[J-Pop] A roundup of popular female singer-songwriters
The amazing thing about singer-songwriters is, after all, that they can do everything themselves, right?
They write lyrics and compose, then perform their own songs—and some even handle the artwork like CD jackets, work as models, or host radio shows.
Their versatility is honestly astonishing.
In this article, we’ll be introducing popular female singer-songwriters from Japan.
From seasoned veterans to rising stars, you’ll find well-known musicians from a wide range of generations!
- Top Female Singer-Songwriters and Popular Songs of the 2000s [2026]
- [2026] Roundup of Popular Japanese Female Singer-Songwriters
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s [2026]
- Karaoke songs sung by female artists recommended for Gen Z
- Best/Loved Songs with Great Lyrics by Female Singer-Songwriters: Ranking [2026]
- Top 1980s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Love songs about romance sung by female Japanese artists. Popular love songs.
- Recommended Japanese Female Artists and Popular Song Rankings for Women [2026]
- [Ones to Watch in 2026!] Recommended Female Singers & Recent Female Artists
- Debut songs by Japanese female artists [Shocking hits & must-know classics]
- Female Singer-Songwriter CM Songs, Commercials, and Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- Cool Japanese female vocal
- [2026] Japanese female artists. Trending singers & idols.
[Japanese Pop] Roundup of Popular Female Singer-Songwriters (11–20)
Child of the devilHiguchi Ai
Ai Higuchi is known for her powerful, soaring vocals that instantly draw listeners in.
She has frequently held self-produced live shows and tours, and made her major-label debut in 2016 with the album “160 Degrees.” Later, in 2022, her song “Akuma no Ko,” used as the ending theme for Attack on Titan The Final Season Part 2, garnered major attention.
Beyond her work as a singer-songwriter, she took full responsibility—from planning and editing to interviewing—for the magazine “Ufufu: The Power to Live and Words to Breathe,” which she then released.
A Long, Short FestivalShiina Ringo
Ringo Sheena continues to inhabit a singular, one-of-a-kind artistic world that’s the very definition of “charismatic.” She debuted in 1998 with “Koufukuron (A View of Happiness)” and has released numerous hits such as “Koko de Kiss Shite.” and “Honnou.” Beyond the impact of her songs, her visuals have been striking as well—like appearing in a nurse’s outfit.
Although she took a hiatus for maternity leave at one point, she has been hugely active across the music scene, from involvement with the Rio and Tokyo Olympics to writing songs for artists like SMAP and Sayuri Ishikawa.
In addition to her solo work, she also performs as the vocalist and guitarist of Tokyo Jihen, releasing many hits with the band as well.
To Hikarimiwa
Miwa is active not only as a singer-songwriter but also as an actress.
Many people particularly remember her performance in the film “The 100th Love with You.” Meanwhile, in her main musical career, catchy and familiar songs like “Hikari e” and “Reboot” are popular.
Her appeal lies in her expansive, transparent voice and strong vocal ability.
Her powerful singing and dynamic performances—almost unbelievable coming from her petite frame—captivate many fans.
I love you.Inoue Sonoko
Sonoko Inoue has been actively pursuing her music career since her teens and made her major debut in 2015.
Since then, she has released many widely known songs, handling a variety of styles from cute, upbeat tracks like “Daisuki,” “Natsukoi,” and “Tenbyou no Uta” to tender, mellow ballads.
Her voice is captivating across all ranges, from bright, airy high notes to rich, resonant mid and low tones.
Be sure to listen to multiple songs and enjoy the many shades of her singing voice.
MikazukiSanketsu Shoujo Sayuri
Since her major debut in 2015, Sayuri has created numerous theme songs for anime and video games.
Armed with assured vocal prowess, many of her tracks feature a driving, exhilarating feel.
Her image of passionately strumming her own guitar is striking, and her powerful live performances are a must-see.
She has also worked closely with rock bands—singing a song provided by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS and co-writing with MY FIRST STORY—making her a singer-songwriter highly recommended for rock-loving listeners.
CHE.R.RYYUI
Speaking of YUI, she’s one of the quintessential singer-songwriters who colored the J-pop scene of the 2000s.
Since 2013, she has also been active as the vocalist of the rock band FLOWER FLOWER.
Her solo-era signature songs like “CHE.R.RY” and “SUMMER SONG” are likely tunes everyone has heard at least once.
She’s known for her soft, transparent voice with a breathy quality, and many listeners find her singing soothing.
In addition to her solo work, be sure to check out her songs with the band as well.
[Japanese Pop] A Roundup of Popular Female Singer-Songwriters (21–30)
Answer [Kotae]Abe Mao
![Answer [Kotae]Abe Mao](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/bueyWMAQl60/sddefault.jpg)
Since her major debut in 2009, Mao Abe has created numerous songs.
Armed with a husky, powerful voice, she has captivated many listeners.
One hallmark of her work is the abundance of rock-tinged tracks that suit that husky vocal tone perfectly.
With many up-tempo songs that lift your spirits as you listen, she’s highly recommended even for those who mainly listen to rock bands.
At the same time, her love songs sung from a woman’s perspective remain consistently popular, garnering especially strong support from younger generations.