[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: Buzz-worthy singers & idols (121–130)

morning morningNako Misaki

Nako Misaki “morning morning” Music Video

Morning morning, Misaki Nako.

Nako Misaki is attracting the attention of many anime fans.

She is a voice actress known for playing Chisato Arashi in Love Live! Superstar!!.

She also showcases her magnificent singing voice as a member of Liella!, a musical unit formed through the Love Live! series.

Perhaps in response to the many requests for her to debut as a singer, her official solo debut was announced in 2023.

There is growing interest in what kind of songs she will create as a solo artist from now on.

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Monster GirlKAF

[Musical Isotope KAFU] Monster Girl / KAFU feat. KAFU (KAFU)

Monster Girl KAFU

One virtual singer-songwriter who’s been drawing attention is KAF.

She began posting her songs on YouTube and other platforms around 2018, and word of mouth gradually spread.

In 2019, she released her first album, “Observation,” which catapulted her to stardom.

Since then, she has been active, contributing theme songs for films and holding solo concerts.

As you check out her music, be sure to pay attention to her signature whispery voice.

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eternityMAY’S

MAY'S “Eternal” (Insert song from the film “Ongakujin” starring Kazuma Sano and Mirei Kiritani)

Eternal MAY'S

MAY’S is known for a sound centered on R&B, while also incorporating elements of J-pop and hip-hop.

The duo, made up of Maiko Katagiri and Junichi Kawai, made their indie debut in 2005.

They went major in 2008, when their song “MaMa” created a big buzz online.

It’s a message song Maiko wrote for her mother, and it resonated with many listeners.

The balance between Katagiri’s powerful vocals—backed by her background in traditional folk music—and Kawai’s technical skill and catchy melodies is exquisite.

Their songs, which explore universal themes like love, family, and friendship, carry messages that speak to the listener’s heart.

They’re a great recommendation for anyone who loves heartwarming lyrics and captivating melodies.

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Things that have formKo Shibasaki

Ko Shibasaki / Things That Have Form

Things That Have Form - Ko Shibasaki

Ko Shibasaki, who is also active as an actress, made her debut as a singer in 2002 with the single “Trust my feelings.” She has continued to release music consistently since then, working across a wide range of genres with a focus on J-pop.

With her distinctive voice and expressive power, her music has captivated many fans, and several of her songs used as film and drama theme songs have drawn significant attention.

In 2016, she founded her own company and became its CEO.

Beyond her musical activities, she is highly engaged with environmental issues and actively contributes to society, giving talks on sustainable agriculture and more.

Why not experience Shibasaki’s captivating voice and her multifaceted talents?

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[2025] Japanese Female Artists: Trending Singers & Idols (131–140)

BLUE BIRDAyumi Hamasaki

Ayumi Hamasaki / BLUE BIRD

BLUE BIRD Ayumi Hamasaki

Ayumi Hamasaki has been active across a wide range of fields, including acting, singing, and modeling.

She made her debut in 1998 and became an instant breakthrough, influencing young people not only with her music but also through her fashion and makeup.

Her glamorous looks, vocal ability, and dance performances captivate fans in many different ways.

The numerous awards she has received, including the Japan Record Award, speak to her overwhelming charisma.

Bold and sexy, she is an indispensable artist when talking about the Heisei era.

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Are you alive?Kotone

Kotone – Are You Alive? (Lyric Video) [Getsu-9 “Night Doctor” Original Number]

Are you alive, Kotone?

A female singer-songwriter who has aimed to become a singer since childhood and drew attention for her boundless potential, winning an elementary school music contest two years in a row.

She began band activities and songwriting in junior high school, and at 16 won the Grand Prix at “Eggs presents Wan! Chan!! ~Challenge to Victor Rock Festival 2018~,” proving her undeniable talent.

Furthermore, on the music variety show “Konya, Tanjou! Ongaku Champ,” she won four consecutive weeks to become the grand champion.

With a track record astounding for a teenager, she is one of the female artists whose future success is highly anticipated.

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Ma humanAtarashii Gakkou no Leaders

ATARASHII GAKKO! – Ma-Ningen (Official Music Video)

Maningenshin Gakkō no Rīdāzu

Atarashii Gakko no Leaders is a dance-vocal unit that calls themselves the “Representatives of Youth in Japan.” With their distinctive outfits—sailor uniforms paired with armbands—powerful, retro Showa-style vocals, and razor-sharp dance performances, they’ve made a strong impact from multiple angles.

The so-called “head-shaking dance” shown in the chorus of their signature song Otona Blue drew attention primarily on TikTok, spreading the group’s name beyond the platform to a wide range of generations.

While their unique, worldbuilding-style choreography can give off a playful, even mischievous image, the contrast between those moves and their firm, incisive vocals is part of their appeal.

True to their concept, they’re artists who radiate individuality and freedom.

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