[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 (1–10)

Finale.eill

eill | Finale. (Official Music Video)

Finale. eill

Singer-songwriter eill soothes listeners’ hearts with her clear, translucent voice.

She made her major debut in April 2021 and has been drawing attention with her polished, R&B-tinged tracks.

Her talent is highly regarded, with numerous tie-in songs featured in dramas and films.

eill’s appeal lies in the groove of her K-pop-influenced style and emotional vocal delivery.

She also writes for Korean artists, and her wide-ranging musicality makes her songs perfect for listeners who love cool, female-vocal tracks.

Be sure to give her music a listen.

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CharadeSuperfly

Superfly – “Charade” Music Video (Theme song for NTV’s Tuesday 10 p.m. drama ‘Mitsuko’s Secrets’)

CharadeSuperfly

Superfly is an artist known for her piercing high tones who made her debut in 2007.

Many of her songs are influenced by powerful rock and soul, so she’s recommended for fans of Janis Joplin and Aretha Franklin.

Her signature tracks include “Ai o Komete Hanataba o,” “Hi-Five,” and “Tamashii Revolution,” among many other acclaimed songs.

She has also made five appearances on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen, showcasing her remarkable success—definitely an artist you should check out!

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Super BallTOMOO

TOMOO – Super Ball【OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO】

Super BallTOMOO

Singer-songwriter TOMOO, who was also selected for Spotify’s playlist showcasing the next breakout artists, “RADAR: Early Noise.” Her music is characterized by a band sound in which she sings while playing the piano, and her rich, resonant lower-mid register over piano rock is particularly captivating.

A skilled artist with a track record that includes starting piano at age six and composing songs since middle school.

Beyond her musicality, the profound worldview of her lyrics is also a major draw, so be sure to listen to her songs while reading the lyrics.

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[2025] Japanese Female Artists: Trending Singers & Idols (11–20)

EYES ON YOUKana Nishino

[75th NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen Song] 'EYES ON YOU' MV Full

Kana Nishino - EYES ON YOU

Kana Nishino is a singer who has gained popularity with her love songs.

She made her major debut in February 2008 with the single “I,” and quickly became one of Japan’s leading female artists.

Her clear, transparent voice and relatable lyrics are especially appealing.

She is known for karaoke favorites like “Aitakute Aitakute” and “Torisetsu.” In 2010, her second album, “to LOVE,” achieved the remarkable feat of ranking third on Oricon’s Yearly Album Chart.

Representing the heyday of the ‘chaku-uta’ era, she also set a record by surpassing 25 million total downloads just three years after her debut.

Singing about the feelings of women in a down-to-earth way, Kana Nishino’s songs offer comfort to those struggling with love and to anyone nurturing hopes for the future.

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SOMETHING AIN’T RIGHTXG

XG – SOMETHING AIN’T RIGHT (Official Music Video)

SOMETHING AIN'T RIGHTXG

A seven-member girl group that made a dazzling debut in March 2022 under the abbreviation “Xtraordinary Girls.” Building on the K-pop system, they pursue a new genre called “X-POP.” Their debut track surpassed 800,000 views within 24 hours, followed by a string of hits.

They have shown remarkable global success, becoming the first Japanese group to enter the U.

S.

radio chart.

The members’ distinctive personalities, skilled vocals, and performances captivate audiences worldwide.

If you’re interested in exploring new forms of music, this is a group you should definitely check out.

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child of the devilAi Higuchi

Ai Higuchi / Devil's Child (Anime Special Ver.) | Ai Higuchi “Akuma no Ko” Anime Special Ver.

Devil's Child Higuchi Ai

Ai Higuchi is a singer-songwriter who was born in Kagawa Prefecture and raised in Nagano Prefecture.

Her live performances are characterized by a piano-and-vocal style, and one of her biggest appeals is her straight, soaring voice that blends with the piano’s tone.

Her singing conveys a sense of strength, and her vibrato—almost as if trembling—evokes an image of someone mustering every last ounce of power.

The worldview of her lyrics is also a defining feature, giving the impression of facing one’s own heart against a grand, almost fantasy-like backdrop.

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I want tomorrow to comeSakurazaka46

Sakurazaka46 “I want tomorrow to come”

I want tomorrow to come Sakurazaka46

Sakurazaka46, renamed in 2020 from Keyakizaka46, which was formed as the second group in the Sakamichi Series.

Produced by Yasushi Akimoto, they thrive as a J-POP idol group with a distinctive worldview.

Known for their diverse themes and expressive songs, they also captivate with powerful contemporary dance, highly artistic costumes, and visually driven works.

Their music, infused with messages of courage to trust others and hope, resonates with young people living in modern society.

Sakurazaka46’s songs are especially recommended for those with a sensitive artistic sensibility or anyone looking for a positive boost.

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