[J-Pop] A roundup of popular female singer-songwriters

3％satou

Sato. – 3% [Music Video]

Singer-songwriter Sato., from Izu in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Born in 2000, she began performing acoustic solo after receiving an acoustic guitar from her mother in middle school, and kicked off her full-fledged music career following an appearance on an AbemaTV program in 2018.

The first release of her seven-month consecutive digital release project starting in January 2024, “3%,” became a hot topic on social media and broke into the Top 10 of Spotify’s Viral chart.

Her appeal lies in a voice that blends translucence with power and lyrics that carefully portray raw emotions.

In 2025, she provided the ending theme for the anime “Flowers Bloom, Like Ashura” and took on her first band-arranged track.

Her mini-album “Toaru Ai o Tsudzutte,” also showcases a new expansiveness in sound.

She’s the perfect artist for listeners who want to enjoy both the warmth of acoustic performances and the strength of a full band sound.

PledgeAnjura Aki

Angela Aki “Pledge” Recording Documentary Movie

This is Angela Aki, a singer-songwriter known for her striking performances singing while playing the piano.

Born in the United States, she has been familiar with the piano since the age of three, and her appeal lies in a musical style that fuses pop, rock, and classical.

After making her major-label debut in 2005 with the single “HOME,” her acclaimed album Home became a massive hit, selling over 600,000 copies and drawing wide attention.

Some may know her from the insert song “Kiss Me Good-Bye” for the game Final Fantasy XII.

Her lyrics—deeply reflecting her own experiences—along with passionate piano and a powerful yet gentle voice, profoundly move listeners.

If you love emotional piano ballads, be sure to give her songs a listen.

Caramel PainHoshimachi Suisei

Caramel Pain / Suisei Hoshimachi (official)

Since March 2018, virtual idol Suisei Hoshimachi has been captivating many music fans with her clear, radiant vocals and outstanding singing ability.

Centered on pop, she showcases her talents across a wide range of genres, from electronica to rock.

She made her debut in 2019 under the music label INNK Music, and in September 2021 her album “Still Still Stellar” reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Digital Album Rankings.

In 2022, she formed the unit Midnight Grand Orchestra with music producer TAKU INOUE, marking her major-label debut as well.

Her voice, which balances power and delicacy, combined with expressive delivery that resonates emotionally, continues to captivate listeners.

She’s an artist especially recommended for anyone seeking the soothing beauty of a crystal-clear singing voice.

Sketchaimyon

[Thai-sub] Sketch – Aimyon 🩵💫

Aimyon is a singer-songwriter who captivates listeners with her translucent voice and unique worldview.

Hailing from Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, she began writing lyrics in her second year of junior high school and showcased her musical talent early on, making it to the finals of auditions during high school.

Since her indie debut in March 2015, she has been active across a wide range of genres, including J-pop, folk, and rock.

In 2019, she topped Billboard’s year-end TOP ARTISTS in Japan and ranked No.

1 in streaming, cementing her commanding presence.

Her journey into music began when she received a guitar from her parents, and, influenced by artists like Spitz and Shogo Hamada, she has captured the hearts of many listeners with down-to-earth lyrics and melodies.

Her songs—woven with plainspoken words and delivered in a clear, pure voice—resonate deeply, making her music a great recommendation for those who are drawn to unadorned, authentic sounds.

escalateAimer

Aimer “escalate” MUSIC VIDEO & CROSSFADE (Anime “NieR:Automata Ver1.1a” Opening Theme)

Aimer is a singer-songwriter who debuted in 2011.

She’s also known for contributing many theme songs for films, TV dramas, and anime.

In particular, Zankyo Sanka, the opening theme for Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc, topped numerous music charts.

One of her charms is how dramatically her style changes from song to song—sometimes delivering intense tracks, other times tender ballads.

Be sure to listen to several of her songs and enjoy the contrast.

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yamamoto

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Super StarFurui Riho

Furui Riho – Super Star (Official Music Video)

Singer-songwriter Furui Riho, from Otaru, Hokkaido.

She became interested in music after seeing a gospel live performance as a child, and began her full-scale music career in her first year of university.

In 2019, she released her debut single digitally; word of mouth spread, and she is now known as a standout artist of the new generation.

Once you listen, you’ll be hooked by her one-of-a-kind, emotionally charged word choices and infectious sense of rhythm.

She also writes songs for other artists, so keep an eye on that side of her work as well.

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yamamoto

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Delusional scriptwriting activityasmi

Delusional Scriptwriting Activity – asmi (Official Music Video)

In 2021, singer-songwriter asmi made a name for herself all at once by participating in MAISONdes’s track “Yowanehaki feat.

Wanuka is singing the Pokémon anime’s theme song “Dokimeki Diary.” Even before she gained mainstream attention, her talent was already blossoming—she won the teen-only audition “Jūdai Hakusho” Grand Prix and was featured on Rin音’s track, among other achievements.

Her vocals are characterized by a richly textured low-to-mid range that many listeners find soothing.

Her music also charms with a pop sensibility and a touch of fairytale-like whimsy.

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Hane Keisuke

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