[J-Pop] Debut songs by male solo artists from the 1990s
An artist’s debut single is a precious testimony—packed with raw impulses, determination, and all kinds of intentions.
Listeners from later generations are often surprised or convinced when they hear the debut songs of artists with long careers.
There’s something you can only sense in a first work—this isn’t limited to music.
This article spotlights male solo artists in Japanese music who debuted in the 1990s, the golden age of J-pop when CDs sold the most in Japan, and introduces their memorable debut tracks.
Including artists who launched solo careers after being in bands, enjoy the unique charms of debut songs—from mega-hits to hidden gems!
- 1990s Male Singer-Songwriters: Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Japanese Male Singers from the 1990s [2026]
- Classic and hit J-pop songs from the nostalgic ’90s
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- [J-Rock] Timeless masterpieces that colored the 1990s. Nostalgic hit songs.
- Debut song of a 90s visual kei band
- Popular Nostalgic Songs: J-Pop Ranking [1990s Japanese Music Ranking]
- Male singers with great voices: a collection of cool, seductive vocals
- A roundup of hit love songs from the ’90s
- Recommended love songs sung by male artists for the yutori generation
- Looking back at the gem-like debut songs of female singers who debuted in 1990
- Tear-jerking J-pop from the ’90s. Hit songs and real tearjerkers.
- I want to sing at karaoke! Songs by male artists recommended for Gen Z
[Japanese Pop] Debut Songs by Male Solo Artists from the ’90s (1–10)
NGMakihara Noriyuki
A debut single by singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara, who has released countless well-known masterpieces such as his signature song “Donna Toki mo” and “Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana,” which he wrote for SMAP.
Released on October 25, 1990, alongside his first album “Kimi ga Warau Toki Kimi no Mune ga Itamanai You ni,” the track is memorable for its intro that carries a wistful atmosphere.
While Makihara himself has said that “as the title suggests, its sales were NG,” you can already feel that his distinctly bittersweet worldview and gentle melodies were firmly in place from his debut.
It’s a hidden gem that marked the start of a rare singer-songwriter who would later dominate the J-pop scene.
Be pureOno Masatoshi
The major debut single by singer-songwriter Masatoshi Ono, who is active in a wide range of fields that leverage his vocal skills—such as serving as the vocalist for the metal band GALNERYUS and as a vocal school instructor.
Released on May 21, 1992, this track lets you enjoy his trademark high-tone voice right from the opening.
The ethereal ensemble blends with his crystal-clear vocals, creating a pop sound that still carries a sense of grandeur.
It’s a hidden gem that reaffirms Masatoshi Ono’s overwhelming vocal prowess and presence.
Far awayInaba Hiroshi
This is the first single by singer-songwriter Koshi Inaba, who debuted as the vocalist of the rock unit B’z and drew attention in 2022 for his first voice-acting role in the Japanese dub of the animated film “Sing 2.” Released on December 16, 1998, the track follows the trajectory of his first solo album “Magma,” which came out the previous year, and is known as the debut single of solo artist Koshi Inaba.
The ensemble, with its dramatic shifts in arrangement throughout the song, exudes a charm distinct from the direction of B’z.
It’s an emotional rock tune that fully warrants its numerous tie-ins.
[J-Pop] Debut songs by male solo artists from the ’90s (11–20)
weather divinationOzawa Kenji
This is the solo debut single by singer-songwriter Kenji Ozawa, who made his debut as a member of Flipper’s Guitar before their sudden breakup announcement in 1991 and was later hailed as the “Prince of Shibuya-kei.” Released on July 21, 1993, its simple sound—distinct from Flipper’s Guitar’s musical style—became a hot topic.
Built on an ensemble with an urban atmosphere and a unique sense of laid-back ease, it’s easy to see how it captivated young listeners at the time.
It’s a light yet richly layered number that encapsulates the musicality and direction of Kenji Ozawa as an artist.
For loveOkuda Tamio
This is the second single by singer-songwriter Tamio Okuda, known as the vocalist and guitarist of the five-piece rock band Unicorn, whose 2009 reunion drew widespread attention.
Although “Holiday/Kenkou” had been released as a planned project during Unicorn’s pre-breakup era and is sometimes regarded as his first single, this song marked his true solo debut single.
Its high-quality melody, delivered with his uniquely laid-back vocal style, likely comforted and reassured fans who felt the void after Unicorn’s breakup.
Packed with Okuda’s pop, catchy musical sensibilities, it stands as both his debut and one of his signature songs.
Bathed in moonlightYamazaki Masayoshi
The debut single by singer-songwriter Masayoshi Yamazaki, who captivates fans with an unforgettable, striking voice and the versatility to play virtually every instrument.
Released on September 25, 1995, it was used—remarkably for a debut track—as the opening theme for the information program “Sunday Jungle” and as a commercial song for Saison Card International.
Its arrangement, which evokes black music, and its accessible, distinctly J-pop melody already hint at his talent from the very start.
It’s a fresh yet confident number that reaffirms Yamazaki’s exceptional musical sensibilities.
I love youKawamura Ryuuichi
LUNA SEA, the pinnacle of ’90s visual-kei bands, has continued to exert a profound influence on Japan’s rock scene.
After their legendary outdoor concert “Midwinter Outdoor,” held at Yokohama Stadium in December 1996, the band went on hiatus, and the members each began solo activities.
Leading the charge with a solo debut was vocalist Ryuichi Kawamura.
His solo debut single, “I love you,” released on February 21, 1997, which he wrote and composed himself, is a simple yet fresh and pop-leaning love song, colored by light acoustic guitar backing and piano tones.
I vividly remember how die-hard LUNA SEA fans, myself included, were thrown into an uproar by how far it felt from the image of LUNA SEA’s “RYUICHI.” The track sold over 750,000 copies and marked the beginning of Kawamura’s remarkable run.
As an aside, his debut album “Love,” released the same year, reportedly sold 3.2 million copies, setting the record for the highest album sales by a male solo artist in Japanese music—a record that, as of 2022, remains unbroken.
