[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 (111–120)

Yoeko

New album “New Yoeco” release confirmed! Teaser video

Yoeko

Yoeko is known for her style that blends jazz with Japanese popular songs.

She reportedly studied piano from a young age and began making music in a way that made use of that experience and skill.

After making her debut in 2000, her songs were even chosen as themes for TV programs.

However, in 2008 she suddenly announced her retirement.

After holding a final concert, she disappeared from the public eye, but in 2023 she announced her return to activity.

There’s growing excitement for what she’ll do next.

Raise the rankinglower

BOND ~Kizuna~ feat. WakadannaJAMOSA

JAMOSA / BOND ~Kizuna~ feat. Wakadanna

BOND ~Kizuna~ feat. Wakadanna JAMOSA

JAMOSA has earned enduring popularity among devoted fans as a Japanese reggae and hip-hop artist.

Her beautiful, powerful voice is captivating.

She has contributed to many artists’ tracks, adding extra shine.

On this song, she is featured with Wakadanna from Shonan no Kaze.

Raise the rankinglower

Be…Ms. OOJA

Ms.OOJA “Be…” at the Okayama International Music Festival 2015

Be...Ms. OOJA

Singer-songwriter Ms.

OOJA began her career independently in 2006.

She made her major-label debut in February 2011, and in 2012 her song “Be…,” written as the theme for a TBS drama, became a hit, surpassing one million downloads.

While she is known for love songs, she also creates many uplifting message songs that cheer on her listeners.

She performs numerous cover songs as well, and her signature charm lies in her silky voice with a “1/f fluctuation” quality.

On March 27, 2022, she held a 10th-anniversary concert at Nippon Budokan.

Her music cherishes the joy of feeling free and expressing oneself, and is recommended for anyone looking to move forward.

Raise the rankinglower

I love you, love you, love you so muchchay

chay “I Love You, Love You, Love You Too Much” (Short Ver.)

I love you, love you, love you so much, chay

Released in 2015 as chay’s seventh single.

The song portrays the feelings of a girl on the night before her first trip with her boyfriend, featuring lyrics that capture a cute, girlish mindset and a nostalgic sound that evokes the atmosphere of Showa-era pop.

chay’s slightly nasal vocals also add to its charm.

Raise the rankinglower

PreciousYuna Ito

Yuna Ito – Precious @ Dream Live 2011

Precious by Yuna Ito

Yuna Ito is a U.

S.

-born singer-songwriter with Japanese and Korean roots.

She drew attention in 2005 for her role as Reira in the film NANA, making a dazzling debut on the music scene.

She went on to release a string of hits such as ENDLESS STORY and Precious, and also performed an ending theme for the popular anime Mobile Suit Gundam 00.

Renowned for her ballad performances, she moves listeners with her commanding, resonant voice.

Her collaborative single with Celine Dion is also particularly intriguing.

Although her public activities slowed around 2012, she thrilled fans in 2019 with her first concert in Japan in eight years.

She’s highly recommended for anyone who wants to be captivated by moving ballads and a voice that speaks to the heart.

Raise the rankinglower

Plastic LoveMariya Takeuchi

Mariya Takeuchi – Plastic Love (Official Music Video)

Plastic Love Mariya Takeuchi

Mariya Takeuchi is a singer-songwriter who is also active as a lyricist and composer.

She is one of the indispensable artists when discussing city pop from the 1970s to the 1980s, and around 2010 she was one of the sparks that drew global attention to the genre.

Her sultry, laid-back sound and lyrics depicting cityscapes and the push-and-pull of romance are particularly memorable.

Along with Tatsuro Yamashita, who produced Plastic Love, she can be considered a key figure in shaping the culture of city pop.

Raise the rankinglower

I'll be by your side.Uru

[Official] Uru 'I'll Be By Your Side'

I'll be by your side, Uru

When talking about female singers with husky voices, Uru is indispensable.

She began her career by posting videos on YouTube and quickly gained fans thanks to her outstanding vocal ability.

She also initially kept her face hidden, which drew attention to her as a mysterious artist.

To start, why not listen to “Anata ga Iru Koto de,” which won a Special Award at the Japan Record Awards, as well as her TV drama theme songs? Once you’ve made your way through those, check out her live recordings too—you’ll enjoy a different vibe.

Raise the rankinglower