[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)

Sentimental KissReira Shio

Reira Shio - Sentimental Kiss [Official Music Video]

Sentimental Kiss Shio Reira

Reira Ushio is a rising singer-songwriter known for her distinctive worldbuilding and clear, crystalline vocals.

Drawing on her literary training at university, she’s gaining attention for meticulous word choice and rich musicality.

She debuted with a digital single in September 2021 and has continued to release melodic tracks.

In August 2023, she achieved her long-awaited major debut with Sony Music Labels.

A song used as BGM on an ABEMA dating show reached No.

1 on Spotify’s Viral Chart.

In August 2024, she released her first EP on CD, and in the fall she captivated fans nationwide with a Tokyo-Nagoya-Osaka tour and an acoustic tour.

A true all-rounder who handles everything from writing and composing to arranging and producing, she actively engages with fans on social media.

Her lyrics vividly capture the delicate emotions of youth, and her ear-catching melodies are sure to resonate with listeners.

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In Love with the MirrorPraise

Praise – In Love with the Mirror

Praise in Love with the Mirror

Reisan is a rising band attracting attention on the music scene.

Formed in December 2021, they’ve captivated many listeners with a unique sound that fuses rock and pop around a hip-hop core.

Their hallmark is CLR’s expressive vocals—interweaving rap and singing—paired with a powerful, full-bodied sound from the skilled members.

Their February 2024 EP, “PEAK TIME,” further broadened their musical range.

The nationwide one-man tour “NICE BUDDY” held in 2025 saw every show sell out on the same day tickets went on sale.

They’ve also been active beyond music, including a collaboration with Kasugai Confectionery’s “Mochira,” earning high praise from the media.

They’re a recommended band for listeners seeking new possibilities in music.

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Sweet MemoryMACO

MACO – Sweet Memory [Music Video]

Sweet MemoryMACO

It’s the lead song included on MACO’s third original album, Metronome, released in 2017.

Rather than focusing only on heterosexual love, it shines a light on same-sex relationships as well, offering a fresh perspective that stirs a range of emotions.

It’s a gentle song that fits many forms of love and relationships to come—a track packed with MACO’s talent.

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[2025] Japanese female artists: Trending singers & idols (81–90)

Thunderous applauseLiSA

LiSA “Simultaneous Applause” -MUSIC CLIP- (Official Theme Song for ABEMA and TV Asahi’s FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Programs)

Unanimous Ovation LiSA

Singer LiSA has created numerous anime theme songs, coloring many stories with her voice.

When talking about her, it’s impossible not to mention the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, which became a social phenomenon.

In 2019, she made her first appearance on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen with Gurenge, and in 2020 she returned for a second time with a Demon Slayer medley that included Homura.

She began her career in 2005 and rose to widespread fame with her big breakthrough, but even before that she had released many excellent songs—so why not take this opportunity to explore her body of work?

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AimilKaho Nakamura

Kaho Nakamura “I Mill / Hank” from LIVEWIRE

Aimill Kaho Nakamura

Kaho Nakamura, a musician from Kyoto, captivates listeners with her unique musical sensibility and highly artistic sound.

She drew wide attention for providing the voices of both Suzu and Belle, as well as performing the songs in the 2021 animated film Belle (Ryū to Sobakasu no Hime).

She began her full-fledged music career at 20, made her first appearance at FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL in 2016, and started gaining broader recognition after being featured on TV Asahi’s music program Kanjam Kanzen Nen SHOW in 2019.

Experience her boundary-defying sound that transcends conventional genres for yourself!

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Only by livingKiroro

Kiroro – Live to the Fullest (Music Video)

Alive, Kiroro

Kiroro is a female duo from Okinawa.

Since their major debut in 1998, they have captured the hearts of many with their simple, warm vocals.

Their songs beautifully blend gentle piano tones with clear, transparent singing, resonating deeply with listeners.

Their debut single, “Nagai Aida,” became a million-seller even without a tie-in, earning them nationwide popularity.

One of their signature songs, “Mirai e,” has been covered across various Asian countries and is known in China as a staple karaoke choice for women.

Their world of straightforward lyrics and beautiful melodies is perfect for those seeking music that stays close to the heart.

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Light the fire.Nakamura Emi

NakamuraEmi “Light the Fire” MUSIC VIDEO

Light the fire, Nakamura Emi.

Singer-songwriter Nakamura Emi, born in 1982 and hailing from Kanagawa Prefecture.

Exposed to J-pop from a young age and honing her craft through performances at cafes and live houses, she established a distinctive style.

She made her major-label debut in January 2016 at the age of 33, releasing the album “NIPPONNO ONNAWO UTAU BEST.” Her powerful lyrics and melodies—unexpected from her petite frame—are a key part of her appeal.

A turning point came with her encounter with hip-hop, which shifted her toward a lyric-centered songwriting style.

She infuses her songs with her own experiences and complexes, creating highly message-driven music that resonates with listeners and gives them courage.

She’s an artist especially recommended for those who enjoy music with a strong, empowering feel.

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