[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 (51–60)

stoppage timeEmi Noda

Aimi Noda – Lost Time (Official Lyric Video)

Emi Noda in injury time

Singer-songwriter Emi Noda has been active in music since her student days, consistently achieving excellent results in various auditions.

In addition to her own work as a vocalist, she energetically contributes songs to other artists as well.

Her greatest appeal is undoubtedly her outstanding vocal ability that grabs your attention from the first listen.

More and more listeners are being captivated by her mature, atmospheric voice.

You can fully appreciate her charm not only in her original songs but also in the cover videos uploaded to her YouTube channel, so if you’re interested, be sure to check them out.

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Highschool ♡ loveE-girls

E-girls / Highschool ♡ love

Highschool ♡ loveE-girls

E-girls was a female dance and vocal group that was active in the 2010s, formed by bringing together three female groups—Dream, Happiness, and Flower—affiliated with the entertainment agency LDH.

They debuted in 2011 with the single “Celebration!” and are known for signature songs like “Follow Me” and “The North Wind and the Sun.” They also served as an opening act for EXILE, who are under the same agency, and are renowned for their dance and stage performances.

Unfortunately, they disbanded in 2020, but I definitely recommend giving their music a listen even now!

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mid-20sYui Nishio

Yui Nishio “mid-20s” Official Music Video

Yui Nishio in her mid-20s

Yui Nishio, who is based in Nagoya, is one of the hottest singer-songwriters right now.

She participated in the talent discovery project ‘SONG’S NAGOYA 2016’ in 2016, and went on to take part in a series of auditions, including ‘KimiUta — I Want to Hear Your Song —’ in 2017 and ‘Hanjuku Audition 2018’ in 2018.

Along the way, she steadily built her reputation and skills, and in 2022 she won the LINE NEWS AWARDS 2022.

Her clear, translucent voice is sure to capture your heart.

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Heralding springyama

yama – Harbinger of Spring (Official Video)

yama who heralds spring

Yama, a mysterious artist who has been gaining strong support especially among younger generations, is shaking up the music scene with a unique sound that fuses electronica and indie rock and songs imbued with delicate lyricism.

Though emerging from the internet, they dominated the upper ranks of the music charts in 2023 with the hit album “awake&build.” Innovative arrangements that weave together programmed sounds and live instruments, along with profound lyrics that probe the essence of humanity, have captivated many listeners.

Yama has also produced songs tied to anime, drawing growing attention from overseas.

Combining social media buzz with high musical quality, Yama’s works vividly reflect the feelings of today’s youth and make for a perfect pick for anyone seeking a fresh musical discovery.

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[2025] Japanese Female Artists: Trending Singers & Idols (61–70)

YuiriAyaka Murayama

[MV full] Yuiri / Sayaka Murayama [Official]

Yuirii Murayama Ayaka

Sayaka Murayama of AKB48 captivates many fans with her clear, transparent singing voice.

She debuted in December 2011 as a 13th-generation trainee of AKB48 and has honed her skills through numerous performances.

From 2014 to 2017, she recorded the most theater appearances for four consecutive years, earning the nickname “Goddess of the Theater.” In January 2020, she became the first active member to reach 1,000 theater performances, continuing to build an impressive track record.

Known for her delicate expressiveness and solid vocal ability, she held a solo concert at Tokyo Dome City Hall in January 2019.

Her firm yet soaring vocals and meticulous song interpretation are highly regarded, and she has covered many songs by artists renowned for their singing prowess.

She is the perfect artist for music fans who value nuanced expression and reliable vocal technique.

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FlowerRimi Natsukawa

Flowers: Flowers in Everyone’s Heart ✿ Rimi Natsukawa ✿ (guitar) Chuei Yoshikawa

Rimi Hanatsugawa

Rimi Natsukawa, who hails from Ishigaki City in Okinawa Prefecture, is a songstress whose clear, translucent voice resonates in the heart.

She’s a perfect fit for songs like Nada Sōsō, Hana, and Shima Uta—pieces that pair Okinawan-style melodies with poignant lyrics.

A lifelong lover of singing, she honed exceptional vocal skills through enka and traditional folk music.

Her repertoire spans widely, from Okinawan folk to pop and even covers of Western songs, so you’ll likely find tracks that suit your taste.

Let her crystal-clear voice—evocative of Okinawa’s brilliantly clear skies and seas—surround you and bring you healing.

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weeping cherry (blossom)ANNA

Anna “Weeping Cherry Blossom” MUSIC VIDEO

Shidare-zakura ANNA

A rising female singer-songwriter of Japanese and Russian descent, she’s a Japanese-Russian bilingual whose mysterious aura has earned her widespread popularity.

Her lyrics—set to the acoustic guitar she began teaching herself at 14—draw on her own experiences and emotions, and have been garnering attention.

At 15, her very first original song, “Hitori no Sekai,” was remarkably selected as the theme song for the TV drama Cross Road: Listen to the Voiceless, See the Formless, showcasing her boundless talent.

Coupled with her fairy-like, translucent beauty, she’s an artist whose future success is highly anticipated.

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