[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)

Starry NightYuka

Yuka – Starry Night (Official Music Video)

Hoshizukiyo by Kaoru

There’s a standout new-generation artist with a husky voice named Yu-ka.

She’s also known for debuting with the song “lullaby,” produced by Toru from ONE OK ROCK.

Her popularity really took off in 2023 when she created “Hoshizukiyo,” the theme song for the drama “A Night When Stars Fall.” First, savor her distinctive vocals—husky yet high-pitched.

They’ll grow on you, and you’ll soon find yourself wanting to listen to her other songs too.

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Double Double FIGHT!CANDY TUNE

[MV] CANDY TUNE “Bai Bai FIGHT!”

Double Double FIGHT! CANDY TUNE

The idol group CANDY TUNE, rapidly rising in popularity mainly on social media, is making waves in the music scene.

Formed in February 2023 from ASOBISYSTEM’s project KAWAII LAB.

, they began activities as a seven-member group and made their debut with the digital album “CANDY TUNE,” showcasing a wide musical range from classic idol pop to electropop.

With active updates on social media and catchy songs, they’ve shown remarkable growth—pulling off a successful one-man show at Zepp Shinjuku just eight months after their debut.

Their strengths lie in each member’s individual charm, well-balanced performances, and close connection with fans, making them a recommended group not only for idol enthusiasts but also for pop music fans.

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[2025] Japanese Female Artists: Buzz-Worthy Singers & Idols (101–110)

I can't sayiri

iri – Ienai (Music Video)

I can't say it, iri

If you’re looking for a cool, badass female singer-songwriter who can masterfully deliver stylish tracks, I absolutely recommend iri.

Many of her songs show strong influences from Black music like hip-hop and R&B.

She also has a distinctive voice with rich lower and mid registers that can hold its own against those grooves.

While she clearly stands apart from other female singers in Japan, she still offers the approachable, easy-to-listen quality characteristic of J-pop, making her a very accessible artist.

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Letter to TomorrowAoi Teshima

Aoi Teshima “Letter to Tomorrow (Drama Version)”

Letter to Tomorrow by Aoi Teshima

A singer who, while still an unknown newcomer, handled both the theme song and the heroine’s voice in the Studio Ghibli film Tales from Earthsea, bringing her name to wide recognition.

Her major-label debut song, Teru’s Song, set the record for the best-selling theme song among Ghibli works and served as the catalyst for introducing Aoi Teshima to a broad range of listeners.

In addition to her clear, straightforward voice, her musical background in film scores and jazz lends a depth and richness to her appeal.

Since 2020, she has also launched a YouTube channel, and she is an artist whose future success is highly anticipated.

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Just You and INamie Amuro

Just You and I -Live Edit- / (2024 Updated Version)

Just You and I Namie Amuro

She began her career as a founding member of the dance performance group SUPER MONKEY’S, and after transitioning to a solo artist, she released a string of hit songs.

Known not only for her musical success but also for sparking a social phenomenon with her fashion sense—leading many young people to be called “Amurers”—she enjoyed explosive popularity.

Although she made a sudden announcement of retirement on the occasion of her 25th debut anniversary, she is still counted among the Heisei era’s divas, with a devoted fan base to this day.

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I'm by your side feat. SoulJaThelma Aoyama

Aoyama Thelma feat. SoulJa / I'm by Your Side

I'll be by your side feat. SoulJa Thelma Aoyama

A track released as an answer song to Soulja’s “Koko ni Iru yo.” For many people, this was their introduction to her.

Since then, she has put out a number of ballads featuring her gentle yet poignant vocals.

At the same time, her unpretentious, unique personality—seen in videos she posts on Instagram—has also drawn attention, making her a singer loved by people of all ages, regardless of gender.

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MAKEN. Feni

N Feni “MAKE” Music Video

MAKEN Feni

Be sure to check out N.

Feni, who’s active across multiple fields.

In 2015, she auditioned for and was accepted into the idol group BELLRING Shoujo Heart, making her debut.

In 2016, she transferred to another group, MIGMA SHELTER, and changed her stage name to “Yoneko.” Since then, she’s been thriving—performing at live festivals and making her solo debut.

She’s also showcased her talents beyond idol activities by writing and composing music, and by winning Miss iD 2020.

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