[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!
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[2025] Popular Japanese Female Singer-Songwriters (21–30)
spin; weave; compose (e.g., a story)tota
Tota is a bedroom artist with a diverse musical palette, ranging from indie rock to synth-pop.
They began their online activities in February 2021 and have been gaining attention primarily through social media.
In 2023, they provided the tie-in song for Kanro’s Pure Gummy web commercial.
Their own tracks have also earned overwhelming support from younger listeners, with more than 400 million plays on TikTok.
Their appeal lies in a distinctive husky voice—powerful yet transparent—and poetic word choice.
On the album “oidaki,” philosophical lyrics blend beautifully with tracks that evoke elements of bedroom pop.
In October 2023, they held their first solo live show at Shibuya WWW in Tokyo, drawing attention as a live performer as well.
Tota is an artist recommended for those seeking solace in delicate lyrics and a uniquely compelling voice.
yellow flowerEri Takenaka
Released in 2007 as Eri Takenaka’s third major-label single.
It is the first chapter of her marriage-themed trilogy, a song she wrote for her best friend’s wedding.
It was used as the image song for Wedding GyaO and has also been featured in many wedding venue commercials.
Be…Ms. OOJA
It was released in 2012 as Ms.
OOJA’s fifth single.
It was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “Love Neet: How to Start a Forgotten Love,” and an alternate arrangement, “Be.
.
.
duet with Kaoru Kurosawa,” was included as a bonus track on the best-of album released in 2016.
Friend's PoemNakamura Ataru
Included on the 2007 album “Ten Made Todoke.” Born in 1985, from Tokyo.
She is also active as an actress.
This song was written based on her experience of having an unrequited crush on a bandmate she played with when she was 15.
Her sultry yet wistful voice brings distant memories back to life, stirring a faint ache deep in the chest.
SakuraMyuk
Singer-songwriter Myuk captivates listeners with her crystal-clear voice and delicate expressiveness.
While rooted in pop, she weaves in elements of electronica and alternative music to create a distinctive sound that appeals to a wide audience.
After making her major debut in 2021, she drew significant attention when she was selected to perform the ending theme for a popular anime.
A dedicated artist, she has studied piano and guitar since childhood and honed her craft at local live venues.
She actively shares updates via social media and video platforms, bringing her closer to fans both in Japan and abroad.
Her songs, marked by a transparent vocal quality and lyrics that depict everyday scenes, leave a lingering resonance that touches the heart.
She is highly recommended for those who wish to be quietly soothed by a delicate singing voice.
SketchAimyon
Aimyon is a singer-songwriter who captivates listeners with her translucent voice and unique worldview.
Hailing from Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, she began writing lyrics in her second year of junior high school and showcased her musical talent early on, making it to the finals of auditions during high school.
Since her indie debut in March 2015, she has been active across a wide range of genres, including J-pop, folk, and rock.
In 2019, she topped Billboard’s year-end TOP ARTISTS in Japan and ranked No.
1 in streaming, cementing her commanding presence.
Her journey into music began when she received a guitar from her parents, and, influenced by artists like Spitz and Shogo Hamada, she has captured the hearts of many listeners with down-to-earth lyrics and melodies.
Her songs—woven with plainspoken words and delivered in a clear, pure voice—resonate deeply, making her music a great recommendation for those who are drawn to unadorned, authentic sounds.
Only onecoarse sugar
Zarame is a striking blue-haired “nega-posi” singer-songwriter.
With a translucent voice and a uniquely expressive emotional style, she creates music that stirs listeners’ hearts.
She began with street performances in Tokyo and steadily built popularity through word of mouth on social media as an emerging artist.
Since July 2024, she has been landing tie-ins with anime and TV dramas one after another, and her performance video on the YouTube channel THE FIRST TAKE has surpassed 3.
4 million views, steadily expanding her fanbase.
From ballads to rock, she covers a wide range of genres, and her lyrics and expressive power—while embracing negative emotions—still evoke a sense of hope, resonating with many listeners.
She’s an artist you’ll want to listen to when you feel lost in life or when you want to cherish your feelings for someone.