[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 Roots Active and Trending in Japan (11–20)
feigned illnessEmily
Emily is a female artist who debuted as the acoustic guitarist for The Coinlockers, a girl band produced by Yasushi Akimoto.
She is of mixed heritage, with an Italian father and a Japanese mother.
Her well-defined features and androgynous vibe drew attention online from the moment of her debut.
In addition to her guitar skills, she was also noted for her linguistic ability, being fluent in five languages.
The band, known for hits like “Kebyo” (Pretending to Be Sick), disbanded in December 2021, and no activities have been announced since 2022.
We look forward to the possibility of her debuting as a solo artist or with another band in the future.
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!
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.
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.
MinestroneWez Atlas
Wez Atlas is a bilingual artist with both Japanese and American backgrounds, born in Oita Prefecture and raised from childhood through his youth in Colorado, USA.
Born in 1998, his hallmark is a style that moves freely between hip-hop, R&B, and pop.
He kicked off his full-fledged career with the 2019 EP “Saturday,” proving his solid skills by winning avex’s UNIRAP competition.
His signature track “Pink Lemonade” and the EP “ABOUT TIME,” released in November 2024, showcase lyrics that blend English and Japanese with a melodic flow.
He’s also known for his storytelling that carefully depicts everyday emotions, and he has an active side—he plans to run the Osaka Marathon in 2026.
Highly recommended for anyone seeking stylish, feel-good sounds.
CRAZY FOR YOUKylee
Kylee is a mixed-race singer with an American father and a Japanese mother.
She hails from Arizona in the United States and has pursued a singing career in both Japan and the U.S.
In 2005, at the age of 11, she drew attention by performing the national anthem at an official NBA game, and three years later, in 2008, she released her indie debut single “VACANCY” across the U.S.
In 2012, she performed in front of former U.S.
President Barack Obama.
In Japan, she has handled theme songs for films and anime, becoming known for her original track “CRAZY FOR YOU” as well as covers of classic songs.
She announced her marriage in 2017 and is currently active in the United States.
[2026] Half-Japanese singers and vocalists: Artists with overseas roots active and gaining attention in Japan (21–30)
PrideHarumi
Harumi is a singer of Japanese and Filipino heritage.
Her musical journey began after hearing a church gospel choir in the Philippines.
She joined a gospel team at the age of three and started taking part in auditions in high school.
Her talent drew attention on the Japanese edition of the global audition program X FACTOR OKINAWA JAPAN, and she expanded her activities through appearances on music variety shows like Kanjani no Shiwake ∞ and Kanjani∞ no The Mozart: Ongaku-ō No.1 Ketteisen.
She debuted in 2020 with the single “Pride.” Her performance on CDTV Live! Live!, including a cover of “Minna Sora no Shita,” became a hot topic.
Influenced by singers such as Whitney Houston and Hikaru Utada, her voice is beautifully clear, with gentle, delicate expressiveness.
She is a must-watch singer of the Reiwa era.
