[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 (41–50)

Song of PointillismSonoko Inoue

Inoue Sonoko “Tenbyō no Uta” (Solo ver.) Music Video

Pointillism Song Inoue Sonoko

Sonoko Inoue is a singer-songwriter from Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture.

In 2019, her collaboration with the rock band Mrs.

GREEN APPLE on “Tenbyō no Uta” became a hot topic.

Her career extends well before her major-label debut in 2015; she has an extraordinary background that includes street performances starting in elementary school and solo shows at live houses.

Beyond her long career, she is a truly skilled artist with excellent songwriting and vocals, offering everything from cute, catchy tunes to powerful ballads.

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A bouquet for meAdo

[Ado] Bouquet for Me Official Audio

A bouquet for me, Ado

Ado, whose clear, beautiful vocals and powerful expressiveness have drawn wide attention, made her major debut in 2020 with Universal Music and has since been active across genres from J-pop to rock and electronica.

In 2021, she won Single of the Year at the Japan Gold Disc Awards and has set numerous records, including releasing songs with over 100 million views on YouTube.

She is planning a world tour in 2025, expanding her activities on a global scale.

Ado’s music, which combines a straight, steadfast voice with delicate expressiveness, is recommended not only for those captivated by powerful vocals but also for listeners who seek a sense of clarity and transparency in singing.

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Summer Snowkrage

krage – Summer Snow (Official Music Video) – TV anime “Raven of the Inner Palace” ending theme

Summer Snow krage

Krage is also a next-generation artist who’s getting a lot of attention right now.

She originally performed as part of a band, but made her solo debut as a singer-songwriter in 2020.

Her popularity took off after cover song videos she posted on YouTube caught on.

Since then, she’s been very active, including handling the opening theme for a popular anime.

She released her first mini-album in 2022, so starting with that is recommended—you can fully enjoy her beautiful singing voice.

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Leina

Reina – Dozing (Light Sleep) | [TEXTED] Leina – Utatane | Lyrics | Dingo Music

Leina

Singer-songwriter Leina, who is garnering attention for her innovative sound infused with Western pop influences, made her debut at 14 and has won fervent support from younger listeners with songs that delve deeply into human emotions.

In September 2022, she took first place on TV Asahi’s music audition program “Music Champ 2022,” propelling her into the spotlight.

Her strong affinity with the digital-native generation is another draw, with her tracks going viral on social media.

Influenced in part by Korea as well, she enjoys passionate support there too, with street performances and solo shows drawing huge crowds.

Inspired by artists like Justin Bieber and Billie Eilish, she self-produces her music with a distinctive expressive style, and her multifaceted talents extend to creating artwork and video pieces.

Combining delicate sensitivity with powerful expression, her music is highly recommended for those seeking songs that resonate with genuine, relatable feelings.

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dogwood (flowering dogwood)Yo Hitoto

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

Hanamizuki Hitoto Yo

Yo Hitoto made her debut in 2002 with “Morainaki,” and “Hanamizuki,” released in 2004, was also a huge hit.

At the time, her natural presence—singing barefoot on stage—and the expansive voice flowing from her slender frame were striking, weren’t they? Her lyrical worldview is unique as well; she is said to perceive her own songs as spatial figures and describes herself as “swimming within the sound.” She expresses feelings as if rising from deep within her heart in poetic prose and sings them with passion.

Perhaps it’s that stance that makes everyone relate to her and keep paying attention.

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#AfterAllMoreSakurako Ohara

Sakurako Ohara – #Yappa Motto (Official Music Video)

After all, more Sakurako Ohara

Sakurako Ohara is a singer who is also active as an actress.

She appeared in the 2013 film “The Liar and His Lover,” and made her debut as a singer with the song “Ashita mo,” which appears in the movie.

Her bright, refreshing, and straight-reaching voice embodies the classic appeal of a female singer.

That charm really shines in uptempo songs like “Ashita mo,” whose energizing vocals lift your spirits as you listen, while in ballads such as “Hitomi” and “#Yappa Motto,” you can enjoy her soft and beautiful singing.

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DropHANA

HANA / Drop -Music Video-

DropHANA

HANA, formed through the girls’ group audition “No No Girls,” drew attention for its groundbreaking selection process with no restrictions on appearance, age, or weight.

Chosen from over 7,000 applications from Japan and abroad, the seven members each bring distinctive appeal and present a musical style that blends multiple genres while rooted in pop.

Although they only released their pre-debut track in January 2025, under the guidance of producer Chanmina, they already demonstrate strong performance skills in both vocals and dance.

Pre-debut events are scheduled for March in Osaka and Saitama, and expectations for their future success are high.

They’re the perfect group for those seeking expressive performances and a new idol image that prioritizes diversity.

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