Summary of Japanese singers popular in Korea: Notable J-POP and artists
Many of you may have heard the news that J-pop is booming in South Korea.
Korean artists and idols have long drawn attention by covering Japanese songs, among other activities.
Triggered by various sparks—like old songs being rediscovered or buzz from music shows—many singers have become beloved through Japan–Korea exchanges.
In this article, we’ll feature Japanese singers who are gaining attention in South Korea.
It might also be fun to focus on how they differ from those in Japan.
Let’s dive right in!
- A J-POP song highly popular in South Korea [with a Korean-language cover too!]
- Ranking of Popular Japanese Music/J-POP Artists Among People in Their 20s [2026]
- Trendy songs in South Korea: A roundup of hit songs
- Korean karaoke songs: beloved tunes from popular ballads to K-pop
- An emotional Korean song. A gently moving, sensitive masterpiece.
- A Korean song you often hear on TikTok. Trending K-pop.
- [K-POP] Korean songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: classic crowd-pleasers
- K-POP Popularity Rankings [2026]
- Today's Recommended J-POP: A Collection of Japanese Hit Songs You’ll Want to Listen to Today
- [Introduction to Male Korean Artists] A Collection of K-POP Groups, Singers, and Bands
- Jay Park Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- [Korean Oldies · Genre-Free] Songs from Korea you’ll want to listen to now—nostalgic Korean tracks
- A Classic of Korean City Pop [KOREAN CITY POP]
Summary of Japanese singers popular in South Korea: Notable J-pop and artists (1–10)
Utagokoro Rie
Rie Utagokoro has continued to share the allure of music across a wide range of genres.
She debuted in a duo with her older sister after the SOSY audition, expanding her activities from cool R&B and breezy pop to covering songs from Korean dramas.
Their song “200-Bai no Yume” (Two-Hundredfold Dream), which was also used in a Pocari Sweat commercial, drew attention for its vibrant harmonies.
In 2004, she performed as part of the unit September, arranged for piano and cello, presenting Japanese versions of songs featured in Korean dramas.
In 2024, she competed on the Japan–Korea Singing King Battle, broadcast on a Korean cable TV network, where her vocal prowess and stage performance were highly praised.
Rie Utagokoro’s voice, combining delicate emotional expression with powerful vocals, is sure to convey the full appeal of J-POP.
Nakajima Mika
Mika Nakashima is known for her expressive vocal prowess and distinctive musicality.
A consummate singer, she effortlessly handles a wide range of genres—from pop and ballads to rock.
Since her debut in 2001, she has produced numerous hit songs and captivated many fans.
In 2003, she earned the Gold Prize at the 45th Japan Record Awards for “Yuki no Hana,” a timeless classic that continues to be beloved in Korea.
She has also garnered high acclaim as an actress, including her lead role in the film NANA.
From electropop to ballads, Nakashima’s wide expressive range makes her voice perfect for music fans seeking songs that truly resonate.
In 2025, she made her first appearance on Korean television on the show “Japan-Korea Singing Kings,” delivering her voice to viewers.
With her emotionally rich vocals and assured expressiveness, she continues to capture the hearts of many.
Leina
Singer-songwriter Leina, who is garnering attention for her innovative sound infused with Western pop influences, made her debut at 14 and has won fervent support from younger listeners with songs that delve deeply into human emotions.
In September 2022, she took first place on TV Asahi’s music audition program “Music Champ 2022,” propelling her into the spotlight.
Her strong affinity with the digital-native generation is another draw, with her tracks going viral on social media.
Influenced in part by Korea as well, she enjoys passionate support there too, with street performances and solo shows drawing huge crowds.
Inspired by artists like Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish, she self-produces her music with a distinctive expressive style, and her multifaceted talents extend to creating artwork and video pieces.
Combining delicate sensitivity with powerful expression, her music is highly recommended for those seeking songs that resonate with genuine, relatable feelings.
Roundup of Japanese singers popular in Korea: Notable J‑POP and artists (11–20)
aimyon
Since her debut in 2016, Aimyon has been loved by many listeners not only in Japan but also in South Korea.
In particular, Marigold, released in 2018, drew attention for its heartwarming melody and relatable lyrics.
Covers of her songs by Korean artists have also become a talking point, fostering a sense of closeness among Korean music fans.
Aimyon’s pure, refreshing voice and highly narrative songs are sure to resonate with listeners in any setting.
She’s one of those wonderful artists whose music warms your heart no matter which track you listen to.
Higuchi Ai
With her diverse musicality and emotionally rich performances, Ai Higuchi is attracting attention in South Korea as well.
Her captivating stage at the 2022 RISING SUN ROCK FESTIVAL became a hot topic, especially on social media! The live footage helped her fanbase expand into Korea.
In particular, the tracks from her major debut album “Hyakurokujū-do” (One Hundred and Sixty Degrees) are beloved across a wide range of communities, keeping listeners utterly engaged.
The world she paints with heartfelt words and melodies is, in itself, top-tier entertainment.
For quiet nights or moments when your heart seeks healing, Ai Higuchi’s music is highly recommended for everyone!
Tomioka Ai
Ai Tomioka is a talented singer-songwriter who rose to prominence on TikTok in the summer of 2021.
Her music is defined by a delicate, warm voice that is sure to resonate with listeners.
In particular, her 2022 street performance in Seoul drew major attention, and her song “Goodbye Bye” broke into the top 10 on the Korean charts.
The reason for her popularity lies in her Korea-focused approach, including videos with Hangul subtitles and live performances in Korea, all driven by her own initiative.
kocchi no kento
Kocchino Kento is a creator who delivers songs that everyone can enjoy.
He’s from Osaka Prefecture and is the younger brother of Masaki Suda.
He drew attention with the viral hit “Shinuna!” in the same year as his debut release “Tiny” in 2022.
In 2024, “Hai Yorokonde” became a massive hit both in Japan and abroad.
In particular, it’s been embraced in South Korea, surging as if to seize the No.
1 spot on YouTube’s popular MV rankings.
With its simple angle and catchy vibe, his music showcases the charm of easy-to-enjoy dance tracks.
These elements also mesh well with social media culture, and his popularity is sure to keep rising!
