsa Miyake		Martha Miyake, active as the queen of the jazz world
22	RE RESCUEREOL		Vocal prowess of the “kire-dance” singer Reol
23	Let’s count your kissesKoyanagi Yuki		Yuki Koyanagi: the charm of powerful vocals and fresh innocence
24	Pick you upiri		A deep voice, the one-and-only iri
25	StyleShimizu Miisa		Misa Shimizu, known for her appealing high notes and vocal prowess.
26	A Long, Short FestivalShiina Ringo		Ringo Sheena: an original singing voice with Auto-Tune
27	Song of Voltes VHorie Mitsuko		The Legend of Mitsuko Horie, the Queen of Anison
28	A bouquet of flowers with loveOchi Shiho (Superfly)		A single by Superfly released in 2008
29	dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo		The charm and characteristics of Yo Hitoto’s signature song “Hanamizuki”
30	JOYYU-KI		A song where YUKI’s distinctive vocals and excellent pitch stand out
31	Your LoveFurui Riho		The appeal of Furui Riho’s cutting-edge musicality
32	Tears Flowing EndlesslyNatsukawa Rimi		The songs of Rimi Natsukawa, a singer from Okinawa, are soothing.
33	I’m falling in love with you againSakamoto Fuyumi		The debut of Fuyumi Sakamoto, an enka singer from Wakayama
34	NeverlandJASMINE		The soulful allure of R&B singer JASMINE
35	Not Drunk (Bewitching Goldfish)RIRI		Bewitching goldfish, RIRI, deep R&B
36	STARSNakajima Mika		Debut single “STARS” chosen as a TV drama theme song
37	99LANA		LANA, the songstress who represents the R&B scene
38	Flower of the AbyssShimamiy a Eiko		Eiko Shimamiya’s anime theme song “Naraka no Hana”
39	ENDLESS STORYItō Yuna		Yuna Ito, a singer born in Los Angeles
40	CHANGEFukuhara Miho		Miho Fukuhara, the singer-songwriter’s debut song
41	Boat SongYashiro Aki		The captivating singing voice of enka singer Aki Yashiro
42	Howl at the Moonsuis (Yorushika)		Yorushika’s Suis’s deep, powerful singing voice
43	Dear sunshine—my precious youHirahara Ayaka		The excellent vocal technique of a singer trained in music education.
44	Anything Goes!Daikoku Maki		Maki Daikoku releases a Kamen Rider theme song
45	The Other Side of Meaiko		Theme song of 'Suteki na Sen TAXI', aiko’s 32nd single
46	StoryAI		AI singing voice, with soulful expressiveness as its charm
47	Chase the ChanceAmuro Namie		Namie Amuro, a singer who retired in 2018
48	The Maiden with Flaxen HairShimatani Hitomi		Hitomi Shimatani: a versatile singer with her signature song “Amazora”
49	rainbow-coloredayaka		Ayaka’s Vocal Prowess and the Charm of “Nijiiro”
50	Zankyo SankaAimer		Aimer’s singing voice is captivating and gives me a sense of a new kind of J-pop.
51	Runwaymilet		The vocal evolution in milet’s second single is captivating.
52	Noto PeninsulaIshikawa Sayuri		Enka singer Sayuri Ishikawa’s musical career
53	Bad Bad (Prod. Chaki Zulu)Awich		Awich is a female rapper from Okinawa.
54	Server Downmurasaki ima		Shion, a female singer-songwriter influenced by R&B
55	innocent starterMizuki Nana		Introduce Nana Mizuki's debut and hit songs.
56	My RevolutionWatanabe Misato		Misato Watanabe's orthodox pop song
57	snow camelliaKobayashi Sachiko		Sachiko Kobayashi is a leading star in the enka music world.
