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

seesawtuki.

tuki. “Seesaw” Official Music Video

Seesaw tuki.

Singer-songwriter tuki.

, whose transparent vocals and delicate singing technique are bringing a fresh breeze to the music scene.

They began their music career in 2022 and have gained popularity through posts on YouTube and TikTok.

While rooted in J-pop, they have built a unique world with simple yet powerful melodies and striking lyrics.

Their mysterious style of performing without revealing their face has also drawn attention, and in December 2023, a collaboration with popular singer Yuuri surpassed 20 million views—an impressive achievement.

In January 2024, they appeared on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen and were also selected for Spotify’s “RADAR: Early Noise 2024,” marking them as a shining, highly skilled young artist of the moment.

With clear vocals and songs that resonate with the heart, they’re especially recommended for those who want to soothe their soul on a quiet night.

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semicolonyama

yama『semicolon』Music Video

semicolonyama

Yama, known for their clear, translucent singing voice, has been drawing a great deal of attention.

Although a mysterious artist who keeps their identity hidden, they enjoy overwhelming support—particularly from younger listeners—for a unique musical style that fuses digital and analog elements.

Grounded in electronica and indie rock, they skillfully blend programmed sounds with live instruments to explore new possibilities in music.

Their 2023 album “awake&build” delivered an innovative work that transcends conventional boundaries by merging band-driven sound with electronic production.

They have also collaborated with accomplished artists such as Sohei Mishima of cinema staff and Matt Cab.

With a crystalline, beautiful voice and literary lyrics that stir the heart, their music is a perfect match for listeners with a delicate, nuanced sensibility.

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medicineYuika

Medicine / “Yuika” [MV]

Medicine 'Yuika'

Yuika is a talented singer-songwriter whose transparent, luminous vocals captivate countless listeners.

She began her career primarily on social media, earning overwhelming support from younger audiences with melodies and a voice that speak straight to the heart.

In 2024, she made her major-label debut with Universal Music and has drawn attention for songs themed around youth and love that have gone viral online.

Though only 20, she is highly praised for her songwriting that expresses her emotions directly and for her clear, resolute vocal tone.

Her jacket art, created in collaboration with Kana, establishes a unique aesthetic, making her compelling both musically and visually.

She’s a recommended artist for those who resonate with sincere, down-to-earth lyrics and a soaring, expressive voice.

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A gentle feelingChara

Chara “Yasashii Kimochi” OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO

Gentle Heart Chara

Included on the 1997 album “Junior Sweet.” Born in 1968.

From Saitama Prefecture.

Her stage name comes from the fact that the sound of her name resembles “arabiki,” meaning coarsely ground sausage, leading people to call her Arabiki.

Her unique vocals ride over a somewhat dreamlike melody, creating an extremely soft and gentle atmosphere.

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Letter ~Dear Fifteen-Year-Old Me~Angela Aki

Angela Aki “Letter: To You, Fifteen” Music Video (HD)

Letter: To You, Fifteen — Angela Aki

A single released in 2008.

Born in 1977.

From Tokushima Prefecture.

His father is the president of AEON Holdings.

He originally wrote lyrics in English, but after listening to Chihiro Onitsuka’s songs, he became committed to writing lyrics in Japanese.

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Forget-me-notTate Takako

Tate Takako – Forget-me-not [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Forget-me-not Tate Takako

Released as Takako Tate’s first single, it serves as the theme song for the film “Argentine Baba.” The original song is the Andean folk tune “El Humahuaqueño” (Hanamatsuri).

In addition to this track, several other songs have been tie-in tracks, such as “Hoseki” (Jewels), which was featured in the film “Nobody Knows.”

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I want to be honest.Hiromi Yonemura

I Want to Be Honest / Hiromi Yonemura

Hiromi Yonemura who wants to be honest

This single, released in 1992, was used as the ending theme for the anime Crayon Shin-chan.

Born in 1966 in Kanagawa Prefecture, she gained attention for writing and composing “Ashita wa Genki ~More Music!~,” sung by Miyoko Yoshimoto on NHK’s Minna no Uta.

Her distinctive singing voice overflows with a cradle-like gentleness that makes the song soothing and pleasant.

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