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

For the First Time in ForeverKanda Sayaka, Matsu Takako57rank/position

Sayaka Kanda, Takako Matsu – For the First Time in Forever (From “Frozen”)

A musical number by Sayaka Kanda and Takako Matsu that enjoys overwhelming popularity even among Disney works.

Many of you reading this may have found yourselves humming it as children.

The lively back-and-forth between the two shines in “For the First Time in Forever.” Included on the Japanese soundtrack released in March 2014, it colored a pivotal scene in the film Frozen where the sisters’ feelings intersect.

Blending anticipation and anxiety, the song captivates with conversational lyrics and a dramatic progression.

It’s great to tackle solo, but splitting parts with a friend will surely make it even more exciting! Lifting your facial muscles helps you project your voice more easily, so try becoming the story’s protagonist as you sing.

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]

Anri’s hit number “Listening to Olivia.” Thanks to the recent revival boom, it has gained some recognition among younger generations as well.

The song was released in 1978 and became a long-running hit with its distinctive musical style that blends New Music and kayōkyoku.

Its vocal range is somewhat narrow at mid1 G# to high C, and the pitch movement isn’t very drastic.

It’s slightly high for men and slightly low for women, making it highly recommended as a song that can be sung in the original key regardless of gender.

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Ryo

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Watarase BridgeMoritaka Chisato60rank/position

Chisato Moritaka 'Watarase Bridge' (Music Video)

Known as a bittersweet love song, this piece is one of Chisato Moritaka’s signature tracks.

Set against the backdrop of the Watarase River at dusk, it delicately portrays the protagonist’s feelings as she reflects on a past romance.

Released in January 1993, the song was also used as the ending theme for the TV program “Ii Tabi Yume Kibun,” resonating deeply with many listeners.

It is also known as the first song in which Moritaka performed an instrument, showcasing the breadth of her musical talent.

When singing it at karaoke, delivering it with rich emotion will surely elevate the atmosphere of the venue.

flameLiSA61rank/position

LiSA “Homura” -MUSIC CLIP-

Released in October 2020 as the theme song for the feature film Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Train, this piece was composed and arranged by Yuki Kajiura and completed with lyrics co-written with LiSA.

The sweeping ballad mirrors the life and spirit of the central character, Kyojuro Rengoku, portraying parting and hope, and the will that is passed on.

It powerfully sings of the strength to keep moving forward without being swept away by sorrow.

It won the Grand Prize at the 62nd Japan Record Awards and topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart for three consecutive weeks, becoming a social phenomenon that transcended the anime-music sphere.

It is a song we hope you’ll listen to if you’ve experienced the loss of someone dear or need courage to face difficulties.

wailing in griefKudō Shizuka62rank/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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School HeavenKoizumi Kyoko63rank/position

Kyoko Koizumi - School Heaven

This was Kyoko Koizumi’s 28th single, released on November 1, 1989.

It served as the theme song for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.

drama “Aishiatte Ru Kai!”.

By the way, this is a cover: the original was released in 1974 as Finger 5’s fourth single, and it was a massive hit that sold over a million copies.

As you’ll understand the moment you hear it, singing ability hardly matters for this song! When it comes to sounding good at karaoke, it’s no exaggeration to say it all depends on how well you can recreate its light, lively groove.

Don’t sweat the small stuff—just have everyone there join in a big sing-along and enjoy!

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Kei Takahata

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