Recommended female vocalists for anime songs

PasswordAina the End

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Aina the End, who made her name as a member of BiSH and has since flourished as a solo artist—including starring in the film “The Echo of a Song”—delivers a compelling medium-tempo ballad.

Chosen as the ending theme for the anime “The Apothecary Diaries,” the song was written by Huwie Ishizaki, and it feels like their emotional strengths intertwine.

Aina’s particularly straightforward vocal delivery here strikes a chord.

It’s a song that will stay by your side when you struggle to put your feelings into words or when you’re taking a new step forward.

LionMay’n

[Vietsub] Lion – May’n

May’n is a singer who is active not only as an anime song vocalist but also in a wide range of roles including lyric writing and composing.

She performed the singing parts for the character Sheryl Nome in the anime Macross Frontier and released many songs under the name “Sheryl Nome starring May’n.” She later strengthened her involvement with anime music, releasing works under her solo name such as the opening theme for the anime Shangri-La, “Kimi Shinitamou Koto Nakare.” Her soaring high-tone voice is a major hallmark, conveying a straightforward message through her vocals.

frecklesJUDY AND MARY

Judy & Mary – Sobakazu

They were a rock band formed in 1992 that sadly disbanded in 2001.

People from younger generations might not be very familiar with them, but among those around their forties, almost everyone knows them.

Most of their songs were composed by YUKI, and many of their tracks evoke a sense of wistfulness and girlish charm.

They performed at the Kōhaku Uta Gassen twice and won numerous awards—a legendary rock band.

Sky-Blue DaysShoko Nakagawa

Shoko Nakagawa “Sorairo Days” music video

This is Shoko Nakagawa, a multi-talented entertainer known by her nickname Shokotan.

In addition to her work as a singer, she is active as a TV personality, actress, and voice actress not only in Japan but around the world, so I think there are hardly any people across generations who don’t know her.

As a singer, she performs many anime songs, and she appears on programs that introduce children’s anime and games, so she is truly active across a wide range of fields, including manga, illustration, and cosplay.

You & MeYukari Tamura

Yukari Tamura feat. m.o.v.e’s motsu / You & Me (short ver.)

Known affectionately as Yukarin, Yukari Tamura has voiced roles in many anime such as Higurashi: When They Cry and HUGtto! Precure.

She is also active as a singer, mainly performing energetic, upbeat songs, and for series like Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha, she not only appeared as a voice actress but also handled the theme songs.

Welcome to Japari ParkAnimal Biscuits × PPP

TV anime 'Kemono Friends' theme song: 'Welcome to Japari Park' / Doubutsu Biscuits × PPP

Dobutsu Biscuits×PPP, who sang the opening theme for the anime “Kemono Friends,” is a combined unit consisting of Dobutsu Biscuits—who played Serval, Arai-san (Raccoon), and Fennec in the show—and PPP, who played the penguins.

Both are voice-actor units, and the song delivers a highly satisfying experience befitting an anime theme.

Please listen enough to be able to tell each member’s singing voice apart!

Togetsukyo ~Thinking of You~Mai Kuraki

Togetsukyo ~Thinking of You~ Mai Kuraki (Full)

Mai Kuraki has been active not only as a singer but also in a wide range of roles, including as a lyricist and a visiting associate professor at Ritsumeikan University.

Her music, which incorporates elements of R&B and kayōkyoku, along with her distinctive whispery voice, are major attractions.

Speaking of her connection to anime songs, her tie-ins with Detective Conan are particularly memorable.

She has performed many theme songs for the TV series and films, and even released a best-of album compiling them, which shows the depth of her relationship and involvement with the franchise.