[2025] Japanese Female Artists: Trending Singers & Idols

Pop music writer/editorKEI
A style that keeps updating my favorites while loving mainstream and hit songs. I have experience writing articles for outlets like Utaten. Since I discovered music as a student, I’ve mainly listened to Japanese and Korean pop. 2000s J-POP and 2010s K-POP were my youth, and I’m also loosely into jazz and R&B. I enjoy good music across genres with a “good is good” mindset. Thanks to my past work environment (and its influence), I listened to a lot of classic rock and kayōkyoku, which may have broadened my tastes. At RAG MUSIC, I mainly cover K-POP. I focus on reviews that emphasize feelings people can relate to, and on editing aligned with local pride and hit potential. Thank you!
Editor-in-Chief, RAG MUSICKeisuke Hane
Editor-in-chief of RAG MUSIC. After working at a music studio and in wedding sound engineering, joined the RAG MUSIC editorial team in 2016. Experienced with various instruments: marching band in elementary school, clarinet in middle school wind ensemble, and drums in a band from high school onward. Drawing on personal music activities and professional experience, produces daily articles, including song introductions, features on music festivals around Japan, and live reports. Enjoys a wide range of music, from domestic and international rock to, more recently, a broad spectrum of J-pop.

What kind of music do you usually listen to?

There are many genres in Japanese music, and I’m sure some of you enjoy listening to songs by female artists.

These days, thanks to subscription services, you can instantly listen to plenty of songs—including any that catch your interest!

In this article, we’ll introduce female artists from Japan, both new and old, including trending singers and idols.

If you find a vocalist you like, be sure to check out their other songs too!

[2025] Japanese Female Artists: Trending Singers & Idols (61–70)

Time capsuleAo

Ao – Time Capsule [Official MV]

Time Capsule Ao

A delivering emotional rock sound, Ao is a three-woman band formed in April 2024.

The band was launched by its central figure, Zarame, in pursuit of new musical expression.

Zarame’s warm, powerful vocals combined with the driving sound created by Momo and maki have captured the hearts of many music fans.

Their nationwide eight-city tour, the “Beyond Baby Blue tour,” ran from October to November 2024, traveling from Shibuya to Fukuoka, Hiroshima, Kobe, Osaka, Nagoya, and Sendai, and concluded with a solo show at Ebisu LIQUIDROOM.

Taking its name from “Ao,” meaning blue—symbolizing youth and new beginnings—the band pours an unyielding spirit of dreams and hope into their songs.

Ao is highly recommended for anyone who wants to enjoy music with a positive outlook.

Raise the rankinglower

EverythingHappiness

[Live Footage] Happiness / Everything (LIVE×ONLINE COUNTDOWN 2021▶︎2022)

EverythingHappiness

Happiness is a female dance and vocal group that has brightened Japan’s music scene, composed of members who also thrived as part of E-girls.

Since their 2009 debut, they have covered a wide range of genres—from pop and hip-hop to electronica—captivating many fans with their compelling performances.

They have supported former EXILE on tour, and their performance-focused, dynamic staging has been highly praised.

Highly recommended for those who want to enjoy pop-savvy, passion-filled dance music.

Raise the rankinglower

If I Could Be Honest feat. SpontaniaJUJU

If I Could Be Honest feat. Spontania by JUJU

If I Could Be Honest feat. Spontania JUJU

A female singer who set her sights on jazz at age 12, moved to the United States alone at 18, and went on to make her major-label debut.

Not only does she have a distinctive musical sensibility shaped by absorbing New York sounds like jazz, R&B, hip-hop, and soul, but her sharp talk skills and stylish image—running her own brand, among other ventures—have earned her strong support, especially among young women.

In addition to original songs, she has released many cover albums, and her impeccable song selection has won her a broad base of listeners who are already familiar with the tracks, further highlighting her talent.

If you haven’t heard her sing yet, be sure to give her music a listen.

Raise the rankinglower

spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota

Tsumugu / Tota

Spun and

Tota is a bedroom artist with a diverse musical palette, ranging from indie rock to synth-pop.

They began their online activities in February 2021 and have been gaining attention primarily through social media.

In 2023, they provided the tie-in song for Kanro’s Pure Gummy web commercial.

Their own tracks have also earned overwhelming support from younger listeners, with more than 400 million plays on TikTok.

Their appeal lies in a distinctive husky voice—powerful yet transparent—and poetic word choice.

On the album “oidaki,” philosophical lyrics blend beautifully with tracks that evoke elements of bedroom pop.

In October 2023, they held their first solo live show at Shibuya WWW in Tokyo, drawing attention as a live performer as well.

Tota is an artist recommended for those seeking solace in delicate lyrics and a uniquely compelling voice.

Raise the rankinglower

Tomorrow’s wayYUI

YUI　『Tomorrow’s way-short ver.-』

Tomorrow's wayYUI

It was released in 2005 as YUI’s second single.

The song was used as the theme for the Shochiku film “HINOKIO,” and YUI’s original, profound lyrics resonate deeply.

Although she has not been notably active in music since going on hiatus in 2012, she remains an artist whose comeback is eagerly anticipated.

Raise the rankinglower

ORIONMika Nakashima

Mika Nakashima 'ORION' Music Video

ORION Mika Nakashima

An artist who continues to captivate fans with overwhelming vocal prowess and expressive power, while also thriving as an actress and voice actress.

She made her acting debut in 2001 as the heroine of the TV drama “Wounded Love Song,” and simultaneously made her singing debut with the drama’s theme song “STARS,” a remarkable start she earned through sheer talent.

Although she temporarily halted her music activities in 2010 due to the worsening of patulous Eustachian tube in both ears, she has remained highly active since her full-fledged return and is a singer who represents J-POP.

Raise the rankinglower

escalateAimer

Aimer “escalate” MUSIC VIDEO & CROSSFADE (Anime “NieR:Automata Ver1.1a” Opening Theme)

escalateAimer

Aimer is a singer-songwriter who debuted in 2011.

She’s also known for contributing many theme songs for films, TV dramas, and anime.

In particular, Zankyo Sanka, the opening theme for Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc, topped numerous music charts.

One of her charms is how dramatically her style changes from song to song—sometimes delivering intense tracks, other times tender ballads.

Be sure to listen to several of her songs and enjoy the contrast.

Raise the rankinglower