Looking back at the gem-like debut songs of female singers who debuted in 1990
The year 1990, which marked the beginning of the Heisei era, saw the emergence of numerous female artists on the music scene, leaving a significant legacy in Japan’s music world thereafter.
Many were recognized as powerful talents from their debut and etched brilliant records in Japanese music history, with some still active on the front lines today.
The distinctive voices and highly original debut songs of these artists are surely still etched deeply in the hearts of many people.
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Revisiting the gem-like debut songs of female singers who debuted in 1990 (31–40)
Let’s Play Winterhitomi
Hitomi’s debut song—she was a model and wildly sought after for commercials and the like.
Her bursting, cute visuals were striking, but as for her singing ability… Well, I never thought she was a particularly good vocalist to begin with, and the fact that you can tell she practiced a lot since her debut is, well, a bit awkward in itself.
I can’t leave you anymore.Kunitake Mari
This is the debut song of Mari Kunitake, whose gentle, whispery tone captivates with its smooth, heartfelt delivery.
“My Pager Doesn’t Ring Anymore,” which was later tied in with a TV drama, is also a wonderful track, but this one really conveys her delicate charm as well.
So good!
Bridge of FreedomTamura Naomi
Naomi Tamura’s debut song is characterized by sparkling, grain-like high notes.
It really showcases her expressive range, deftly shifting between quiet moments and intense passages.
The track was also used as the ending theme for a Beat Takeshi TV show.
Everyday life in heaven and hellGAO
At first glance, GAO leaves a strong impression with a powerful singing voice and appearance that might make you think she’s a male artist, but she is of course a quintessential female artist of the 1990s.
Even in her debut track, she showcases her signature strength—her commanding vocals—set against a hard-edged sound.
Let’s Take TENCA! – Uchida’s AmbitionUchida Yuki
She’s now an actress of a thoroughly composed maturity, but her debut-era success helped define the times.
It was a period when she was everywhere—TV commercials, starring roles in dramas—and she was also putting out poppy, quirky songs like this.
Revisiting the gem-like debut songs of female singers who debuted in 1990 (41–50)
TOMORROWMayo Okamoto
Partly because of their plain, unflashy appearance, they’re an artist who usually doesn’t get much attention, but their musical sensibility ultimately swept up the whole scene.
Even with their debut single, they suddenly hit double million sales—a figure that would be nearly impossible today even if you bundled handshake tickets with a glossy idol single.
Woman of OsakaShimatani Hitomi
Hitomi Shimatani is widely seen as a glamorous pop singer.
However, she actually debuted as an enka singer, with lyrics and production by the one and only Shinsuke Shimada, and the song composed by Arajin’s Ani Takahara.
They’re also the production duo behind Hexagon’s unit Shuchishin.