[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)
La Boum ~Because MY BOOM IS ME~Kajihadeki
Dubbed “Mr.
Sweden” for his breezy, buoyant musical style, singer-songwriter Hideki Kaji became a central figure in the Shibuya-kei movement that flourished in the 1990s.
This is his debut single, released on January 6, 1997, the year after his debut mini-album MUSCAT E.P., and it was featured in a Kewpie Half mayonnaise commercial.
Its invigorating, weightless melody set over sprightly piano perfectly evokes Swedish pop.
It’s a track that vividly reflects Kaji’s musical sensibilities and mentality—one you’ll want to play on a leisurely day off.
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.
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.
[J-Pop] Debut songs by male solo artists from the ’90s (11–20)
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.
SHINING IN THE NIGHTKATSUMI
Many people of a certain generation probably think of KATSUMI when they hear about a distinctive “sauvage” hairstyle and a husky, glossy high-tone vocal.
KATSUMI, who produced many hits in the ’90s, burst onto the scene in 1990 as Pioneer LDC’s first J-POP singer.
His debut single, “SHINING IN THE NIGHT,” was released on April 25, 1990.
It was issued simultaneously with his debut album “SHINING” and came out across various formats such as VHS and LD—an unusual rollout for a newcomer, reflecting the high expectations for him as a major new artist.
His true breakthrough came with his self-penned “Kiken na Megami,” which served as the image song for the Camellia Diamond commercials, a recognized gateway for new artists at the time.
Within the glittering sound that carried over from the ’80s, KATSUMI’s talent as a singer—delivering bold, confident vocals—shines through to the fullest.