Top Female Singer-Songwriters and Popular Songs of the 2000s [2026]

Spring Dayaimyon64rank/position

Aimyon – Harunohi [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

This is the seventh major-label single by Aimyon, a female singer-songwriter whose nostalgic songs, rooted in acoustic guitar sounds, have become popular especially among younger listeners.

Released in April 2019, the song was written as the theme for the animated film Crayon Shin-chan, and its lyrics depicting family love are truly heartwarming.

The ensemble, which blends a refreshing drive with a floating, airy feel, seems perfect for brightening up a weekend drive.

It’s a delicate, feel-good pop tune that fits both trips with friends and family outings.

threadNakajima Miyuki65rank/position

Thread – Miyuki Nakajima (Full)

A beautiful ballad that likens human connections to warp and weft threads soaks into the heart through Miyuki Nakajima’s gentle yet powerful voice.

The lyrics, depicting fateful encounters and the warm fabric of life woven from them, evoke deep empathy—a true masterpiece.

Included on the album EAST ASIA, this song has continued to resonate with many people since its release in October 1992.

In 1998, it was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “Seija no Koshin” (March of the Saints), earning even broader acclaim.

It’s a track that soothes the heart at life’s turning points—meetings and farewells, fresh starts, and more.

Celebrated by many, it’s perfect for weddings, anniversaries, and any occasion that honors bonds with loved ones.

PRIDEImai Miki66rank/position

Miki Imai - 'PRIDE' Music Video

This piece resonates with lyrics that portray deep love for a partner and the will of an independent woman, carried by a warm melody crafted by Tomoyasu Hotei.

You don’t need to belt it out, and the melody moves gently, making it a great choice even for those who aren’t very confident in their singing.

Released in November 1996 as Miki Imai’s 12th single, it also became well known as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Doc.” As a tender, soothing ballad, it’s recommended for the latter part of a karaoke session or in a calm setting.

Simply following the melody carefully will make it sound lovely, so consider adding it to your repertoire.

LALALA feat. Wakadanna (Shonan no Kaze)Kato Miria67rank/position

Miliyah Kato “LALALA feat. Wakadanna (Shonan no Kaze)”

This is one of Miliyah Kato’s signature songs, a moving collaboration between two artists active in the J-pop scene.

Featuring Wakadanna from Shonan no Kaze and arranged by MINMI, it’s a luxurious team-up.

Over a warm, embracing sound, the song expresses deep affection for an irreplaceable presence.

In fact, the lyrics were written for her beloved dog.

That personal love gently illuminates listeners’ own feelings for someone precious in their hearts.

Released in October 2007, it became a milestone as her first entry into the Oricon Weekly Top 10.

It’s also included on the acclaimed album “TOKYO STAR.” A gentle, heartwarming track that stays close to you when you’re thinking of someone dear.

Last LoveKato Miria68rank/position

Miliyah Kato 'Last Love'

The work she created is a breakup song that perfectly fits the phrase “a heartbreakingly sad love ballad.” Through lyrics she wrote herself, it portrays with striking realism the aimless sense of loss and the lingering attachment that won’t fade after losing the one you love.

The grand, beautiful strings only seem to accentuate the loneliness at heart, and the clear, translucent vocals resonate as if asking a question—so achingly bittersweet.

Released in June 2010 as her 18th single, the track was later included on her acclaimed album HEAVEN, which became her first to top the charts.

When you’re carrying the pain of an unforgettable love, this song gently stays by your side in your helplessness.

Love is…Kato Miria69rank/position

MILIYAH Kato “Love is…”

The grand ballad inspired by the classical masterpiece Canon delivers a straightforward message—no matter what happens, we’ll stay together—that truly resonates.

Even when loneliness and anxiety make it hard to see ahead, there is someone who will never give up on you and keep supporting you.

It sings of the strength and preciousness of such love and bonds.

Released in June 2007 as Miliyah Kato’s tenth single, the song also served as the ending theme for the anime Toward the Terra.

Its inclusion in the best-of album M BEST II shows how it has continued to be loved over time.

A pledge of eternal love, this work is the ultimate love song—one that makes you want to stay with the person you cherish forever.

Sayonara, baby.Kato Miria70rank/position

Miliyah Kato 'Sayonara Baby'

This is a bittersweet love song about a heart swaying between true feelings and outward appearances.

She wants to believe his words, yet deep down she doubts them, and still can’t bring herself to end things… You can sense her wavering emotions in the chorus’s back-and-forth between the man and woman.

The track is a work by singer-songwriter Miliyah Kato, released in September 2008 as her 13th single.

Its arrangement is striking, unfolding from a wistful piano intro into a danceable four-on-the-floor sound.

The song is also included on the acclaimed album “Ring.” When you’re unsure of the other person’s feelings and don’t know what to do, listening to this might resonate with your complicated state of mind.