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

Orie’s SongYamazaki Hako26rank/position

Hako Yamasaki - Orie’s Song

Another song I recommend for savoring a profound drama is Orie no Uta.

It’s a piece Hiroyuki Itsuki wrote specifically, inspired by the film The Gate of Youth.

It’s sung by Hako Yamazaki.

The story is set in 1970s Fukuoka, and the lyrics are written in the local dialect.

Another notable feature is the frequent appearance of personal and place names.

Simply knowing the place names will surely deepen your understanding of the lyrics.

And if you’re interested, check out the original film—the characters with the same names as in the song appear in it.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem

The morning I had forgottenYamamoto Junko27rank/position

Wasurete Ita Asa

The July 1971 single by the folk group Akai Tori is like a mental landscape that gently reflects the youth of those days.

Skillfully blending the essences of folk and pop, Junko Yamamoto’s clear, translucent vocals and the beautiful harmonies soothe the listener’s heart.

Rofu Yamagami’s poetic lyrics quietly evoke memories of days gone by, while Kunihiko Murai’s melody tenderly accompanies them.

Included on the album Akai Tori II, this piece features a calm arrangement that conveys the freshness of a morning breeze.

It’s a recommended song for moments when you want to pause amid a busy life to reflect on yourself, or when you feel like immersing yourself in cherished memories.

I want to go back to that dayMatsutōya Yumi28rank/position

Yumi Matsutoya – I Want to Return to That Day (Yumi Arai The Concert with Old Friends)

This song is one of the signature pieces by Yumi Arai—better known as Yuming—who was a trailblazer among singer-songwriters.

When people think of Showa-era autumn songs, many may recall this very melody.

It portrays a woman’s heartrending longing as she cannot forget a bygone love and wishes to return to her youthful days.

The scenes of piecing together torn photographs and leaving a tear-blurred address tucked in the door convey emotions bordering on obsession.

Released in October 1975, the song was chosen as the theme for the TBS drama “Family Secrets” and reached No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart.

It’s a number you’ll want to listen to quietly on a melancholic autumn evening, reminiscing about the past.

Surf Paradise, Ski ParadiseMatsutōya Yumi29rank/position

Surf Heaven Ski Heaven / Surf Tengoku, Ski Tengoku (2022 Ｍix)

Known by the nickname “Yuming,” singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya has released numerous hit songs, from her own original works to tracks she’s written for others.

Her song “Surf Tengoku, Ski Tengoku,” included on her 10th album SURF & SNOW, was used as the theme song for the film Take Me Out to the Snowland.

Its lyrics, which heighten the anticipation of winter’s snowy landscapes, set hearts dancing alongside an urban ensemble.

Despite never being released as a single, it has become a staple winter song and stands as a representative number of the 1980s.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

My lover is Santa ClausMatsutōya Yumi30rank/position

My Baby Santa Claus / Koibito Ga Santa Claus

When it comes to Christmas songs, this is the one! Many people probably think of it first.

Included on Yumi Matsutoya’s 10th original album released in 1980, this track has now become a winter classic.

It has been passed down through performances by popular artists such as Seiko Matsuda and Hitomi Shimatani, and new covers have continued to be released even into the 2020s.

As Christmas approaches, you’re sure to hear Yumi Matsutoya’s voice all around town.

Even as various artists release new Christmas songs every year, its popularity never fades—truly a legendary piece.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yuri

Report a problem