[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: Buzzworthy singers and idols (91–100)

Thoughts and feelings toward loveaiko

aiko - “Mutual Love” music video

Think Thoughts Love aiko

Aiko is known as a singer-songwriter distinguished by her nuanced emotional expression and husky singing voice.

Centered around pop and rock, she continues to captivate many listeners with songs that weave in delicate emotions.

She made her major debut in 1998 and has maintained a strong presence in the J-pop scene ever since.

Her 2000 release sold over 500,000 copies, and at the end of that year she made her first appearance on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

Characterized by simple arrangements using guitar and piano and a powerful voice that sings of love, she has also been nominated for the Japan Record Awards and the Japan Gold Disc Awards.

Her songs, which express the joys and sorrows of romance from a unique perspective, resonate deeply and evoke strong empathy alongside her moving vocals.

She is highly recommended for anyone seeking music that stays close to heartfelt, down-to-earth emotions.

Raise the rankinglower

Rie Kagokoro

Rie Utagokoro – Clown’s Sonnet (Doukeshi no Sonetto) | Korea–Japan King of Singers, Episode 5

Rie Kagokoro

Rie Utagokoro has continued to share the allure of music across a wide range of genres.

She debuted in a duo with her older sister after the SOSY audition, expanding her activities from cool R&B and breezy pop to covering songs from Korean dramas.

Their song “200-Bai no Yume” (Two-Hundredfold Dream), which was also used in a Pocari Sweat commercial, drew attention for its vibrant harmonies.

In 2004, she performed as part of the unit September, arranged for piano and cello, presenting Japanese versions of songs featured in Korean dramas.

In 2024, she competed on the Japan–Korea Singing King Battle, broadcast on a Korean cable TV network, where her vocal prowess and stage performance were highly praised.

Rie Utagokoro’s voice, combining delicate emotional expression with powerful vocals, is sure to convey the full appeal of J-POP.

Raise the rankinglower

So AddictiveRei

So Addictive / Rei [Official Lyric Video]

So Addictive Rei

Rei creates pop songs with a refined feel.

This is the solo project of Reina Washio.

She’s a former member of E-girls and is known for her outstanding vocal ability.

News of her solo debut spread quickly.

Why not start by checking out her buzzworthy tracks, including those chosen as TV drama theme songs? Her performance on THE FIRST TAKE is also a must-see.

Raise the rankinglower

STACKiNGBiSH

BiSH / STACKiNG [OFFiCiAL ViDEO]

STACKiNGBiSH

BiSH is an idol group that operates under the new concept of a “punk band without instruments.” With vocal skills that let them master punk rock-style songs, they’ve earned overwhelming support not only from idol fans but also from punk rock fans.

Orchestra, included on their first album, became their signature song, and their third album, LETTERS, topped the Oricon chart at No.

1.

STACKiNG, released in 2021, was chosen as the theme song for the anime Kingdom, making them an artist whose momentum shows no signs of stopping!

Raise the rankinglower

JoyfulIkimonogakari

Ikimono-gakari Joyful 2015

Joyful Ikimonogakari

Ikimonogakari is a group that brings a refreshing breeze to the J-pop scene.

They made their major debut in 2006 with “SAKURA” and have produced numerous hits such as “Arigatou” and “YELL.” Their track record is filled with accolades, including appearances on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and topping the Oricon Weekly Album Rankings.

Known for their pop-friendly yet at times moving lyrics and melodies, they’re beloved by a wide range of generations.

Although they went on hiatus in 2017, they resumed activities in 2018.

They are currently a duo consisting of Kiyoe Yoshioka and Yoshiki Mizuno, continuing to deliver their timeless charm.

Highly recommended for those who love heartfelt lyrics and warm, comforting songs.

Raise the rankinglower

Stars on EarthMiyuki Nakajima

Stars on the Ground / Miyuki Nakajima [Official]

Chijō no Hoshi by Miyuki Nakajima

Miyuki Nakajima, known for her grand, powerful worldview and a voice that seems to summon strength from the depths of the heart, is a singer-songwriter from Sapporo, Hokkaido.

Her song “Jō no Hoshi” (Stars Over the Land) became a long-running hit along with the TV program Project X: Challengers, for which it was used as the theme, making her well known across generations.

In terms of sound, vocals, and lyrics, her work delivers raw power head-on, often evoking the image of rousing a discouraged heart.

She’s an artist strongly associated with that effect.

With lyrics that juxtapose human fragility against majestic, powerful nature, her songs also seem to call on listeners to live with a broader perspective.

Raise the rankinglower

Lock of the Water FlowNatsuko Nisshoku

Natsuko Nisshoku – “Rock of the Current” Official Music Video

Lock of the Water Current by Nisshoku Natsuko

Nisshoku Natsuko is a singer-songwriter who delivers songs that make the most of her technical piano playing.

She excels at composing music that incorporates a wide range of genres, including jazz, soul, and rock.

She began composing in childhood and started performing live in earnest while in high school.

After gaining recognition on music programs and at festivals, she made her debut.

She has created many concept-driven songs that explore themes such as society and life, prompting listeners to reflect on their way of living.

She is an artist who weaves rich piano tones together with messages full of distinctive appeal.

Raise the rankinglower