[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 and vocalists: Artists with overseas roots active and gaining attention in Japan (21–30)
MemoriesRōra
Rola is a multi-talented figure active as a model, TV personality, and influencer.
Many people might not know about her work as a singer.
With a Bangladeshi father and a mother who is one-quarter Japanese and Russian, Rola first became hugely popular among Japanese youth through her magazine modeling.
She also flourished on variety shows with her friendly, casual speech style, and she is now based in the United States.
As a singer, she has released songs including “Memories.” Her voice is a poignantly sweet contrast to how she speaks—definitely worth a listen.
BE TOGETHERSuzuki Ami
Ami Suzuki, known for hits like “BE TOGETHER,” is surprisingly a half-Japanese singer! Some people might not have known that.
She reportedly has a Chinese father and a Japanese mother.
She took first place on the audition show ASAYAN and made her singing debut with “love the island.” Together with the legendary producer Tetsuya Komuro—who also influenced her as a listener—she helped color the history of J-POP from the late 1990s to the early 2000s.
Nicknamed “Ami-go,” she was beloved especially among young people at the time and gained popularity with her clear, cute looks.
After resuming her activities, she has also sung club-oriented tracks produced by Yasutaka Nakata and ☆Taku Takahashi of m-flo.
In 2021, she launched a YouTube channel, where she uploads videos showcasing her spicy-food mania and her cooking skills.
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.
PreciousItō Yuna
Yuna Ito is a singer from Hawaii with a Japanese father and a Korean American mother.
In 2005, she attracted attention for playing the role of Reira in the film adaptation of the classic NANA, which caused a near-social phenomenon at the time, and she appeared on the NHK New Year’s Eve music show Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Her song Precious, used as the theme for the film LIMIT OF LOVE: Umizaru, became a huge hit and is beloved as a wedding song.
Although she’s strongly associated with ballads through her work in films, she also has a wide range of appeal, including groove-packed tracks like losin’ and Koi wa groovy×2, serious and powerful songs like I’m Here from the drama Unfair, and exhilarating club tunes with a sense of speed such as WORKAHOLIC and Moon Rabbit.
Her vocal ability, reminiscent of Mariah Carey—the artist who inspired her to pursue singing—is remarkable, and her expressive range, which reveals even her vulnerabilities, is goosebump-inducing.
After her activities in Japan, she appears to have been active in Los Angeles.
Believe in LoveTsuchiya Anna
Anna Tsuchiya, who is active as a model, “mama-talent,” and singer, is half Japanese with a Japanese mother and a Polish-American father.
She began her entertainment career as an exclusive model for the popular magazine SEVENTEEN, introduced by her sister who was also a model.
In 2002, she made her singing debut as the vocalist of the rock band Spin Aqua, but the band disbanded in November 2004, and she has continued her music career as a solo artist since then.
Anna Tsuchiya, who says, “My profession is model, but what I love is singing,” showcases a voice in ‘Believe in Love’ that combines power and delicacy, offering a different side from her usual funky image.
My Favorite ThingsShirota Yuu
Born to a Japanese and Spanish parent, Yu Shirota has built a wide-ranging career as an actor and singer.
Although he has a strong image as an actor—having previously been a member of the young male actor group D-BOYS and appearing in numerous TV dramas and films—he is also a highly skilled singer who often showcases his voice in pivotal roles in musicals and stage productions.
Fluent in Japanese, English, and Spanish, he captivates listeners and audiences with his powerful vocal abilities, making him an artist who can compete on the global stage.
Everyone is ‘Every One’!Ikeda Eraiza
Elaiza Ikeda, who is primarily active as an actress and also has many talents as a model and film director, was born in the Philippines and raised in Fukuoka Prefecture.
She is a half-Filipino singer with a Japanese father and a mother of mixed Filipino and Spanish descent.
In 2009, she won the Grand Prix at the audition for the fashion magazine Nicola, and in 2011 she began her acting career with the film High School Debut.
She enjoys playing the guitar, and musically, after starting as host of NHK BS Premium’s The Covers in 2018 and performing cover songs, she increasingly appeared on special programs and music shows to sing covers.
In 2021, she shared her charming, cute appeal with the original au commercial song “Minna tte Everyone!” and steadily expanded her musical activities by participating in a tribute album to Takashi Matsumoto, among other projects.
Her vocals have a wonderful warmth and clarity.
With her captivating singing ability—though it’s undecided at the time of writing—we can’t help but look forward to her launching full-fledged activities as a musician!