[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)

Tomorrow as wellSHISHAMO

SHISHAMO “Tomorrow Too”

SHISHAMO again tomorrow

A three-piece girls’ band formed mainly by members of the light music club, enjoying popularity especially among young female listeners.

After winning an Excellence Award at the high school band championship “EENS ROCK IN HITACHINAKA,” held annually since 2004 on the Water Stage at the Hitachi Seaside Park, they began attracting attention from a wide range of music industry professionals and music fans.

With lyrics that frankly express the real feelings of girls their age and a refreshing rock sound, they continue to evolve and stand as a representative presence among girls’ bands in today’s J-pop scene.

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JOYYU-KI

YUKI 『JOY』

JOYYU-KI

A singer-songwriter who enjoyed immense popularity as the vocalist of the rock band JUDY AND MARY, which disbanded to much regret in 2001 and whose reunion is highly anticipated.

Known since the band days for her distinctive, cute voice—her trademark—and for pop songs in her solo work that differ from the band’s sound, she has won fans regardless of gender.

She has greatly contributed to the evolution and development of female-fronted bands and continues to influence younger generations of bands and singers as a charismatic figure.

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[2025] Japanese Female Artists: Trending Singers & Idols (31–40)

sixth senseREOL

Reol – “Sixth Sense / THE SIXTH SENSE” Music Video

Sixth Sense REOL

Singer-songwriter Reol had been steadily building popularity, but the massive hit of Sixth Sense, released in 2020, brought her to a wider audience than ever before.

Interestingly, she had been active since around 2012 under the name Reol (れをる), posting utaite “I tried singing” videos online.

Her appeal lies in a powerful voice with a uniquely distinctive timbre—you can tell it’s her the moment you listen.

In addition to her original songs, if you’re into Vocaloid, be sure to check out her utaite videos as well!

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All of them are classmates reunionI wish it could stay midnight forever.

Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni. “Aitsura Zen’in Dousoukai” MV (ZUTOMAYO – Inside Joke)

I wish that whole class reunion could stay at midnight forever.

Zutto Mayonaka de Iinoni.

debuted in 2018 with “Byoushin wo Kamu.” The woman in charge of songwriting/composition and vocals is ACA-ne, and beyond that, no other information has been revealed.

She has so many charms, but the first thing to highlight is definitely her voice.

That clear, transparent voice that rises cleanly is her greatest weapon.

Next is the lyrics she writes.

Every time a music video is released, fans trade interpretations in the comments—her profound lyrics invite multiple readings from each listener and are absolutely worth paying attention to!

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First LoveUru

[Official] Uru “First Love” — Theme song of the film “First Love”

First Love Uru

She made her debut as a singer in 2016 and gradually built her popularity.

Her 2018 release Prologue was selected as the theme song for the drama My Teacher, My Love, became a massive hit, and catapulted her into the ranks of popular artists.

Even before her debut, however, she had been posting videos on her YouTube channel covering various songs, already showcasing her crystal-clear, beautiful voice.

Her ethereally translucent vocals are incredibly captivating—the more you listen, the more you’ll find yourself drawn into the allure of her singing.

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laser beamPerfume

[Official Music Video] Perfume “Laser Beam”

Laser Beam Perfume

A three-member technopop unit that started out as local idols in Hiroshima Prefecture and has since become so popular nationwide that virtually everyone knows them.

With contemporary, catchy tracks produced by Yasutaka Nakata, systemized yet catchy dance performances, and flashy live productions that blow audiences away, every facet of their work stands on its own as high-quality entertainment.

Their unusually long apprenticeship period for an idol group underpins their skill and grit, making them a standout, truly capable act that sets itself apart from the rest.

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AldebaranAI

AI – “Aldebaran” (official video)

Aldebaran AI

If you’re looking for a female artist with a soulful, powerful voice, AI is highly recommended! She spent her early teens in Los Angeles, where exposure to authentic gospel and Black music had a major influence on her musical career.

She’s also well-versed in dance, and at 18 she made it through auditions to appear in one of Janet Jackson’s music videos.

Her 12th single, “Story,” released in 2005, reached No.

8 on the Oricon Singles Chart and has since become one of her signature songs.

She’s an artist that fans of soul and R&B should definitely check out!

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