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

Secret of my heartKuraki Mai15rank/position

Mai Kuraki 'Secret of my heart'

Mai Kuraki, a singer-songwriter who drew attention when her first single “Love, Day After Tomorrow” became a million seller despite being a debut track with no tie-in, continued to impress with her second single “Secret of my heart,” used as the ending theme for the TV anime Detective Conan.

The song showcases an overwhelming expressive power and delicacy that belies her teenage years.

Its many subtle nuances make it difficult to sing well, but performing it at karaoke is likely to captivate men in their 40s who probably heard it in real time.

With its catchy melody that energizes any karaoke session, it’s a highly recommended number.

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Hoshino Takashi

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moonlightOnitsuka Chihiro16rank/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 Okamoto17rank/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 Kana18rank/position

Kana Nishino “Torisetsu” MV Full

This single was released on September 9, 2015, and it’s the theme song for the film “No Longer Heroine.” The lyrics, which humorously yet realistically liken the complexities of a woman’s inner self to an “instruction manual,” resonated with many listeners.

The song itself has a steady rhythm and a range that isn’t excessively wide, so as long as you pay attention to pitch, you can aim for a high score.

Also, because the lyrics are delivered in a talk-like manner with many words, enunciating clearly instead of letting them blur together will be accurately reflected on the pitch bar.

As the song progresses, there are more high notes, so it’s best to project your voice without hesitation—visualize the notes and aim to match them to the pitch bar.

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Kubota Mami

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HeroAmuro Namie19rank/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.MISIA20rank/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 loveAimer21rank/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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