[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 (81–90)

Poupelle of Chimney TownRosalina

Rozalina 'Poupelle of Chimney Town' Music Video

Poupelle of Chimney Town Rosarina

Singer-songwriter Rosalina, who drew attention for performing the theme song of the 2020 film “Poupelle of Chimney Town,” has been steadily gaining popularity since around 2016 and is one of the female artists to watch.

What immediately captivates the ear is her soft, delicate voice.

That slightly smoky timbre has a calming, soothing effect the more you listen, doesn’t it? You’ve probably heard “Poupelle of Chimney Town” somewhere, but take this opportunity to explore her other songs as well!

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planetariumAi Otsuka

Ai Otsuka / Planetarium (Short Ver.)

Planetarium Ai Otsuka

Ai Otsuka is a singer-songwriter who gained popularity with love songs told from a woman’s perspective.

Starting with her signature hit “Sakuranbo,” she has created timeless classics beloved across generations.

She won the grand prize at a music contest in 1997 and debuted in 2003.

Her lively, engaging talk on variety and music shows is also memorable.

Her cute tracks—showcasing her glamorous looks and girlish vocals—are truly one of a kind.

She’s an artist highly regarded not only for rock and pop, but also for her ballads.

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True loveMay J.

May J. / “True Love [Orchestra ver.]” (from the album “Imperfection,” out 10/8)

True Love May J.

May J.

, who has a Japanese father and an Iranian mother, is a singer who has released many hit songs since her major-label debut in 2006.

Because of this, many people likely associate her with the image of a “diva.” Her vocal prowess is widely recognized, including through her performances on karaoke competition shows.

In 2014, she sang the Japanese theme song for Disney’s Frozen, which rapidly boosted her name recognition.

With her multinational background, she is multilingual—understanding English and Japanese, of course, as well as Spanish and Persian to a certain extent.

Having studied ballet and piano from the age of three and begun vocal training at eight, her life devoted to music continues to captivate many listeners.

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Time recordAyaka Hirahara

Time record

Time record Ayaka Hirahara

Born in 1984, Ayaka Hirahara is a multitalented singer-songwriter.

Trained in classical ballet, piano, and saxophone, she made her major debut in 2003.

Her signature song, “Jupiter,” became a massive hit, and her powerful yet delicate voice has captured the hearts of many listeners.

Her appeal lies in embracing the changes in her voice as she ages and continually striving for the best possible expression.

In 2007, she received the President’s Award, among other accolades, attesting to her high level of artistry.

Hirahara’s music is recommended for those who want to enjoy a wide range of genres, from classical to jazz.

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LOVESICKYuka

Yuka “LOVESICK” Music Video

LOVESICK Yuka

Yuka is a singer-songwriter from Takatsuki, Osaka Prefecture.

She made her major-label debut in January 2023 with “Baby you.” The track became a big topic, reaching No.

1 on Billboard’s TikTok Weekly Top 20 and surpassing 12 million streams.

In April of the same year, she also performed the theme song for an NHK late-night drama.

She admires Ayaka, and getting the chance to sing with her at a fan club event inspired her to pursue a professional career.

Her soft, gentle voice is captivating and soothing to listen to.

Many of her songs center on love, and her universally relatable lyrics have also drawn attention.

She’s an artist the younger generation should definitely take the time to listen to closely.

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N.E.O.CHAI

CHAI – N.E.O. – Official Music Video (subtitled)

N.E.O.CHAI

Formed in Nagoya, Aichi in 2012, the four-piece girl band CHAI delivers a unique sound that blends a wide range of genres, including alternative rock and hip-hop.

Their 2015 EP “Hottaraka Series” drew significant attention from the outset, landing in the Top 50 on Spotify’s overseas charts.

In 2018, they released music through prestigious indie labels in the U.

S.

and U.

K.

, signed with Sub Pop, and further solidified their international reputation.

They have also earned numerous accolades, including recognition at the 10th CD Shop Awards in 2018 and taking the top spot on Buzz Rhythm 02’s “This Is Going to Buzz 2018.” With “NEO Kawaii” as their guiding concept, their music is packed with fresh, message-driven works beneath a pop surface—highly recommended for fans of Western music as well.

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[2025] Japanese female artists: Buzzworthy singers and idols (91–100)

secret base ~What You Gave Me~ZONE

ZONE “secret base ~What You Gave Me~” MUSIC VIDEO

secret base 〜The Thing You Gave Me〜 ZONE

A girls’ band that has captivated many fans with a crystal-clear singing voice and lyrics that stay close to the listener’s heart.

The four-piece, formed at a music school in Sapporo, made their major debut in 2001.

Their hallmark is a pop-rock sound paired with songs that express the genuine emotions of teenagers.

Tracks like “secret base ~Kimi ga Kureta Mono~,” often cited as a classic summer anthem, became major hits and won popularity especially among young people.

After member departures and additions, the band disbanded once in 2005, but reunited in 2011 to support recovery efforts following the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Many of their songs resonate with memories of youth, making them a great recommendation for anyone seeking a sense of nostalgia.

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