[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 & Idols (21–30)

MABU feat. SoalaAYANE

AYANE / MABU feat. Soala (Music Video)

MABU feat. SoalaAYANE

AYANE is a young singer-songwriter drawing attention for her overwhelming vocals and strong singing ability.

After starting her activities in 2016, she made her debut in 2021.

With songs like “Nakitai Yoru” and “bye bye,” she has become popular, especially among teens.

Her lyrics are known for their emotional, catchy storytelling, and she explores a wide range of genres—from piano-and-vocal ballads to youthful guitar rock and R&B.

She has been immersed in music since childhood and reportedly began writing songs when she was in elementary school.

She values interacting with fans through social media, and that feedback has further propelled her music career.

Her music is a must-listen for those who resonate with songs that portray real romance and the emotions of the younger generation.

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Shout BabyGreen Yellow Society

Ryokuoushoku Shakai “Shout Baby” Music Video (TV Anime “My Hero Academia” Season 4 ‘School Festival Arc’ Ending Theme / MY HERO ACADEMIA ENDING)

Shout Baby Ryokuoushoku Shakai

Formed in 2012, the rock band Ryokuoushoku Shakai—often known in English as Ryokushaka—is a name many of you have probably heard.

Their signature tracks to date include “sabotage” and “Shout Baby,” but it was the hit “Mela!” that truly propelled their name into the mainstream.

Chosen as the song for the Palty Coloring Milk commercial, it sparked buzz for its strikingly catchy opening hook in the chorus and the beautiful vocals—firm at the core yet supple in expression.

The very appeal you feel in this song is essentially the essence of Ryokushaka itself, and once you listen to “Mela!,” you’ll likely find yourself wanting to explore the rest of their music.

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The summer you gave meLeo Ieiri

Leo Ieiri – The Summer You Gave Me (Theme song for the Monday 9 p.m. drama “Koinaka”)

The Summer You Gave Me - Leo Ieiri

A singer-songwriter from Fukuoka Prefecture who grew up in an environment surrounded by music—taking piano lessons in early childhood and joining the choir club in elementary school.

With an exceptional sensibility that led to writing her first lyrics at the age of five, her current style features lyrical and delicate words.

She also began producing music with a producer around the age of 13, suggesting her talent is immeasurable.

An artist to watch who is poised to lead the new era of the J-pop scene.

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Rebootmiwa

miwa “Reboot” Music Video

Reboot miwa

When you hear the label “female singer-songwriter,” many people probably think of her first! Since her debut in 2010, she has handled multiple theme songs for TV dramas and films, so I’m sure a lot of people have heard her music.

Speaking of her image, isn’t it bright and energetic? Many of her songs are catchy and approachable, but there are also tracks with an upbeat, cool vibe, like “Reboot.” Start by listening to her signature songs in order.

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spring breezeRihwa

Theme song of the drama “Boku no Ita Jikan,” Rihwa’s “Harukaze” music video

Spring Breeze Rihwa

Singer-songwriter Rihwa delivers songs imbued with heartwarming messages.

Having studied abroad in Canada during her school years, she began pursuing music in earnest after graduating from high school.

She made her major debut in 2012 and has produced numerous works influenced by Western music, including country.

The hit of Harukaze, released in 2014, captured the hearts of many listeners.

She is an artist whose voice is both powerful and crystal-clear, leaving a gentle impression.

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I like you.YOASOBI

YOASOBI "I Like You" Official Music Video

I love YOASOBI.

YOASOBI is a musical duo formed by Vocaloid producer Ayase and singer-songwriter ikura.

Their breakthrough came from streaming on the music subscription service Spotify.

Since its 2019 release, their song Yoru ni Kakeru (Racing into the Night) has racked up astonishing play counts, propelling YOASOBI to instant stardom.

In 2020, they appeared on the year-end NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, and as pioneers of artists who emerged via streaming, they are a unit leading a new era.

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SoupSakura Fujiwara

Sakura Fujiwara – “Soup” (short ver.)

Soup Sakura Fujiwara

Sakura Fujiwara is a singer-songwriter who made her major-label debut in 2015.

If you like female singer-songwriters, there’s a good chance you’ve heard her signature song “Soup” or her cover of Spitz’s classic “Haru no Uta.” And many listeners probably fell for her charm as soon as they heard these tracks! Her voice, with its distinctive smoky resonance, is warm and soothing to listen to.

While she’s often associated with acoustic numbers, she also has cool songs that carry a hint of jazz.

Be sure to give them a listen and find out which tracks you like best!

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