[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.
- Top Female Singer-Songwriters and Popular Songs of the 2000s [2026]
- Cool Japanese female vocal
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s [2026]
- [J-Pop] A roundup of popular female singer-songwriters
- [Healing & Cool] Female Vocalists with Captivating Husky Voices
- [2026] Recommended Breakout Artists: A Roundup of Era-Defining Singers and Groups
- An iconic song by a female artist that Gen Z can get hyped about with their peers
- Girls’ rock: female vocal bands that were active in the 2000s
- A Japanese soul singer. The stirring SOUL OF JAPAN.
- Love songs that were hits in the 2000s. Classic and popular Japanese songs.
- Also active as a vocalist of Soulflex! A popular song by SIRUP
- For lovers of husky voices: Female singers in Western music
- [Enka] Songs that are easy to sing even for those who are tone-deaf [Female singers edition]
[2026] Half-Japanese Singers: Artists with Overseas Heritage [Active/Notable in Japan] (1–10)
WhiplashGiselle
Giselle has a multicultural background: a Japanese father, a Korean mother, born in Seoul and raised in Tokyo.
She’s a trilingual who speaks Japanese, English, and Korean, and she has musical training, having sung alto in a choir during her school days.
She debuted as a member of aespa in November 2020 and is also known for being selected after about 11 months of training.
Beyond her rap in “Zoo” and her participation in “Lips” with BOL4, she became an ambassador for LOEWE in March 2024, showcasing her versatility.
For those who want to experience her creative talent in songwriting and composing and her global sensibility, she is truly the perfect artist.
requestkrage
Born in Hokkaido and raised as a half-Japanese, half-Chinese daughter of a Japanese father and Chinese mother, krage has a lovely name story: it comes from her given name “Kaigetsu” (literally “sea moon/jellyfish”) and her mother’s hometown of Hainan Island.
After starting her solo career in 2020, her cover videos on YouTube drew attention, leading to her major debut in 2022 with HIBANA, the theme song for a TV drama.
Her lyrics, which skillfully weave together Japanese, Chinese, and English, and her beautifully clear voice captivate listeners.
She has handled numerous tie-ins, including Natsu no Yuki, the ending theme for the anime Raven of the Inner Palace, and request for Solo Leveling.
Her talent is undeniable, as evidenced by winning the 29th Japan Pro Music Recording Award.
If you’re looking for a new-generation songstress with multinational roots, she’s an artist you should definitely check out.
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)
blue stormMaki
MAKI is a singer of Japanese and German descent who wields expressive power honed on musical theater stages.
After years of vocal training from a young age, he debuted in December 2022 as the youngest member of the boy group &TEAM.
Their debut mini-album, “First Howling : ME,” dominated major charts and earned Gold certification, among other strong achievements.
A quadrilingual who speaks Japanese, English, German, and Korean, he’s active across various fields, including an appearance in the drama Doctor Chocolate.
Within the group, he’s known as the dependable “cleaning leader,” and his affection for his family’s pet dog shows his charming, down-to-earth side.
His expansive, crystal-clear vocals and global sensibility make him a must-listen for anyone seeking fresh, next-generation talent!
19Akari Dorichurā
Akari Dritschel, the lead vocalist of the pop-rock band FAITH from Ina City in Nagano Prefecture, is half Japanese and half American.
She also works as a model.
With a background in classical music from her student days and roots in listening to Western music, her vocal ability compellingly conveys the band’s brisk groove under their banner “Gang of Pop.” She writes high-quality, 90s-style Western-influenced pop lyrics in English, filled with a warm, supportive tenderness and strength.
Alongside her cute, stylish look, her undeniable talent is drawing attention, and there’s no doubt she’ll continue to thrive even more from here on out!
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.
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!