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

Watarase BridgeMoritaka Chisato57rank/position

Chisato Moritaka 'Watarase Bridge' (Music Video)

This is Chisato Moritaka’s 17th single, released in January 1993.

Chosen as the theme song for a travel program on TV Tokyo, it became widely beloved, spending 15 consecutive weeks on the Oricon charts.

As the lyrics quietly reflect on a past love while gazing at the city at dusk, Moritaka’s clear, translucent voice blends beautifully with the song.

Later adopted as the departure melody at Ashikaga Station, the piece has continued to be cherished by the local community.

The simple timbre of the alto recorder leaves a warm afterglow in the heart.

It’s a classic that gently stays by your side on nights when you want to softly unwind taut emotions.

CHOCOLATEchanmina58rank/position

CHANMINA – CHOCOLATE (Official Music Video) [YouTube Ver.]

A mid-tempo track that blends the sweetness and bitterness of romance.

It’s the title song of Chanmina’s mini-album “CHOCOLATE,” released in November 2017.

The lyrics, drawn from her own real-life experiences, leave a poignant impression, expressing emotional shifts as she fluidly moves between rap and singing.

Chanmina also took on her first overseas production for the album, completing the project with the concept: “Just as chocolate can be bitter or sweet, I packed the album with songs showing different sides.” It’s a track that paints an adult love story—one you’ll want to sway to gently on a winter night.

Listening to OliviaAnri59rank/position

Anri / Listening to Olivia [Official Video]

A heartrending ballad with a heartbreak theme.

Although it’s a song from 1978, it remains popular for karaoke and often ranks in nationwide scoring systems like JOYSOUND and DAM—a true classic.

The tempo isn’t too fast or too slow, so you should be able to calmly follow the pitch and lyrics.

There aren’t any sections where the pitch suddenly jumps very high, but the chorus starts on G4 and is generally on the higher side, so keeping your resonance placement consistent will help your voice stay steady.

Try singing with a slightly higher-placed voice.

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Kubota Mami

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flameLiSA60rank/position

LiSA “Homura” -MUSIC CLIP-

Released as a single on October 14, 2020, it is the theme song for the film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train.

Many people likely got to know LiSA through Demon Slayer.

Unlike Gurenge, Homura is a ballad-style song that makes it easier to match the pitch, and if you practice thoroughly, you can aim for a score of over 90.

Tips for a high score include singing carefully in a ballad-appropriate manner that conveys a poignant emotion, using falsetto if chest voice is difficult, and delivering a powerful expression in the chorus.

Since the tempo is relaxed, be careful not to rush through the lyrics.

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Kubota Mami

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beautiful womanchanmina61rank/position

CHANMINA – Bijin (Dance Performance Video) –

This is a song by Chanmina that’s guaranteed to turn heads when you sing it at karaoke.

It carries a powerful message that challenges society’s imposed standards of “beauty.” Released as a single in April 2021, it’s also included on the album Harenchi.

Her raw, unfiltered performance on THE FIRST TAKE became a major talking point as well.

It’s perfect for when you want to strongly affirm yourself or blow away the frustration.

Grab the mic and give it a try!

Star Lablationkerakera62rank/position

Kerakera – Star Liberation

An upbeat love song that sings of wavering feelings and firm resolve.

Released in May 2013, it drew attention as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Last Cinderella” starring Ryoko Shinohara.

It’s a motivational song that sets the feelings of a woman who, though awkward, tries to pursue love straightforwardly to a bright and catchy melody.

The careful portrayal of her journey from putting on a brave face to becoming honest with herself gently gives listeners a push forward.

Isn’t it the perfect track for livening up a karaoke session or encouraging a friend struggling with love?

wailing in griefKudō Shizuka63rank/position

Shizuka Kudo / Doukoku [Official Video]

Among Shizuka Kudo’s discography, which has produced numerous hit songs since her solo debut in the late 1980s, the best-selling is Dokoku, released in 1993.

It’s a masterpiece with lyrics by Miyuki Nakajima and music by Tsugutoshi Goto, and many women in their 40s today likely have this song in their karaoke repertoire.

The song is set in a relatively low key for a female vocal, making it a great choice for women with lower voices who struggle with high notes.

Kudo’s characteristic, sultry vibrato is applied naturally, yet the difficulty level is modest, with a very memorable and easy-to-sing melody line.

It’s also recommended for those aiming for high scores at karaoke.

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KOH-1

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