Recommended Japanese Female Artists and Popular Song Rankings for Women [2026]

moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro15rank/position

Chihiro Onitsuka – Gekkou (Moonlight)

The song released by Chihiro Onitsuka in 2000 is a masterpiece that resonates deeply with listeners.

It delicately expresses a lack of self-confidence and feelings of loneliness, while conveying a strong will to face harsh realities.

Released on March 7, 2001, the song was also used as the theme for the TV drama “TRICK,” generating a huge response.

Combined with Onitsuka’s overwhelming vocal performance, it captured the hearts of many.

This work is a perfect fit for women in their 40s leading busy lives with work and childcare.

Sing it at karaoke, and it’s sure to elicit empathy across generations.

TOMORROWMayo Okamoto16rank/position

Mayo Okamoto “TOMORROW” Music Video

This song is packed with the charms of Mayo Okamoto as a singer-songwriter and has long been loved as a message song that delivers hope and courage.

It gently conveys the importance of believing in yourself and the bravery to take a step toward tomorrow—a timeless classic.

With calm piano tones and a warm, heartfelt vocal, it resonates deeply.

Since its 1995 release, it has moved many as the theme song for the drama “Second Chance” and was included on the album of the same name, “TOMORROW.” This work will surely give you a gentle push when you feel lost in life or are about to take a new step forward.

User ManualNishino Kana17rank/position

Kana Nishino “Torisetsu” MV Full

Kana Nishino’s “Torisetsu” is a unique love song that likens me, the person, to an instruction manual.

I felt it’s a song that seems like it existed before, yet didn’t! Aside from the chorus, it’s more spoken than sung, so even those who are tone-deaf can enjoy it without worrying much about the melody line.

However, because there are a lot of words, where you breathe and where you break the phrases is important.

It might be good to sing as if you’re actually talking to someone! If you sing with no expression, your vocal placement drops into your throat and becomes straining, so try raising your eyebrows and bringing your vocal placement up to eyebrow level.

Aim to sing as lightly as possible.

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Kubota Mami

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HeroAmuro Namie18rank/position

Hero – Namie Amuro (Full)

A rousing cheer song by Namie Amuro that powerfully sings of the “courage” and “hope” needed at every stage of life.

Released in July 2016 as NHK’s broadcast theme for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and Paralympics, it captured the hearts of a wide audience—from athletes to the general public.

When she made a special appearance at the 68th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen in 2017, her stunning performance set a remarkable peak viewer rating of 48.4%.

If you choose this song when enjoying karaoke with someone special, you’ll surely share a moment of true connection.

I long to see you now.MISIA19rank/position

MISIA – Aitakute Ima (Official HD Music Video)

A grand ballad that stirs the heart with a bittersweet yet powerful longing to meet a cherished person across time.

Sung by MISIA, renowned for her overwhelming vocal prowess, this piece was written as the theme song for TBS’s Sunday drama “JIN” and released as a single in November 2009.

It was also positioned as the lead single from the album “JUST BALLADE,” and many listeners may remember it alongside the drama’s moving scenes.

The lyrics, capturing the frustration of not being able to meet someone you long for and the overflowing passion within, are perfect for anyone seeking the courage to confess their feelings on Valentine’s Day.

Why not immerse yourself in this soul-stirring voice while making chocolates?

Unrequited loveAimer20rank/position

Aimer “Kataomoi” MUSIC VIDEO (FULL ver.)

This is a 2016 song by Aimer.

“Kataomoi” is characterized by a tearful, emotive vocal tone.

Rather than being a song sung entirely in falsetto, there are moments where the high phrases are sung in falsetto or a mixed voice.

It might be good for those trying falsetto for the first time or practicing it.

A suggested progression is: first, learn to sing it in chest voice → then sing the parts that feel high with a stronger, mix-leaning approach → then challenge yourself with falsetto.

In the end, if you’re not used to either chest or falsetto, you’ll use more breath than you think.

It’s important to focus on diaphragmatic breathing and take in plenty of air.

When producing sound, aim to resonate in the head and try to let the voice out as gently as possible.

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Kubota Mami

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cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai21rank/position

Ai Otsuka / Sakuranbo

Ai Otsuka’s second single is a pop song that expresses the joys of romance.

It portrays the everyday moments and memories of a couple, sweetly singing about their bittersweet bond.

Released in December 2003, it was used as the opening theme for TBS’s “COUNT DOWN TV” and the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Mecha-Mecha Iketeru!”.

Its bright, positive lyrics and catchy melody make it perfect for women who want to liven up a karaoke session.

Sing it with the guy you’re interested in, and it’s sure to spark a romantic mood.

It’s also popular as a cheer song for high school baseball, so it’s a great pick when you and your friends need an energy boost.