58	Bloom like a rose, fall like a cherry blossom.Matsuda Seiko		A song by Seiko Matsuda written and composed by YOSHIKI
59	May it be filled with kindnessJUJU		The secret behind JUJU’s improved vocals on her ninth release
60	One Last KissUtada Hikaru		Hikaru Utada, a songstress with outstanding vocal ability
61	When you end up cryingShibata Jun		A song featuring Jun Shibata’s gentle, captivating singing voice
62	If I could forgive youieiri reo		The charm of a gentle, radiant singing voice
63	Let It Go ~Ari no mama de~Matsu Takako		Takako Matsu’s performance of “Let It Go” is moving.
64	eternityBENI		The singing voice of BENI, a female singer from Okinawa
65	If you call it loveUru		The clear, translucent quality of Uru’s voice and her expressive singing are captivating.
66	Tears aren’t just for show.Nakamori Akina		Akina Nakamori’s solid and captivating vocal prowess
67	Starry NightYuka		Yuka’s “Hoshizukiyo” showcases overwhelming vocal prowess.
68	BAKUYoshioka Kiyoe (Ikimonogakari)		Ikimonogakari's Yoshioka's vocal ability
69	Oneway GenerationHonda Minako		Minako Honda’s classic hit, with steady vocals as a TV drama theme song
70	Spring Awakens in Toi (Ver.1)UA		A music collaboration song by UA and MONDO GROSSO
71	Jindo MonogatariTendō Yoshimi		Yoshimi Tendo scores a hit with “Jindo Monogatari”
72	The color of loveHiguchi Ai		Introduction to Ai Higuchi’s digital-only single
73	mintUno Misako (AAA)		Misako Uno’s third solo single, sung in a Western pop style
74	blue skySalyu		Started singing after experiencing pneumonia and showcased a beautiful singing voice.
75	Love Storyshiki		Introducing Shiki’s wonderful singing voice and music
76	Tree of WadatsumiHajime Chitose		Chitose Hajime’s debut island song that fuses tradition and modernity
77	wintering swallowMori Masako		Masako Mori, a highly skilled enka singer
78	Life’s journeyMisora Hibari		Hibari Misora’s classic song “Jinsei Ichiro,” a powerful singing voice
79	GodAina ji Endo		BiSH’s Aina, a singer who captivates with her distinctive voice
80	Goodbye for today.Moriyama Ryoko		A singer raised in a family of musicians, known for iconic hit songs.
81	Sayonara, baby.Kato Miria		Miliyah Kato’s 13th single, her first work in her twenties
82	RUNWAYSutefanī		A moving song by a female singer of half Armenian descent
83	Gift ~You Are the Madonna~Toki Asako		Asako Toki’s jazz single, professional vocal prowess
84	Blown by the yellow sandKudō Shizuka		Hit songs by Shizuka Kudo, a former member of Onyanko Club
85	Tomorrow as wellMiyazaki Asako (SHISHAMO)		A brightly sung song that captures SHISHAMO’s charm
86	My lover is Santa ClausMatsutōya Yumi		Yuming, a signature song by the queen of love songs
87	Flower of loveaimyon		The technical talent hidden behind Aimyon’s unadorned singing voice
88	I’m crazy about youUtada Hikaru		Hikaru Utada revolutionizes the music scene with R&B
89	Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi		A female singer-songwriter who blends kayōkyoku and folk
90	LetterYuki Saori		Saori Yuki, active as a singer.
91	Don’t look back.Za Pīnattsu		The Peanuts, a classic by the sister duo
92	BelieveShenelu		Theme song of the movie “Umizaru,” characterized by powerful vocals
93	flameLiSA		LiSA's 'Homura' showcases overwhelming vocal prowess.
94	LOVE ～Destiny～Hamasaki Ayumi		Ayumi Hamasaki debuts and becomes a popular singer.
95	AliveNiizuma Seiko		A singer with a soaring voice and rich expressiveness
96	The end of a dream, the beginning of loveAnjura Aki		Angela Aki’s commercial song ranks 30th
97	idolIkuta Rira (YOASOBI)		Ikuta Lila’s singing is unique and captivating.
98	A gentle feelingChara		A CHARA song with a whispery voice rich in breathiness
99	fragileMochida Kaori (Every Little Thing)		The vocal ability and charm of Kaori Mochida from Every Little Thing
100	Child GodShimabukuro Hiroko		Hiroko Shimabukuro’s 15th single, “Warabigami”
101	Dunbine, Fly!MIQ		The powerful singing voice of anime song vocalist MIQ
102	True loveMay J.		May J.'s debut song enters the Top 10 for the first time.
103	applausechiaki naomi		Naomi Chiaki’s classic songs that colored the Showa era
104	Nagasaki BluesAoe Mina		Mina Aoe, the queen of blues enka, remains enduringly popular.
105	The Sun of the DowntownBaishō Chieko		Sakura, a beautiful-voiced actress, also has a singer side
106	evening cicadaNagayama Yōko		Ms. Nagayama is a beautiful enka singer who sings very well.
107	JIKU ~ Future Squadron TimerangerSasaki Kumi		Kumi Sasaki sings the theme song for a Super Sentai series
108	dandelionIkuta Rira		A streaming-only single showcasing the appeal of Rira Ikuta’s high-tone voice
109	Heart to You ~Before the Night Ends~ANNA		ANNA, produced by Kadomatsu, releases a song that emphasizes vocal performance.
