![[2026] Half-Japanese Singers/Vocalists: Artists with Overseas Heritage [Active and Notable in Japan]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/aHTI0SXGVS0/maxresdefault.webp)
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)
IS THIS LOVEHINATA
HINATA, who has roots in Japan and South Korea, captivates the world as one of XG’s lead vocalists with songs rooted in R&B and hip-hop.
She debuted in March 2022 with “Tippy Toes,” and tracks like “MASCARA” also drew attention.
She won the Rising Star award at MTV VMAJ 2022 and is set to perform at the U.S.
festival Coachella in 2025.
She’s been featured in cosmetics brand tie-ups and is gaining attention across various fields.
Nicknamed the “Princess Dancer,” her fluid dance style and taste for artists like Kehlani truly shine.
With world-class talent, she’s perfect for anyone seeking a new-era icon!
GALAHARVEY
HARVEY, who has an Australian father and a Japanese mother, has a background as a model, having won the most magazine awards at an audition in 2016.
After about five years of training, she debuted in March 2022 as a member of the girl group XG under XGALX.
She is known for hits like “Shooting Star.” With a sound rooted in hip-hop and R&B, her uniquely toned rap and striking visuals have been making waves worldwide.
In 2025, she was selected as the global campaign model for Shiseido’s ANESSA and also performed at the American music festival Coachella, highlighting her rising profile.
She has outstanding fashion sense as well—she’s the perfect artist for anyone who wants to enjoy both music and style!
Grade Bchanmina
Rapper Chanmina is a trilingual artist with a Japanese father and a Korean mother, raised moving between Japan, Korea, and the United States from a young age.
Affectionately known as the “Beyoncé of Nerima,” she captivates with a unique style grounded in classical training such as ballet and piano.
After participating in the High School RAP Championship in 2016, she debuted that April with the single “Miseinen.” In 2017, she released her major-label debut album, also titled “Miseinen.” Her YouTube channel surpassed one million subscribers in 2023, and it’s also fresh in our memories that she announced the birth of her first child in November 2024.
Her genre-defying musicality and powerful performances give courage to everyone who wishes to live true to themselves!
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.
I want to be your lover.rei
Rei, known as a half Thai father and Japanese mother, serves as the songwriter, composer, and vocalist of the four-piece band Chokyuumei.
Since the group formed in 2020, they’ve handled tie-in tracks such as March Bride, the theme song for the drama Ase to Sekken, and are also known for songs that went viral across Asia.
Having been familiar with the violin since childhood, she’s expanding her activities, with an appearance scheduled at Acoustic Festival KOBE 2025 in April 2025.
With roots in Vocaloid and amazarashi, her storylike lyrics and translucent vocals are a must-hear.
She’s an artist you should definitely check out if you’re looking for pop music that isn’t bound by genre!
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.
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!