![[Anison Singer] A roundup of popular anime song vocalists](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/WJFWka5VMFw/maxresdefault.webp)
[Anison Singer] A roundup of popular anime song vocalists
Anime, a pillar of Japan’s pop culture, has now secured its place as a cultural export Japan can proudly showcase to the world.
And it’s not just the anime works themselves—their opening themes and insert songs have also gained popularity across the globe.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of anisong singers who have performed many hit anime songs to date.
From long-standing veterans who have shaped the scene to up-and-coming singers making waves in recent years, we’ve curated picks across generations—so we hope you’ll discover your new favorite anisong singer.
[Anison Singer] Summary of Popular Anison Vocalists (1–10)
ImperfectMasayoshi Oishi
The name he uses when performing as an anisong singer is the stage name of Masayoshi Oishi, who is active as a singer-songwriter.
He made his major debut in 1999 as a member of the three-piece band Sound Schedule.
In his solo career, he has earned high praise not only for singing anime songs but also as an anime song creator for his lyric writing and composition.
His soaring yet gentle high-tone voice showcases his exceptional vocal ability and expressive power.
In 2021, prompted by an appearance in the omnibus drama “The World of the Strange” (Yonimo Kimyōna Monogatari), he also began working as an actor.
He is an artist expected to continue pursuing a wide range of activities.
forget-me-notReoNa
A female singer who performs under the catchphrase “Despair-type Anisong Singer.” Since becoming a finalist in the 2017 SACRA MUSIC Audition, her vocals have drawn attention—such as the mini-album released under the name Kanzaki Elsa starring ReoNa, an in-anime artist from the TV anime Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online, which reached No.
8 on the Oricon charts.
Songs built on her own experiences, with the concept of “music that stays close to you in times of despair,” match her clear voice that retains a hint of innocence, creating a uniquely atmospheric presence.
She’s a promising singer who seems poised to reveal even more new worlds going forward.
ETERNAL BLAZENana Mizuki
A female singer from Ehime Prefecture who also boasts top-tier talent as a narrator and voice actor.
Entrusted with her father’s dream of becoming an enka singer, she underwent rigorous early training—vocals, piano, and Electone to hone her ear, as well as calligraphy so she wouldn’t be at a loss when asked for autographs.
As a result of this intensive education, she was even known locally as a “Nodojiman contest raider.” Despite that background, her charming personality has won her a broad fanbase beyond anime enthusiasts, and coupled with her powerful vocal ability, she is a musician who thrives beyond the confines of the anisong singer category.
IGNITEEir Aoi
A female singer who grew up in a music-loving family and began performing early, playing guitar in a band during high school.
While known as an anisong singer, she electrifies audiences at live shows with headbanging, jumping, and other rock band–style performances.
Her powerful yet crystalline voice pairs well with rock sounds and really lifts listeners’ spirits.
Although she temporarily suspended activities in 2016 due to health issues, she made a comeback and held her first post-return tour at the Nippon Budokan in 2018, and she continues to be active today.
Bursty Greedy SpiderKonomi Suzuki
A female anisong singer known by the nickname “Konomi,” who won the Grand Prix at the All-Japan Anisong Grand Prix finals.
She began singing and dancing to overcome shyness and being easily moved to tears, and is known as a skilled performer with experience in musicals and other productions.
Her powerful vocals and delicate vocal work accurately convey a song’s emotions, elevating its overall quality.
Thanks to that expressive ability, she also began working as a voice actress in 2018, and she is an artist expected to continue thriving as a young anisong singer.
Reasons why I must not fall in loveChiai Fujikawa
Chiai Fujikawa, who hails from Okayama Prefecture, pursued a solo career to “compete through song” after her time in an idol group.
Her music centers on J-pop and pop rock, marked by a style that captures everyday gloom and feelings of love in down-to-earth words.
She began her solo career in November 2018, and gained wider recognition in 2019 with her first album Laika and the ending theme for the popular anime The Rising of the Shield Hero.
The tie-in track was well received overseas and was even nominated for an Anime Trending Award.
Her voice is truly captivating, blending a firm, powerful chest tone with piercing high notes, and her straightforward delivery draws you in.
She also explores her rock side through band activities, showcasing her versatility.
She’s perfect for anyone looking for strong, emotionally resonant songs that hit home.
Northern CrossMay’n
A female singer who began taking full-fledged auditions in elementary school and made her major debut in high school under her real name, Mei Nakabayashi.
Aiming since childhood to be an artist who can both sing and dance, she rose to wide recognition as a new-generation female anime song singer after the success of tracks such as “Diamond Crevasse,” released under the name Sheryl Nome starring May’n for the TV anime Macross Frontier.
Her high expressive ability and vocal power evoke the world of each song and draw listeners in.
Since 2018, she has also been active as a stage actress, showcasing her multifaceted artistic sensibilities.