Female Singer-Songwriters of the ’60s: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

Forbidden LoveMoriyama Ryoko6rank/position

Forbidden Love Ryoko Moriyama 1969

This song is hailed as a masterpiece among 1960s folk numbers.

Its lyrics, which capture the ache of unrequited love, and its moving melody have touched countless hearts and continue to be cherished today.

Released in March 1969, it reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly singles chart.

It was also performed at the 20th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, swiftly becoming one of Ryoko Moriyama’s signature songs.

Total sales exceeded 800,000 copies, and it won the Lyricist Award at the 11th Japan Record Awards.

It’s the perfect tune for those troubled by love or who believe in pure affection.

It’s also a wonderful choice to listen to alone on a quiet night.

spring thunderfuki no tō7rank/position

Shunrai / Fuki no Tō (1979) [Lyrics] 2024 [No. 6]

Like flowers that color the spring, “Shunrai” (Spring Thunder), a 1979 masterpiece by Fuki no To that blossomed in the Showa-era music scene.

The song’s protagonist gazes at white petals scattering with a sudden spring thunder, their thoughts tenderly drawn to the person they parted from.

The tears-stirring lyrics were originally about a breakup between a man and a woman, but were later changed to their current form to reflect Yasuyo Yamaki’s wish for his mother.

Highly recommended for anyone who has endured a painful parting or wants to feel the warmth of spring’s arrival.

Hee, hee, hee, hee,EPO8rank/position

Ooh-hoo-hoo epo

“Ooh, hoo, hoo, hoo”—just the title alone makes you smile, doesn’t it? This irresistibly upbeat song radiates excitement.

It’s singer-songwriter EPO’s fifth single.

After gaining attention as a Shiseido cosmetics campaign jingle, it went on to be used in seven other companies’ commercials, and nearly 40 years after its release, it was even featured in a 2022 McDonald’s ad! The song’s enduring popularity as a commercial tune is astounding.

Are you managing to spend your days joyfully, laughing lightly like in this song?

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wicked womanNakajima Miyuki9rank/position

wicked woman

Still beloved today as a classic from the Showa era, this work features Miyuki Nakajima’s soul-stirring vocals and a poignant love story that resonates deeply.

Released as a single in October 1981, it is known as one of Nakajima’s signature songs.

The lyrics, which portray a woman’s feelings as she sacrifices herself for the one she loves, strike a chord with listeners.

Covered by numerous artists, it has been cherished both in Japan and abroad.

It’s a song recommended for listening alone on a quiet night.

A gem that accompanies those suffering in love or harboring a bittersweet longing.

foreignerKUBOTA Saki10rank/position

Saki Kubota "Ihōjin" Animated Music Video

From an intro that exudes an exotic atmosphere, Saki Kubota’s debut single draws you in before you know it.

The lyrics, suffused with loneliness and a sense of loss, are sure to resonate with anyone who has experienced the pain of heartbreak.

Released in October 1979, the song was also featured in a Sanyo Electric commercial and sparked a huge response, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon chart in December.

It’s a track that fully showcases her talent as a singer-songwriter, perfect for times when you want to heal the wounds of a broken heart or take a hard look at yourself.