Songs by female artists you often hear on YouTube Shorts

A Laugh Across the Rivers and Lakes (Subject Three)Cindy Dong

A Laugh Across the Rivers and Lakes (Subject Three)

A track by Cindy Dong, a female singer from China.

As background music for a dance movement born in China, it went viral on YouTube Shorts right after its release in November 2023.

The charm of this piece lies in its addictive sound, where traditional Chinese melodies are brilliantly fused with modern disco beats.

Cindy Dong’s translucent, radiant vocals further elevate the song’s bittersweet yet powerful atmosphere.

The trend has gone beyond social media, becoming a global cultural phenomenon—so much so that the Russian State Ballet incorporated it into their program.

Be sure to check it out.

Suzume feat. ToakaRADWIMPS

RADWIMPS – Suzume feat. Toaka [Official Lyric Video]

This is the theme song for Makoto Shinkai’s feature-length animated film “Suzume,” sung by Takaaki (a female singer who rose to prominence through her activity on TikTok).

The lyrics and composition were done by Yojiro Noda of RADWIMPS, who produced the film’s music.

Her translucent vocals and the mysterious sound became a hot topic as something you can’t get out of your head once you hear it.

The song captures the feelings of a girl facing hardships, paired with a grand sound that carries a touch of nostalgia—sure to move your heart.

The album “Suzume,” which includes this work released in September 2022, won the Japan Academy Prize for Best Music.

It’s a track you’ll want to listen to on long autumn nights while lost in thought.

I want to eat sweet and sour pork from a Chinese restaurant.Rinko

Rinko / I Want to Eat Sweet and Sour Pork from a Chinese Restaurant [Music Video]

There are moments during a meal with your partner when you suddenly feel, “We’re different, aren’t we?” This song captures a slice of everyday life like that, skillfully portraying the emotional distance between two people.

The frustration of not being able to say what you want to eat, and the small loneliness you feel when your partner always chooses the same thing—these feelings gently resonate over a catchy melody.

The singer is Rinko, a singer-songwriter who weaves real emotions into poetic lyrics.

Released as a single in November 2024, the track sparked major buzz, with an early video preview on social media racking up around 900,000 views.

It’s a song that stays close to your heart, as if speaking on your behalf when you’re struggling with miscommunication in a relationship.

On a full-moon nightaimyon

Aimyon – If It's a Full Moon Night [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Singer-songwriter Aimyon, who radiates a one-of-a-kind presence with lyrics from an original angle.

Her fourth major single, released in April 2018, is marked by a driving sound that leaves a strong impression.

The lyrics, which skillfully capture the exhilaration and restlessness of a full-moon night, are sure to spark listeners’ imaginations.

Also included on the acclaimed album “Momentary Sixth Sense,” this track is perfect for long autumn nights when you yearn for a human touch.

Use it in a short movie set against a clear night sky to create an emotional atmosphere—it’s a stylish number.

Love WindIkuta Rira

Lila Ikuta “Koikaze” Official Music Video

The lyrics, which portray the bewilderment at the very moment love begins, blend with a breezy, spring-like ensemble to create a sweet-and-sour yet positive atmosphere.

This song is a work released by Lila Ikuta in April 2025, written as the theme song for ABEMA’s dating reality show “Kyo, Suki ni Narimashita.

New Zealand Edition.” It marks the third time she has provided a theme for the series, underscoring their strong affinity.

The song depicts how the presence of another gently melts a heart made timid by past experiences, something many listeners will relate to.

If you’re hoping to take a new step forward, it will surely give you a gentle push.

Like the shining moonSuperfly

Superfly “Like the Shining Moon” Music Video

How about a warm ballad that gently nestles into the clear autumn night sky? The soothing, heartfelt voice of Shiho Ochi, the vocalist of Superfly, resonates deep in the chest.

This work portrays a story of gratitude: that we can truly shine only because of someone precious to us.

Like the relationship between the sun and the moon, a meeting with someone opens a once-lonely heart, and the wish to become a light that protects them in return conveys the strength of an inseparable bond.

Released in August 2012, it was also chosen as the theme song for the drama “Summer Rescue: The Sky’s Clinic.” It’s a hopeful number you’ll want to listen to while thinking of someone dear.

Dinner Songtuki.

tuki. “Banquet Song” Official Music Video

This is the piece I want you to listen to on a long autumn night when your heart overflows with thoughts of someone you love.

Singer-songwriter tuki., who drew attention through self-accompanied performance videos on YouTube and TikTok, released it in September 2023.

The song portrays a painfully contradictory kind of love—the way you end up hurting someone precisely because they matter to you.

By likening love to the finest meal, it celebrates the irreplaceable value of affection that’s nurtured over time.

Despite the artist’s youth, the work’s mature expressiveness became a major talking point and even led to an appearance on the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

Look up at the clear night sky, think of your loved one, and savor it slowly.

PrologueUru

"Prologue" FULL ver.

This is the work by Uru I want to listen to on an autumn night when I long for human warmth.

Even knowing it’s forbidden, the ever-growing feelings for the other person and that helpless cry of the heart really hit home.

The contrast between her clear, crystalline vocals and the electric guitar that stirs up anxiety and urgency vividly paints the beginning of a forbidden love.

Released as a single in December 2018, the song is also known as the theme for the drama “Chugakusei Nikki” starring Kasumi Arimura.

Overlapping with the drama’s heartrending worldview, it resonated deeply with many.

Later included on the album “Orion Blue,” this beautiful ballad is perfect for when you want to sink into a sentimental mood.

hyururira-pappatuki.

tuki. “Hyururira Pappa” Official Music Video

A lively number by tuki., featuring an upbeat sound reminiscent of festival music.

The song treats life as one big festival and celebrates the beauty of making the most of our limited time.

Its airy, unforgettable melody and empowering message of self-affirmation leave a strong impact.

Released in July 2024, this track reflects the momentum of the artist, whose signature song “Bansanka” topped the Billboard Japan charts overall.

On YouTube Shorts, it’s often used in videos capturing moving everyday moments or travel memories.

Be sure to check it out.

Is being cute not enough?CUTIE STREET

[MV] CUTIE STREET "Isn't it enough to be just cute?"

This song stands out for its cuteness but is also drawing attention as a track in its own right.

Released by CUTIE STREET in September 2024, it’s packed with the unique charm of an idol group devoted to pursuing “cute.” On TikTok, it has surpassed 100,000 posts, and it has ranked high on various music charts.

The chorus’s questions leave a strong impression, conveying a message that encourages a positive take on everyday worries.

On YouTube Shorts, it’s mainly used for dance and singing videos.

It’s also perfect as BGM for uploading to social media, so be sure to give it a try.