[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 (51–60)

TsubasaIde Ayaka

Ayaka Ide – Tsubasa (short ver.)

Tsubasaide Ayaka

Released as Ide Ayaka’s 3rd single, it was used as the image song for Pantene’s 2012 summer commercial.

The lyrics evoke the beautiful image of someone continuing to run toward their dreams.

In 2015, she changed her stage name from the kanji form 井手綾香 to the hiragana form いであやか.

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Hello, see you tomorrow.Kotringo

Kotringo – Hello, See You Tomorrow

Hello, see you tomorrow, Kotoringo

This song is Kotringo’s first single and was used in the commercial for Gekkeikan “Tsuki.” It was produced by the renowned Japanese musician Ryuichi Sakamoto.

Before releasing this song, she was reportedly based in New York.

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Broken-winged angelAyumi Nakamura

Ayumi Nakamura – Broken-Winged Angel

Broken Wing Angel Ayumi Nakamura

Included on the 1985 album “Be True.” It was used in a Nissin Cup Noodles commercial.

Born in 1966, from Fukuoka.

Until 2006, she held a special live show called “AYUMIDAY” every year on August 31.

With a hefty, hard rock sound and a shout-like vocal style, it’s a track that conveys a rock vibe that’s rare for a female artist.

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I want to put it into words.Rina Sumioka

Graduation Commemoration! Rina Sumioka “I Want to Put It into Words” (Best Scenes Ver.)

I want to put it into words, Rina Sumioka

It was released as Rina Sumioka’s 4th single.

It was produced as a graduation song for the Fuji TV reality show Terrace House, in which Rina Sumioka starred.

The lyrics express her feelings as someone who isn’t good with words and the emotions she can’t put into words.

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[2025] Popular Japanese Female Singer-Songwriters Summary (61–70)

Crybaby DugongKayoko Yoshizawa

Kayoko Yoshizawa “Crybaby Dugong”

Crybaby Dugong Kayoko Yoshizawa

This song is included on Kayoko Yoshizawa’s indie first mini-album “Majo Zukan” (Witch Encyclopedia).

In the music video, she wears a one-piece dress and is filmed underwater, creating a fantastical work.

The song is also included on her major-label first full album “Hokiboshi Zukan” (Broom Star Encyclopedia).

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Change of paceHako Yamasaki

Hako Yamasaki – Change of Pace (Kibun o Kaete)

Change of pace: Hako Yamasaki

A single released in 1990.

Born in 1957.

From Oita Prefecture.

After marriage, her real name is Hatsuko Yasuda.

With her powerful vocal projection, expressive singing, and lyrics that incisively probe into things, she was called “a rival to Miyuki Nakajima” when she debuted.

This song, too, features a truly powerful, emotionally charged vocal performance that leaves a strong impression.

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TOMORROWMayo Okamoto

TOMORROW – Mayo Okamoto (Full)

TOMORROW Mayuo Okamoto

A single released in 1995 that served as the theme song for the drama “Second Chance.” Born in 1974, from Kochi Prefecture.

Also active as a pianist.

Listening to DREAMS COME TRUE’s “Mirai Yosouzu II” reportedly inspired them to pursue singing.

The year after its release, it was chosen as the entrance march for the Spring Senbatsu High School Baseball Tournament at Koshien.

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