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

YOU… feat. Izumi Nakasone (HY)Kato Miria71rank/position

Miliyah Kato “YOU… feat. Izumi Nakasone (HY)”

Speaking of collaborations between powerhouse female singers, we can’t forget this song by Miliyah Kato and Izumi Nakasone of HY.

Based on real unrequited-love stories sent in by radio listeners, the two artists co-created this gem of a ballad.

Released in September 2014 as their 30th single, it was also included on the milestone 10th-anniversary album “MUSE.” The frustration of not being able to put your feelings into words, and the emotional wavering as you move toward confessing your love, come through poignantly in the harmony between Kato’s delicate vocals and Nakasone’s warm voice.

Chosen as the theme song for a radio drama, this track just might gently give you the push you need if you’re struggling with a one-sided love.

COLORSUtada Hikaru72rank/position

Utada Hikaru – COLORS

Utada Hikaru’s 12th single, released on January 29, 2003.

The melody is striking, featuring elements of both traditional Japanese and electronic music throughout, starting from the intro.

Interestingly, in live performances and on TV, it’s sung one key lower; at the time of recording, the key was raised to align with others’ opinions.

After this song’s release, she took a one-year hiatus, but the track left a uniquely Utada-like, memorable impact.

For YouUtada Hikaru73rank/position

Hikaru Utada – For You

This is a song by Hikaru Utada, notable for its heavy kick drum and harmonies that evoke a subtly Japanese flavor.

From the perspective of a sensitive 17-year-old, it portrays “loneliness” and a pure wish to do something for someone else—feelings that quietly stir the listener’s heart.

The track was included on a single released in June 2000 and sold approximately 450,000 copies in its first week.

On nights when you want to be alone with your thoughts, surrendering yourself to this melody will bring back those bittersweet emotions you’ve kept tucked away deep inside.

SAKURA DropsUtada Hikaru74rank/position

Hikaru Utada – SAKURA Drops

The 11th single by Hikaru Utada, which drew attention as the theme song for the TV drama “First Love.” Released in May 2002, this track paints a poignant yet beautiful story by overlaying the end of a romance with the image of falling cherry blossoms.

It is a gem of a ballad that expresses the pain of heartbreak and the mysterious repetition of love through delicate vocals and an R&B-infused melody.

A song that seeps into the heart, it continues to soothe many listeners, especially in the season when the arrival of spring can be felt.

Wait & See ~Risk~Utada Hikaru75rank/position

Hikaru Utada – Wait & See (Risk)

Released in April 2000 as Hikaru Utada’s fifth single, this song—issued as her first-ever DVD single and simultaneously with the CD single “For You / Time Limit”—garnered significant attention and became a massive hit, with total shipments exceeding 1.66 million copies.

The lyrics, which quote the Serenity Prayer, convey the composure to accept what cannot be changed and the importance of having the courage to change what can.

Utada’s powerful message encourages young people to fearlessly take risks and forge their own paths.

When Someone’s Wish Comes TrueUtada Hikaru76rank/position

Hikaru Utada – When Someone's Wish Comes True

Utada Hikaru’s 13th single and her first new release in a year and three months since the previous one.

It was used as the theme song for the film “CASSHERN,” directed by her former husband, Kiriya Kazuaki.

It’s a simple song centered on piano accompaniment and is unusual for Utada as the lyrics were written before the music.

It topped the Oricon charts for two consecutive weeks and ranked 14th for the year.

Shineieiri reo77rank/position

Leo Ieiri – "Shine"

This song ranked second in the annual cable charts.

Written from the unique perspective of a young woman, it’s sure to become a timeless classic that speaks for its generation and will be listened to for years to come.

She’s a truly accomplished female artist, so I highly recommend her to music lovers.