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