[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.
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[2026] Half-Japanese Singers: Artists with Overseas Heritage [Active/Notable in Japan] (1–10)
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!
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!
Is being cute not enough?Furusawa Risa
Risa Furusawa, from Aso City in Kumamoto Prefecture, is a mixed-heritage artist with roots in Japan and the Philippines.
She debuted in August 2024 as a member of the idol group CUTIE STREET.
Their signature song, “Is Being Cute Not Enough?”, went explosively viral on social media and stirred up a sensation, winning the Music category of the TikTok First Half Trend Awards 2025.
She also serves as a director for an apparel brand, earning praise for her keen fashion sense.
In August 2025, she was appointed a goodwill ambassador for her hometown of Aso City, actively contributing to the community.
Her boundlessly bright personality and embodiment of “KAWAII” make her highly recommended for anyone seeking a dose of positive energy!
[2026] Half-Japanese Singers: Artists with Overseas Roots Active and Trending in Japan (11–20)
Fuzzy BoyFoi
Foi is a Japanese-Chinese half singer whose music, shaped by life in China and influenced by C-pop, is especially captivating.
Driven by her admiration for Japanese school uniforms, she returned to Japan at 16 and boldly took up the guitar in her school light music club.
After performing with the session unit “Prasonica,” she made her official debut in 2020 with “Swim in your eyes.” Her talent had already drawn attention early on—she won the grand prize at a student event contest in August 2018.
With a cool, slightly melancholic voice and a stylish sound that fuses R&B and Mandopop, she stands out.
She is also friendly with Ikura (Lilas Ikuta) from YOASOBI, underscoring her solid ability.
Her comfortable music, mixing elements from Asia and Japan, is perfect for those looking to relax and chill.
MAYDAY (feat. Ryo from Crystal Lake)Masato
Masato is a singer of Japanese-American heritage who thrives on the global stage, wielding his bilingual sensibilities as a powerful asset.
Hailing from Nagoya, he made his major debut in 2008 with the single “Fiction” as the frontman of the loud rock band coldrain.
He has stuck to an all-English-lyrics style and shown his versatility by contributing to the soundtrack of the anime Jujutsu Kaisen.
In October 2022, he celebrated the band’s 15th anniversary with a triumphant show at Yokohama Arena, captivating the audience with an overwhelming performance.
He also serves as a director for a fashion brand, showcasing outstanding taste beyond music.
Masato masterfully moves between fierce shouts and sweet melodies—an irresistible artist for fans of Western rock and anyone who wants to feel the heat of a live show!
Our State of MindAkari Dritschler
Akari Dorichura, originally from Ina City in Nagano Prefecture, is a singer-songwriter who grew up as a Japanese-American.
She performed as the vocalist of the band FAITH and made her major debut in January 2020 with the album “Capture it.” She proved her talent by being selected as a finalist in the 2017 Mikakunin Festival, and songs like “CHAMP” gained attention after being used as background music on Terrace House.
In August 2025, she also released “The Last Time,” which she wrote and composed herself.
Her English lyrics, rooted in ’90s Western pop, and her clear, expansive vocals are especially captivating.
Akari is active in a wide range of fields, including contributing to the anime Lupin the Third Part 6.
She’s an artist we highly recommend to anyone looking for high-quality pop music with a Western flavor!
Love me to the bone.Grace Aimi
Grace Aimi, who blends Okinawa’s laid-back vibe with refined pop sensibilities, is a biracial singer born to an American father and a Japanese mother.
She gained a large following even before her debut thanks to ukulele cover videos she posted on YouTube with her younger brother.
She debuted in 2020 with the single “Eternal Sunshine,” and under the production of Chaki Zulu, she has released works including the album “If.” It’s pretty remarkable that in May 2021, as part of a Spotify campaign, she was featured on a billboard in New York’s Times Square.
Her husky yet sweet voice and lyrics that weave in English are sure to resonate comfortably with fans of Western music.