[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 and vocalists: Artists with overseas roots active and gaining attention in Japan (21–30)
My feelingsUentsu Eiji
Eiji Wentz is of mixed German-American and Japanese heritage and is active mainly as a TV personality and actor.
He debuted as a model at age four and broadened his activities as a variety talent after appearing as a “TV Warrior” on the NHK show Tensai Terebikun.
In 2002, he formed the musical duo WaT with actor Teppei Koike, starting their music career with street performances.
As WaT, they even appeared on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, making him an actor who can be said to have succeeded in music as well.
The friendly character he shows on variety programs seems to shine through in his fresh, heartfelt singing in his musical activities.
Midnight TrainEmi Meyer
Emi Meyer, who has an American father and a Japanese mother, is a rising singer-songwriter active in both the U.S.
and Japan.
Since 2007, when she released her album Curious Creature, she has been working energetically.
Midnight Train, her collaboration with DJ OKAWARI—an internationally acclaimed trackmaker—showcases Emi Meyer’s lustrous, soaring vocals in a captivating track.
[2026] Half-Japanese Singers: Artists with Foreign Roots Active and Gaining Attention in Japan (31–40)
Garden feat. DJ KAORI, Diggy-MO’, Clench & BlistahMay J.
In addition to being half Japanese and half Iranian, singer May J.
is a woman whose maternal grandmother is of Russian descent and who also has Spanish, British, and Turkish roots.
Her appearance on the variety show “Kanjani no Shiwake ∞” brought her outstanding vocal ability and overwhelming expressiveness to widespread attention as a diva.
Raised in a multilingual household where more than four languages were spoken, she received extensive musical training from the age of three—including ballet, vocal music, piano, lyric writing, and composition—making her truly a thoroughbred in the world of music.
Let’s fall in love♪Ria Dizon
This is ‘Koi Shiyou♪’ by Leah Dizon, who is half Chinese-Filipino on her father’s side and French-American on her mother’s side.
She became a sensation during the Leah Dizon boom and quickly rose to popularity as a beauty.
With her cute face and great figure, she attracted many male fans.
Her singing voice is also very cute and charming.
Cha-Cha-Cha Championmariusu yō
This is Marius Yo from Sexy Zone, who is half German on his father’s side and Japanese on his mother’s side.
Sexy Zone’s “Cha-Cha-Cha Champion” gained popularity as the theme song for volleyball.
I bet many people have heard it at least once.
avocadoUshimaru Arisa
Arisa Ushimaru, the guitarist-vocalist of yonige, is half Australian and half Japanese, and is said to be the niece of Larry Van Kriedt, who was the bassist for the Australian rock band AC/DC.
Ushimaru’s appeal lies in her cute looks and her distinctive vocals—free and relaxed yet tinged with a certain ennui.
All of their lyrics are in Japanese, expressing the feelings of women in their everyday lives through a unique sensibility.
Many of their songs, including their signature track “Avocado,” are said to be based on real experiences, resonating strongly with women of the same generation.
R.Y.U.S.E.I.ELLY
ELLY, a performer from the group Sandaime J Soul Brothers, is a half-Japanese with an American father and a Japanese mother.
He was responsible for all the choreography of the sensational hit “R.Y.U.S.E.I.” He also became well-known for incorporating the popular Running Man into the routine.