Music

Introducing 12 Popular Japanese Female Singers: Their Charm and Signature Songs

 
Introducing 12 Popular Japanese Female Singers: Their Charm and Signature Songs

In Japan, exceptionally talented singers with captivating vocal abilities are often referred to as “歌姫 (Utahime : divas).” In recent years, the music scene has been energized by a wave of unique female artists who embody the new generation.

This article will showcase the allure and signature songs of 12 iconic Japanese female singers. If you encounter any artists you’re not familiar with, I encourage you to listen to their signature tracks.

Contents

1.The History of Japanese Female Singers

In Japan, female singers began to make their mark starting in the 1960s. At that time, female vocalists mainly performed Kayokyoku (Japanese pop music). The 1970s saw the emergence of female singer-songwriters. This era introduced artists who would become emblematic of modern female singer-songwriters, including Mayumi Itsuwa and Yumi Arai. Concurrently, female idols like Mari Amachi, Momoe Yamaguchi, and Candies also gained popularity.

The 1980s marked a period when Japanese rock music captured the spotlight, leading to the rise of female rock singers. Today, female singers continue to thrive across various music genres.

2.Introducing 12 Popular Japanese Female Singers!

In Japan, female singers are making significant impact in various genres such as pop and rock.

Below, we introduce 12 famous female singers currently active in Japan. Be sure to check out their signature songs to find artists that match your taste.

2-1.Hikaru Utada

Hikaru Utada is a singer-songwriter who debuted at the age of 15 in 1997. Her debut was met with acclaim for her mature vocal abilities and high-level songwriting and composing skills, unusual for her age. Utada handles all her lyric writing, composing, and arranging, and has earned high praise for her expressive prowess.

After a hiatus in 2010, she resumed her music career in 2016 and continues to release new songs. Some of her signature tracks include “Automatic,” “First Love,” and “桜流し (Sakura Nagashi).”

2-2.Ayumi Hamasaki

Ayumi Hamasaki debuted in 1998 and is known for writing her own lyrics, which resonate strongly with her primary audience of young women.

Known for her vocal prowess and relatable lyricism, as well as her stunning appearance, she is often referred to as the “平成の歌姫 (Hisei no Utahime : Diva of the Heisei Era).” Even at 45, her enduring beauty continues to attract a young female following. Her influence on female fans extends to makeup and fashion.

Her popular songs include “HANABI,” “M,” and “SEASONS.”

2-3.aiko

aiko made her major debut in 1998. Despite her petite frame and cute demeanor, she is known for her powerful vocal range and energetic live performances. At 48, her youthful appearance and fashion sense, coupled with her exceptional conversational skills, continue to endear her to fans.

Her music often features jazz and blues chord progressions, resulting in dynamic melodies that are instantly recognizable as hers. Her repertoire includes many sweet and poignant love songs, such as “Kabutomushi,” “Boyfriend,” and “Hanabi.”

2-4.MISIA

MISIA, an R&B singer who debuted in 1998, grew up influenced by church gospel.Known for her extensive and clear vocal range that spans five octaves, she skillfully uses her voice to perform a variety of musical styles.

Her signature songs include “Everything,” “Aitakute Ima,” and “Ai no Katachi feat. HIDE (GReeeeN).”

In addition to her musical activities,MISIA is also widely acclaimed for her active involvement in philanthropic endeavors, including supporting children’s education.

2-5.Ringo Shiina

Shiina Ringo, a singer-songwriter who debuted in 1998, is known for her unique singing style using rolling Rs and her literary lyrical content.

She also performs as the vocalist for the popular rock band “Tokyo Jihen”, and engages in various other musical activities, including releasing duet songs and providing music to other artists.

Her hits include “幸福論 (Koufukuron),” “歌舞伎町の女王 (Kabukicho no Joou),” and “本能 (Hon’nou).” Popular Tokyo Jihen songs include “Killer Tune,” “透明人間 (Toumei Ningen),” and “群青日和 (Gunjou Biyori).”

