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

music writerKOH-1
Started working as a music writer as a side job while employed at a record shop, and have been contributing to music magazines and web media for over 15 years. Although Western music is my main field, I always strive to stay curious with the motto, “I like what I like.” I have experience playing in a band, where I was a bassist responsible for songwriting and composition. Instruments I’ve performed on include bass, guitar, and piano. I resumed piano lessons after turning 40 and have been continuing ever since!

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] Roundup of Popular Japanese Female Singer-Songwriters (31–40)

Angel's RestFumina Hisamatsu

Angel's Rest — Fumina Hisamatsu — PV

Angel's Rest by Fumina Hisamatsu

Released in 1992 as Fumina Hisamatsu’s fifth single.

It was used as the theme song for the Yomiuri TV-produced/Nippon TV network drama “Kirei ni Naritai” (“I Want to Be Beautiful”), became her first Top 10 hit, and marked her best-selling record.

It’s a very cool track featuring her husky vocals.

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voiceTsuki Amano

Voice (with lyrics) — Tsukiko Amano

Voice of the Heavenly Field Moon

This is the 11th major single released under the name Tsukiko Amano.

It serves as the theme song for the PlayStation 2 game Fatal Frame III: The Tormented (Japanese title: Zero: Shisei no Koe).

The lyrics reflect the feelings of the game’s protagonist and fit the game’s worldview.

In 2009, she changed her stage name from Tsukiko Amano to Tsuki Amano.

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Look Back AgainHitomi Yaida

Hitomi Yaida – Look Back Again

Look Back Again Hitomi Yaida

Included on the 2001 album “Candlize.” Her father loved karaoke, so she grew up in a home where music was always playing, which inspired her to pursue singing.

Her voice—sometimes slipping into falsetto—stands out over a mid-tempo rhythm with a subtly Asian flavor.

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LET IT OUTMiho Fukuhara

Miho Fukuhara “LET IT OUT”

LET IT OUT Miho Fukuhara

A single released in 2009.

Born in 1987.

Originally from Sapporo.

In her third year of junior high school, she sang a Mariah Carey song on a Hokkaido local TV program and quickly gained attention, which led to her debut.

Her remarkably wide vocal range—unusual for a Japanese singer—is one of her greatest strengths.

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I'll give you my heart.Nagisa Kuroki

Nagisa Kuroki “I’ll Give You My Heart” MV (Promotion ver.)

I give you my heart, Kuroki Nagisa

It was released as Nagisa Kuroki’s first single.

Initially, it was sold only in the Kyushu region and at live venues, but it was later released nationwide.

The song is a love song themed around ultimate love.

Nagisa Kuroki originally performed as part of a mixed-gender rock band.

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[2025] Popular Japanese Female Singer-Songwriters Compilation (41–50)

Poem of the Wandering Starssuis from Yorushika

The music video for Hoshimeguru Uta sung by Yorushika’s suis has been released! You’re sure to be captivated by her breathtakingly clear vocals. Kyocera Original Animation Part 3: “Is Now Included in the Future?” Special Movie.

Yorushika - Star-wandering Poem suis

Suis moves many people’s hearts with her translucent singing voice and lyrics that weave complex emotions.

She debuted in 2017 as the vocalist of Yorushika and drew attention with hits like “Dakara Boku wa Ongaku wo Yameta” (That’s Why I Gave Up on Music).

She is also active with her solo project “suis from Yorushika,” engaging in a wide range of activities including collaborations with various artists and anime theme songs.

Her delicate expressiveness and melodious vocals are captivating, enchanting a large fanbase.

Her lyrics, which depict the subtleties of love and human relationships, are sure to resonate.

She is a highly watched female singer-songwriter, recommended for those seeking solace in a voice that truly speaks to the heart.

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As long as there is love, everything will be okay.Kohmi Hirose

Kohmi Hirose – Love Is All You Need (Official Video)

If there's love, it's all right — Kohmi Hirose

Included on the 1993 album “GOOD LUCK!” and used as the theme song for the film “Yamai wa Kikara: Byōin e Ikō 2.” Born in Fukuoka Prefecture.

Her real name is Asami Yonemitsu.

A proven talent who received elite musical training from the age of five, she is also known as the “Queen of Winter” due to her many winter hits.

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