[2025] A roundup of popular Japanese female singer-songwriters

Valentine ShowdownNo Murasaki

Valentine Showdown

Noshi is a singer-songwriter with a translucent voice and delicate expressive power.

She began her music career in earnest in 2023 and is a multifaceted creator who self-produces everything from lyrics, composition, and arrangement to vocals and artwork.

In 2024, she topped the TikTok Weekly Top for two consecutive weeks and was selected to perform a song for an Ito En commercial, steadily expanding her support mainly on social media.

In 2025, she was chosen for Spotify’s “RADAR: Early Noise 2025,” garnering attention as a leading figure in the next generation of the music scene.

Influenced by Shiina Ringo and RADWIMPS, her songs combine a unique lyrical sensibility with pop appeal and profound emotional expression, resonating with many listeners alongside her soul-stirring vocals.

She is highly recommended for those drawn to delicate sensitivity and richly expressive singing.

Caramel PainHoshimachi Suisei

Caramel Pain / Suisei Hoshimachi (official)

Since March 2018, virtual idol Suisei Hoshimachi has been captivating many music fans with her clear, radiant vocals and outstanding singing ability.

Centered on pop, she showcases her talents across a wide range of genres, from electronica to rock.

She made her debut in 2019 under the music label INNK Music, and in September 2021 her album “Still Still Stellar” reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Digital Album Rankings.

In 2022, she formed the unit Midnight Grand Orchestra with music producer TAKU INOUE, marking her major-label debut as well.

Her voice, which balances power and delicacy, combined with expressive delivery that resonates emotionally, continues to captivate listeners.

She’s an artist especially recommended for anyone seeking the soothing beauty of a crystal-clear singing voice.

PLAYER 1Haruko Nagaya

Ryokuoushoku Shakai 'PLAYER 1' Official Video / Ryokuoushoku Shakai – PLAYER 1

Haruko Nagaya, the vocalist of Ryokuoushoku Shakai, commands a strong presence with her crystal-clear singing voice.

Formed during her time at Chukyo University, the band has gained popularity for songs that skillfully fuse pop and rock, paired with her distinctive vocals that blend poignancy and power.

Since their major debut in 2018, they have provided theme songs for numerous TV dramas and anime, and have produced smash hits with over 300 million streams.

In 2020, they won Best Rock Video at the MTV VMAJ, and in 2023 they received an Excellent Work Award at the Japan Record Awards.

As a music creator who also writes and composes, Nagaya has a gift for vividly expressing the emotions of teens and people in their twenties, resonating with many listeners.

She’s a highly recommended artist for music fans seeking a pure, translucent voice and lyrics that truly move the heart.

Thoughts and feelings toward loveaiko

aiko - “Mutual Love” music video

Aiko is known as a singer-songwriter distinguished by her nuanced emotional expression and husky singing voice.

Centered around pop and rock, she continues to captivate many listeners with songs that weave in delicate emotions.

She made her major debut in 1998 and has maintained a strong presence in the J-pop scene ever since.

Her 2000 release sold over 500,000 copies, and at the end of that year she made her first appearance on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

Characterized by simple arrangements using guitar and piano and a powerful voice that sings of love, she has also been nominated for the Japan Record Awards and the Japan Gold Disc Awards.

Her songs, which express the joys and sorrows of romance from a unique perspective, resonate deeply and evoke strong empathy alongside her moving vocals.

She is highly recommended for anyone seeking music that stays close to heartfelt, down-to-earth emotions.

tobacco / cigarette(s)Koresawa

Koresawa “Tobacco” [Music Video]

Singer-songwriter Koresawa from Osaka Prefecture captivates listeners with a uniquely husky voice that sinks deep into the heart.

Blending pop, folk, and indie, she launched her independent label RECO RECORDS in 2014 and began her music career.

Since her major-label debut in 2017, she has released a string of notable works, including the albums Kore Kara, Kore Desho, and Jun’ai Closet.

In 2024, she won the Japan Record Awards’ Lyricist Award.

Notably, she consistently appears in the media through her bear character, “Reko-chan.” Alongside her earnest dedication to music, her songs—filled with down-to-earth emotions woven into the lyrics—have become a comforting presence that resonates with many listeners in their everyday lives.

Yuika

Because I love you. / “Yuika” [MV]

Yuika is a rising young singer-songwriter on a roll.

She first gained attention through her activity on social media and made her major-label debut with Universal Music in 2024.

With songs that resonate with teenage emotions, she has won strong support from young people in Korea, especially on TikTok and YouTube.

While rooted in pop, her style—portraying down-to-earth love and youth—captures the hearts of the social media generation.

Centered around her signature song “Suki Dakara” (“Because I Like You”), she has earned high praise from Korean listeners as well.

She’s a recommended artist for anyone who wants to connect with the wavering feelings of love and coming of age.

The color of loveAi Higuchi

Ai Higuchi / The Color of Love [Official Video] | Ai Higuchi ‘Koi no Iro’

Ai Higuchi, who is active as a singer-songwriter, released this digital-only single in July 2023.

Over a simple backing track centered on piano and strings, she delivers a stunning vocal performance.

In particular, the sections sung in her powerful mid-to-high alto range let you fully savor the appeal of her voice.

If you listen with attention to how she closes phrases, her use of rests within the melody, and the effective placement of breath noises, you’ll truly appreciate her exceptional expressive singing technique.