[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 (71–80)

GibbsRingo Sheena

Shiina Ringo – Gibbs

Gibbs Shiina Ringo

Ringo Sheena is an artist who has shown a wide range of activity, from her solo work to Tokyo Jihen.

With a musical style spanning rock, jazz, and R&B and a one-of-a-kind voice, she has a passionate fan base across a broad audience.

Her signature songs include Marunouchi Sadistic and Gips, and her duets—such as Me-iki Dori with Tortoise Matsumoto and Kemono Michi with Hiroji Miyamoto of Elephant Kashimashi—also drew lots of attention.

In 2016, she served as music director for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, among many other diverse endeavors, making her an artist whose talents you simply can’t take your eyes off.

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Green Yellow Society

PLAYER 1Haruko Nagaya

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'PLAYER 1' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – PLAYER 1

PLAYER 1 Haruko Nagaya

Haruko Nagaya, the vocalist of Ryokuoushoku Shakai, commands a strong presence with her crystal-clear singing voice.

Formed during her time at Chukyo University, the band has gained popularity for songs that skillfully fuse pop and rock, paired with her distinctive vocals that blend poignancy and power.

Since their major debut in 2018, they have provided theme songs for numerous TV dramas and anime, and have produced smash hits with over 300 million streams.

In 2020, they won Best Rock Video at the MTV VMAJ, and in 2023 they received an Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards.

As a music creator who also writes and composes, Nagaya has a gift for vividly expressing the emotions of teens and people in their twenties, resonating with many listeners.

She’s a highly recommended artist for music fans seeking a pure, translucent voice and lyrics that truly move the heart.

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Yuika

Because I love you. / “Yuika” [MV]

Yuika

Yuika is a rising young singer-songwriter on a roll.

She first gained attention through her activity on social media and made her major-label debut with Universal Music in 2024.

With songs that resonate with teenage emotions, she has won strong support from young people in Korea, especially on TikTok and YouTube.

While rooted in pop, her style—portraying down-to-earth love and youth—captures the hearts of the social media generation.

Centered around her signature song “Suki Dakara” (“Because I Like You”), she has earned high praise from Korean listeners as well.

She’s a recommended artist for anyone who wants to connect with the wavering feelings of love and coming of age.

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The day I become the windChitose Moto

Someday I'll Become the Wind / Chitose Moto Cover by 17maron

Kaze ni Naru - Chitose Hajime

Chitose Hajime, acclaimed as having a “voice of the gods,” is known for her distinctive singing style influenced by the traditional Amami Oshima shimauta.

Her major-label debut single “Wadatsumi no Ki” was a hit.

In July 2002, she released her first album, Hainumikaze, which achieved the remarkable feat of topping the charts for two consecutive weeks.

In the same year, at the 44th Japan Record Awards, she won the Best Album Award.

She also performed the theme song for an NHK morning drama series, further boosting her recognition.

While experiencing marriage and childbirth, she has continued her musical activities with great energy.

In August 2010, she simultaneously released Orient, a covers album of Japanese songs, and Occident, a covers album of Western songs, showcasing her wide musical range.

She is highly recommended for those drawn to unique vocals and songs that reflect the culture of Amami Oshima.

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fragileEvery Little Thing

Every Little Thing / fragile

fragileEvery Little Thing

Since their 1996 debut, Every Little Thing has produced numerous songs rooted in pop and rock.

The duo consists of Kaori Mochida, whose vocals have a soft, gentle quality, and Ichiro Ito, who is also active on variety shows.

They scored major hits with ballads like “Time goes by” and “fragile,” and have continued to create warm, soothing tracks that bring comfort to the heart.

Their relaxed vibe and easygoing charm are part of their appeal.

They are a group that delivers music closely attuned to people’s hearts, often themed around love and life.

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I long to see you now.MISIA

MISIA – Aitakute Ima (Official HD Music Video)

I want to see you now MISIA

When it comes to the queen of Japanese R&B, isn’t MISIA the first name that comes to mind? Her ultra-high whistle voice—said to span five octaves—is a weapon uniquely her own that no one can imitate.

With signature songs like “Tsutsumi Komu Yō ni…” and “Ai no Katachi,” she reached massive success with “Everything,” released in 2000, which sold over two million copies.

She even closed out NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 2020, and we can’t take our eyes off her continued achievements!

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ForevermoreHikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada “Forevermore” (Short Version)

Forevermore Utada Hikaru

Hikaru Utada is an artist who made a sensational debut by releasing the single “Automatic” at age 15.

Her first album, “First Love,” has sold a total of 7.

65 million copies and still holds the record for the best-selling album in Japan.

Her unique personality—perhaps influenced by growing up in the United States—has also contributed to her popularity, and combined with her cool musical style, she remains an enduring favorite.

In 2021, “One Last Kiss” was chosen as the theme song for the Evangelion feature film, a franchise known for its passionate fanbase, and it became a hot topic.

If you haven’t listened to her yet, she’s an artist you should definitely check out!

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