2-6.Namie Amuro

Namie Amuro, who debuted in 1992 and retired in 2018, remains highly popular in Japan. Known for her powerful and expansive vocal range, she performs a wide variety of music from ballads to hip-hop. Her mysterious persona, characterized by the absence of live MCs and social media presence, and her private life kept out of the public eye, has captured the hearts of many fans.

During her peak, her fashion style was incredibly influential among high school girls, who were dubbed “Amura” after her.

Her most popular songs include “太陽のSEASON (Taiyou no SEASON),” “SWEET 19 BLUES,” and “CAN YOU CELEBRATE?”

2-7.Ado

Ado is a singer who made her major debut in 2020 at the age of 18 while still a high school student. Initially an amateur singer on platforms like YouTube, her broad vocal range allows her to perform a variety of musical styles.

Her hit songs include “うっせぇわ (Usseewa)” and “私は最強 (Watashi wa Saikyou).” Her theme song “新時代 (Shinjidai)” for the movie ONE PIECE FILM RED has also gained significant popularity.

2-8. Aimer

Aimer, who debuted in 2011, suffered vocal cord damage at the age of 15 but subsequently mastered a singing style that prevents further injury, leading to her distinctive husky voice.

She excels at expressing various emotions and styles through her singing and is often chosen to sing anime theme songs, accurately conveying the themes and atmospheres of the anime through her voice.

Her representative songs include the theme song “残響散歌 (Zankyou Sanka)” for the anime Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Entertainment District Arc, as well as “カタオモイ (Kataomoi)” and “蝶々結び (Chouchou Musubi).”

2-9. Kana Hanazawa

Kana Hanazawa is primarily known for her work as a voice actress in anime. She often voices charming female characters, and her notable roles include 千石撫子 (Nadeko Sengoku) in 化物語 (Bakemonogatari), 甘露寺蜜璃 (Mitsuri Kanroji) in 鬼滅の刃 (Demon Slayer), and 中野一花 (Ichika Nakano) in 五等分の花嫁 (The Quintessential Quintuplets).

In 2012, she also debuted as a solo singer, releasing popular tracks such as “星空☆ディスティネーション (Hoshizora☆Destination)” and “恋愛サーキュレーション (Renai Circulation).” Her songs frequently rank high in Japan’s music charts.

2-10. Aimyon

Aimyon, a singer-songwriter, made her major debut in 2016.She began practicing guitar at age 14 and started composing music at 15.

Although a female artist, she prefers writing songs from a male perspective about being in love. Her skillful lyricism has not only won her a substantial female fanbase but also a significant following among men aged 30 to 50. Her hit songs include “あのね (Anone),” “マリーゴールド (Marigold),” and “恋をしたから (Koi wo Shita Kara).”

2-11.Ikuta Lilas

Ikuta Lilas is the female vocalist for the popular music unit YOASOBI, which was formed in 2019. She also performs as a singer-songwriter on her own. Her beautiful, clear voice is versatile, handling everything from relaxed to upbeat songs.

Her solo hits include “Answer” and “ロマンスの約束 (Romance no Yakusoku),” while her YOASOBI tracks include “夜に駆ける (Yoru ni Kakeru),” “群青 (Gunjou),” and “アイドル (Idol).”

2-12. LiSA

LiSA debuted as a solo artist in 2011 and can sing across a wide vocal range, delivering everything from rhythmic, uptempo rock to ballads and pop.

She has frequently been featured in anime song collaborations. Her representative tracks include “紅蓮華 (Gurenge)” and “炎 (Homura)” from Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and “シルシ (Shirushi)” from Sword Art Online 2.

Conclusion

Japan boasts a variety of female artists who have captivated fans with their overwhelming vocal talents. Their voices vary in strength and clarity, each offering a unique allure.

Many singers expand their activities beyond music to songwriting and social contribution, ensuring their impact is felt widely. Be sure to check their official social media for more details about each artist.

*This article is based on information available as of May 2024.

J-POP Singer
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