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

cherry (sweet cherry; cherry fruit)Otsuka Ai22rank/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.

Love StoryAmuro Namie23rank/position

[Love Story] (stage-MIX 2011–2018) | Namie Amuro | chd

This song, which portrays complex emotions, beautifully expresses both the pain of heartbreak and the hope that follows.

Released in December 2011 as the theme song for a Fuji TV Monday 9 p.m.

drama, it became a major hit.

The music video filmed in London is also striking.

Namie Amuro’s powerful yet delicate vocals perfectly enhance the lyrics that evoke the end of a romance and the start of something new.

Its approachable melody makes it easy to try at karaoke, so it’s recommended for those who’ve experienced heartbreak or are standing at a crossroads in life.

The heartfelt lyrics and beautiful melody are sure to soothe your soul.

crescent moonayaka24rank/position

Ayaka – Crescent Moon

Ayaka’s signature song “Mikazuki.” Since it’s a ballad, as long as you don’t rush the tempo and sing carefully, I think anyone can aim for a score of 90.

The unique pauses in the A verse of “Mikazuki” are very important, so I recommend singing while firmly keeping the rhythm with your body.

Also, you might feel like adding vibrato on the long tones, but try holding back at first and extend your voice straight.

In JOYSOUND’s karaoke scoring rankings, the top spots seem to be in the high 90s, so it’s a masterpiece where you can expect a high score if you practice thoroughly.

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Kubota Mami

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Tears aren’t just for show.Nakamori Akina25rank/position

[Official] Akina Nakamori / “Tears Aren’t Just for Show” (Live in ’87: A HUNDRED days at Tokyo Kosei Nenkin Kaikan, 1987-10-17) AKINA NAKAMORI

A masterpiece whose deeply emotional lyrics and wistful vocals strike the heart.

This track highlights Akina Nakamori’s powerful expressive ability.

Released in November 1984, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and created a major buzz, spending 17 consecutive weeks in the Top 100.

The work portrays the shifting nature of human relationships, feelings of loneliness, and the strength to be honest with one’s own emotions.

It’s perfect for moments when you want to soothe a tired heart or face yourself.

Take your time and savor this song packed with Akina Nakamori’s charm.

TouchIwasaki Yoshimi26rank/position

Touch / Yoshimi Iwasaki / Full-size / With lyrics

An anime theme song that captures the bittersweetness of youth was released in March 1985.

It’s a wonderful track featuring Yoshimi Iwasaki’s clear, transparent vocals and a melody that resonates deeply.

The lyrics convey the feelings of a girl in love with her childhood friend, leaving a lasting impression with its sweet, heartrending portrayal of adolescence.

The song drew major attention as the opening theme for the anime Touch and reached No.

12 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

It has also become widely used as a cheer song for high school baseball, a staple performed in the stands.

With a melody everyone can hum along to, it’s a perfect choice for karaoke with friends.

EverythingMISIA27rank/position

MISIA – Everything （Official HD Music Video）

A song that showcases MISIA’s overwhelming vocal power.

The way she sings of deep love and gratitude moves listeners to their core.

Released in October 2000, it was also used as the theme song for the drama “Yamato Nadeshiko.” It ranked first in JASRAC’s distribution of copyright royalty revenues for fiscal year 2001.

This is why it has been loved for so many years.

The lyrics, filled with thoughts of an endless future, beautifully capture the sweetness and poignancy of falling in love.

When you want to renew your feelings for someone special, give it a listen.

Her heartfelt voice is sure to resonate with your emotions.

PreciousItō Yuna28rank/position

Precious / Yuna Ito (Cover)

This is a sweet and bittersweet song by Yuna Ito that portrays the subtle shift of the heart from anxiety to certainty.

It’s natural that vague fears and doubts arise as your feelings for someone grow stronger.

But this work shows that because the two continue to face each other sincerely, they can build a relationship where they truly trust one another.

Released in May 2006, it drew attention as the theme song for the film “Limit of Love: Umizaru.” It’s a recommended track for times when you want to feel the bond with someone important, or when you want to reaffirm the feelings you share for each other.