[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)
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!
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.
[2026] Half-Japanese Singers: Artists with Foreign Roots Active and Gaining Attention in Japan (31–40)
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.
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.
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.
And again, beneath the cherry blossoms…Baby M
This is “Again Under the Cherry Blossoms” by Baby M, a half-Japanese singer with a Japanese father and British mother.
It’s a truly beautiful masterpiece with a moving singing voice and lyrics.
Her exceptional vocal ability draws you in more and more as you listen.
Show Me HowMaika Loubté
Maika Loubté is a Japanese-French singer-songwriter with a cute short hairstyle.
She studied classical piano from a young age and reportedly began producing her own music at home around the age of 14.
She’s trilingual, speaking English as well, and incorporates multiple languages into her musical style.
In 2012, she released the mini-album “METRO” with the unit EA (Air), which she formed with guitarist Shinya.
After collaborating with artists such as Hiroshi Takano and Keigo Oyamada, she launched her solo career in 2013.
She has also been active in composing music for commercials, including “Show Me How,” the song used in the Mazda MX-30 commercial in which she herself appeared.
Her music is a lovely kind of gentle, enveloping electronic sound, characterized by a transparent, whisper-like voice and the easy listenability of pop.