110	many timesAoyama Teruma		Signature songs by gospel singer Thelma Aoyama
111	A Woman’s HarborŌtsuki Miyako		Otsuki-san’s singing is rich in emotion and captivating.
112	Silent SlopeKouzai Kaori		Enka by Mr. Kozai and Koji Tamaki’s masterpieces
113	Grapefruit MoonTOMOO		Singer-songwriter TOMOO, with piano and a unique musical style
114	A bouquet for meAdo		Ado, major debut, popular for her unique vocal ability
115	Only onezarame		A blue-haired singer with a negative-positive contrast; their emotional expression is captivating.
116	Valentine Showdownnozomi		Noshi, a singer-songwriter with a translucent, airy quality
117	Caramel PainHoshimachi Suisei		VTuber Suisei Hoshimachi takes on the music world with her distinctive singing voice
118	I Promiseryo-ko (babywildcherry)		Kyoto-born pop rock: ryo-ko’s clear, translucent voice
119	Letter to TomorrowTeshima Aoi		The soothing singing voice of Aoi Teshima, who debuted with a Ghibli song
120	demon huntingNisshoku Natsuko		Natsuko Daya is a powerhouse whose vocals and piano are seamlessly united.
121	Drinks for twoAzusa Michiyo		Michiyo Azusa, a songstress who represents the Showa era
122	Purple Rain SentimentFuji Ayako		Enka singer Ayako Fuji gains popularity with her sultry voice and versatility.
123	From Kyoto to HakataFuji Keiko		Keiko Fuji sings of loneliness through enka
124	Ishikari ElegyKitahara Mirei		Mirei Kitahara, a person who excels in both sports and singing
125	Migratory Bird Bearing TearsSuizenji Kiyoko		Kiyoko Suizenji captivates with her music and acting
126	A woman… a solo journeyTagawa Toshi-mi		The Appeal and Lineage of Enka Singer Taga wa Toshimi
127	PLAYER 1Nagay Haruko		Ryokuoushoku Shakai: The Music and Talent of Haruko Nagaya
128	semicolonyama		The music of the mysterious artist yama
129	companion on the road; fellow traveler; taking someone along (often unwillingly)Makimura Mieko		The Moving Life Story of Enka Singer Mieko Makimura
130	ButterflyKōda Kumi		Kumi Koda, a music artist with outstanding vocal ability
131	Friday’s Free FairAkao Kazushige (Terra Rosa)		The amazing singing voice of metal singer Akao
132	tears showerHarada Yuuri		Passionately sing enka with professional-level vocals
133	crescent moonayaka		The singing voice of Ayaka, a J-pop singer from Osaka
134	UFOpinku redii		Pink Lady’s smash hit song
135	feel my soul ～2012 ver.～YUI		YUI’s debut single shines with youthfulness and vocal prowess.
136	RED ZONELiSA		LiSA is a popular singer known for her clarity and powerful vocals.
137	SakuraMyuk		A singer-songwriter who captivates hearts with a delicate singing voice
138	Thoughts and feelings toward loveaiko		aiko's delicate singing voice and emotionally expressive songs
139	seesawtuki.		The mystical singer tuki.’s voice and worldview
140	spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota		The rise of indie rock-style bedroom artists
141	twilightYoshizawa Kayoko		Kayo Yoshizawa, a singer whose original music resonates with the heart
142	IgnoreIkuta Erika		Erika Ikuta: A Musical Journey from Idol to Solo Artist
143	bonsai (feat. CENT)Uta-ha		Utaha from Wednesday Campanella makes her music debut
144	Notice me… I love you.Lily		Gentle and soothing, with exquisite vocal expression
145	horizonHaneda Risa		Impressed by Risa Haneda’s captivating singing voice
146	The person I fell in love withMiyako Harumi		The charm and achievements of Harumi Miyako, the queen of enka
147	Song of the DawnKishi Yoko		Yoko Kishi thrives as a chanson singer
148	Surely!Nakamura Kaho		The vocal prowess of Kaho, the songstress from Kyoto
149	Life is full of ups and downs.Shimakura Chiyoko		Chiyoko Shimakura: A matriarch of the enka world with a voice that resonates in the heart
150	EarnestJunko Sera (ALHAMBRA)		ALHAMBRA, the female metal singer, is the best!
151	Love Me Up (Prod. Chaki Zulu)Awich		The captivating musicality of Awitch from Okinawa
152	Alone at the tavernNakamura Mitsuko		The lament of a late-blooming singer who has endured many hardships