[2025] A roundup of popular Japanese female singer-songwriters
Singer-songwriters—artists who write lyrics and compose their own music—feel familiar to us, and many are active today.
In Japan, the term “singer-songwriter” is said to have taken hold in the 1970s, and it was also during this period that female singer-songwriters emerged who would go on to influence countless artists, not just their male counterparts.
In this article, we introduce female singer-songwriters who are indispensable to any discussion of Japanese music history.
Alongside legendary artists, we also feature Gen Z singer-songwriters, so if you love female singer-songwriters, this is a must-read!
- [2025] Japanese Female Artists: Trending Singers & Idols
- [Women] Popular Karaoke Rankings [2025]
- [2025] Sing at Karaoke! A Roundup of Popular Christmas Songs by Female Artists
- 【Women】Popular Japanese Karaoke Songs Ranking【2025】
- [2025] Recommended for Karaoke! A Roundup of Popular Female Idol Songs
- Karaoke songs sung by female artists recommended for Gen Z
- Love songs about romance sung by female Japanese artists. Popular love songs.
- [Karaoke] A Collection of Japanese Songs for Women in Their 70s to Sing [2025]
- [2025] Recommended Karaoke Songs for Women in Their 70s: From Enka to Showa-Era Kayōkyoku
- [2025] Popular Songs Among Today’s Youth [Japanese Music]
- [2025] Christmas Songs I'd Like Women to Sing [Karaoke]
- [Women] Ranking of Easy-to-Sing Karaoke Songs [2025]
- Songs Men Want Women to Sing at Karaoke: Swoon-Worthy Picks [2025]
[2025] Popular Japanese Female Singer-Songwriters Summary (61–70)
JupiterAyaka Hirahara
It is included on the 2004 album “ODYSSEY.” Born in 1984.
A native of Tokyo, they grew up in a musical family: their father is a multi-reed player, their grandfather a trumpet player, and their older sister a singer-songwriter.
They have a close relationship with Masashi Sada.
The piece is based on Holst’s “Jupiter.”
I’ll stay true to myself.Shiori Niiyama
This song was released as Shiori Niiyama’s 8th single and was selected as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s “Buzz Rhythm” in July.
It has a rock style and conveys a sense of hope for the future.
The coupling track, “Koi no Naka,” was written and composed by Masaharu Fukuyama.
Mind and BodyMarie Ueda
It is included on Marie Ueda’s indie debut single “Kokoro/S/Sa.” This release consists of three discs, each a two-track single.
The song is used in the smartphone game app SHOW BY ROCK!!.
It’s a memorable track with lyrics that repeat the same words many times.
I want to see you.Chikaco Sawada
A single released in 1990.
Born in 1963, from Saitama Prefecture.
Used as a TV show theme song and in commercials, this track became a long-running hit, staying within the top 100 of the Oricon chart for 87 weeks.
It’s a sad song with a mellow melody that sings about the death of a lover.
Keep smiling.Tomoko Tane
Included on the 2011 album “uh Baby Baby.” Born in 1961, from Kyoto.
She’s known for her cute singing voice and lyrics that use everyday, straightforward language.
This song was released as part of a charity effort for the Great East Japan Earthquake; it’s simple, but overflowing with a forward-looking emotion that almost brings you to tears.
dolphindolphin
A single released in 1975.
Born in 1950.
Born in Tokyo.
Her real name is Toshie Kambe.
Her father was a tenor saxophonist.
Her husband and son are also musicians, making them a musical family.
This song is considered her signature piece and has been covered by various artists.
youAkiko Kosaka
It was released in 1973 as Akiko Kosaka’s debut single.
At the age of 16, she entered the 6th Yamaha Popular Song Contest in 1973, won the Grand Prix by singing this song while playing the piano, and went on to appear in the 25th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen in 1974.