[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 (11–20)
To the Lightmiwa
Known for her musicality that spans a wide range of genres from pop and rock to acoustic, miwa has produced numerous hit songs since making her debut with “don’t cry anymore” in 2010.
She is especially popular among young people and enjoys broad support from a wide fan base, contributing theme songs to many films, TV dramas, and anime.
miwa’s music is characterized by heartwarming melodies and delicate lyrics.
Influenced by her father from an early age, she was exposed to music by overseas artists and grew up listening to the likes of Carole King and Deep Purple.
Continuing her energetic activities, she released a new single in March 2024.
Singing while playing guitar, she truly stands as a leading figure among contemporary female singer-songwriters.
Highly recommended for those drawn to a voice that resonates with the heart and an approachable, friendly presence.
Sentimental KissReira Shio
Reira Ushio, who debuted in September 2021, is known as a singer-songwriter who writes and composes her own songs.
Her clear, powerful voice, addictive melodies, and distinctive writing that conveys a one-of-a-kind worldview are truly captivating.
She has garnered popularity—especially among young people—with a total of roughly 17.
15 million views on her YouTube channel.
It’s no surprise she’s drawing attention across various media, from being featured as background music on ABEMA’s dating shows to trending on TikTok.
Her experience performing street live shows has greatly influenced her musical style, and the songs born from that are uniquely crafted, often depicting people from imagined worlds.
She’s highly recommended not only for fans of singer-songwriter music, but also for anyone interested in discovering new talent.
SUMMER SONGYUI
Singer-songwriter YUI rose from the streets to the forefront of the music scene.
Since her 2005 debut, she has released a string of hits like “Good-bye days” and “My Generation,” earning support from a wide audience.
Her songs that served as anime opening themes became major hits.
Although she announced a hiatus in 2008, she continued creating music during that period and explored new musical directions upon her return.
In July 2010, she even performed on piano for the first time, constantly taking on new challenges.
YUI’s songs have frequently been featured in films and TV dramas, and her music continues to resonate with many people.
She’s highly recommended not only for fans of J-pop and pop rock, but also for anyone drawn to lyrics that speak to the heart.
I love you more than anyone.Toko Furuuchi
It was released in 1996 as Toko Furuuchi’s seventh single.
The song was used as an insert track for the YTV/NTV drama “Watch Out for Us,” and it remains a popular karaoke classic love song.
It has been covered by many artists, regardless of gender.
La La LaMaki Ohguro
It was released in 1995 as Maki Ohguro’s 10th single.
Chosen as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Aji Ichimonme,” it became her third million-selling record and her biggest hit.
It is also known for often being performed as the final song at her live concerts.
Harusaki KobeniAkiko Yano
Included on the 1981 album “Tadaima.” Born in 1955, from Aomori Prefecture.
Her real name is Akiko Suzuki.
She currently lives in New York.
Ryuichi Sakamoto is her former husband.
The melodies, brimming with pop sensibility and written with her unique touch, combined with her singing voice that is almost mechanical at times, result in a work that exudes originality.
[2025] Popular Japanese Female Singer-Songwriters (21–30)
ContrastTOMOO
TOMOO is an artist who creates music that gently touches listeners’ hearts with simple piano tones and an emotionally rich voice.
She began her career in the early 2010s and made her major debut in 2019.
While taking on a wide range of genres from pop to ballads, her dedication to a stripped-down, singer-songwriter style is also striking.
Many of her signature songs have been used as drama theme songs, and in 2022 she successfully held her solo concert “Estuary” at LINE CUBE SHIBUYA.
Her strong will, standing on stage after overcoming health issues, moved many fans.
Her songs, often themed around nature and the passage of time, are gentle yet deeply resonant.
She’s an artist especially recommended for those who want to reflect on their inner selves through music.