![[2026] Half-Japanese Singers/Vocalists: Artists with Overseas Heritage [Active and Notable in Japan]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/aHTI0SXGVS0/maxresdefault.webp)
[2026] Half-Japanese Singers/Vocalists: Artists with Overseas Heritage [Active and Notable in Japan]
When you think of half-Japanese or quarter-Japanese singers active in Japan’s music scene, which artists come to mind? Artists with diverse roots are showcasing their talents across genres like rock, pop, and hip-hop.
Their unique sensibilities and expressive power enrich the hearts of listeners.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of artists with overseas heritage, regardless of genre.
We’re also featuring many Gen Z artists, so whether you already have favorites or are looking to discover new talent, you’re sure to enjoy the journey.
Find someone who can add color to your musical life.
[2026] Half-Japanese Singers: Artists with Overseas Heritage [Active/Notable in Japan] (1–10)
IS THIS LOVEHINATA
HINATA, who has roots in Japan and South Korea, captivates the world as one of XG’s lead vocalists with songs rooted in R&B and hip-hop.
She debuted in March 2022 with “Tippy Toes,” and tracks like “MASCARA” also drew attention.
She won the Rising Star award at MTV VMAJ 2022 and is set to perform at the U.S.
festival Coachella in 2025.
She’s been featured in cosmetics brand tie-ups and is gaining attention across various fields.
Nicknamed the “Princess Dancer,” her fluid dance style and taste for artists like Kehlani truly shine.
With world-class talent, she’s perfect for anyone seeking a new-era icon!
GALAHARVEY
HARVEY, who has an Australian father and a Japanese mother, has a background as a model, having won the most magazine awards at an audition in 2016.
After about five years of training, she debuted in March 2022 as a member of the girl group XG under XGALX.
She is known for hits like “Shooting Star.” With a sound rooted in hip-hop and R&B, her uniquely toned rap and striking visuals have been making waves worldwide.
In 2025, she was selected as the global campaign model for Shiseido’s ANESSA and also performed at the American music festival Coachella, highlighting her rising profile.
She has outstanding fashion sense as well—she’s the perfect artist for anyone who wants to enjoy both music and style!
Grade Bchanmina
Rapper Chanmina is a trilingual artist with a Japanese father and a Korean mother, raised moving between Japan, Korea, and the United States from a young age.
Affectionately known as the “Beyoncé of Nerima,” she captivates with a unique style grounded in classical training such as ballet and piano.
After participating in the High School RAP Championship in 2016, she debuted that April with the single “Miseinen.” In 2017, she released her major-label debut album, also titled “Miseinen.” Her YouTube channel surpassed one million subscribers in 2023, and it’s also fresh in our memories that she announced the birth of her first child in November 2024.
Her genre-defying musicality and powerful performances give courage to everyone who wishes to live true to themselves!
Get Back (feat. JUMADIBA & Watson)ralph
Ralph is a rapper from Yokohama, Kanagawa, with an Indian father.
He’s a key figure in bringing heavy sounds like UK drill and grime to Japan.
He ramped up his activity around 2017, and tracks like “Selfish” from the EP BLACK BANDANA went viral.
His biggest turning point came in October 2020, when he won the popular show Rap Star Tanjou (Birth of a Rap Star).
He rose to the top from a record 1,416 entrants, earning high praise from the judges—proof of his genuine talent.
His low, robust voice—often described as “Japanese drill”—and lyrics infused with his roots and anger are electrifying and cool.
He also stands out for work beyond hip-hop, such as collaborations with the band Crossfaith.
If you want to feel raw, powerful energy, dive into his world!
I want to be your lover.rei
Rei, known as a half Thai father and Japanese mother, serves as the songwriter, composer, and vocalist of the four-piece band Chokyuumei.
Since the group formed in 2020, they’ve handled tie-in tracks such as March Bride, the theme song for the drama Ase to Sekken, and are also known for songs that went viral across Asia.
Having been familiar with the violin since childhood, she’s expanding her activities, with an appearance scheduled at Acoustic Festival KOBE 2025 in April 2025.
With roots in Vocaloid and amazarashi, her storylike lyrics and translucent vocals are a must-hear.
She’s an artist you should definitely check out if you’re looking for pop music that isn’t bound by genre!
I’ll be by your side.Aoyama Teruma
Thelma Aoyama captivated many in the ringtone generation with her collaboration with SoulJa, “Soba ni Iru ne.” Although she’s from Nara Prefecture, she’s a quarter Trinidadian through her grandfather from Trinidad and Tobago.
She loved singing from a young age and moved to the United States at 12.
She made her major debut in 2007 with the single “ONE WAY,” and then drew major attention with the hits “Koko ni Iru yo” and “Soba ni Iru ne,” both collaborations with SoulJa.
Since then, she has continued to release numerous songs and, thanks to her excellent talking skills, has also been active on variety shows.
ROSEyuri
YURI, a member of HANA who radiates exotic beauty and an overwhelming aura.
A half-Filipino, half-Japanese artist known for her glamorous visuals.
After passing an audition produced by Chanmina, she debuted in 2025 with the single “ROSE.” It entered the Billboard Japan Hot 100 at No.
1 on its first appearance and also topped the Oricon 2025 Mid-Year Rankings in the New Artists Sales category.
Though she has around 10 years of dance experience and solid skills, she took on singing from scratch with remarkable dedication.
With “It’ll work out somehow” as her motto, she has grown rapidly, and her performances inspire courage in those who watch.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to support someone striving earnestly to improve!