1970s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
We’ll be ranking popular songs and hidden gems by female singer-songwriters from the ’70s.
Breakthrough hits by legendary SSWs who are still going strong today will also make an appearance.
It’s a playlist that even younger listeners will find thoroughly satisfying.
- A collection of nostalgic hit songs and classics from the 70s
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- [Showa Kayō] A roundup of Japanese love songs that hit in the 1970s
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- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese idols from the 1970s
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- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
- Popular Oldies and Classic Songs Ranking: 1970s Japanese Music
- [Japanese Music] A Collection of Heart-Touching Hit Folk Songs from the 1970s
- Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 80s
- Commercial songs from the 70s. Nostalgic TV commercial jingles.
Top 10 Female Singer-Songwriters’ Popular Songs of the 1970s [2026] (1–10)
Shiretoko Ryojo (Shiretoko Travel Sentiment)Katō Tokiko8rank/position
It is a celebrated song that vividly portrays the nature of Shiretoko and the feelings of love.
Its beautiful scenery and poignant emotions resonate together, leaving a deep impression on listeners.
Tokiko Kato’s pure, clear vocals further enhance the song’s appeal.
Released in November 1970, it topped the Oricon charts for seven consecutive weeks.
It also ranked second on the year-end chart that same year and became a massive hit, selling over 1.4 million copies.
The song is included in Japanese middle school music textbooks and continues to be loved across generations.
It’s a perfect choice for moments when you want to relax or reflect on memories with someone special.
FANTASYNakahara Meiko9rank/position
Let me introduce a positive break-up song, “FANTASY.” It’s a track sung by singer-songwriter Meiko Nakahara, included on her second album, “Cinderella Until 2 O’Clock – FRIDAY MAGIC -.” The lyrics portray a woman who, after a breakup, finds her way to a new love.
The song is dance-themed, with a relaxed, groovy sound you can move to.
It’s also a track that lends itself well to adding your own original choreography.
Message of RougeArai Yumi10rank/position
Known as one of Yumi Arai’s signature songs, this track was released in February 1975.
Lauded for its American pop style, it features prominent artists such as Tatsuro Yamashita and Minako Yoshida on backing vocals.
The piece is characterized by deep emotional expression and delicate melodies, and is interpreted as symbolizing love, longing, and a young girl’s coming of age.
It has been used in various commercials and was featured as an insert song in the 2022 film “Suzume.” It’s a perfect pick for those who want to relax and immerse themselves in music on Halloween night.
1970s Women Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (11–20)
spring thunderfuki no tō11rank/position
It’s a lyrical folk song that makes you want to look up at the sky just as Hokkaido’s long winter comes to an end.
Released as a single in February 1979 by Fukinotou, it was also included on the album “Jinsei • Haru • Oudan” and is cherished as one of their signature numbers.
The lyrics, written and composed by Yasuyo Yamaki—said to carry a prayer for his ailing mother—resonate with the unsettled feelings that come with the change of seasons, striking a deep chord.
Ichizo Seo’s arrangement dramatizes both stillness and intensity, powerfully stirring the emotions.
Fans also know that this song marked their first appearance on “Yoru no Hit Studio” in March 1979.
As graduation season blends farewells with new departures, why not listen to it amid the mix of anxiety and anticipation that comes with taking a new step forward?
If I’m wrapped in kindnessArai Yumi12rank/position
The soft, floating melody overflows with a timeless appeal that transcends trends.
Released in the second year of Yumi Arai’s debut, this piece is characterized by orchestration centered on acoustic piano.
Included on the album MISSLIM, released in October 1974, it later gained broad recognition when it was used as the ending theme for Kiki’s Delivery Service.
Its lyrics, which bring to mind gratitude toward someone dear, make it a song you want to hear at life’s milestones.
It’s a track that gently stays by your side when your heart is weary, wrapping you in a feeling of kindness.
Graduation PhotoArai Yumi13rank/position
When you’re feeling sad, you open an album and gaze at the photos, or you spot someone in town but can’t bring yourself to call out… It’s a classic by Yumi Arai filled with the bittersweetness of youth that everyone has felt at least once.
Released in February 1975 as a song provided to Hi-Fi Set, it was later included in Yumi Arai’s own album “COBALT HOUR” in June of the same year.
Since then, it has been used as the theme song for the film “Watch with Me” and in the drama “Sotsu Uta,” resonating across generations.
It’s a heartwarming song that gently stays by your side when you want to bask in nostalgia or when you’ve gone through a farewell with someone dear.
You can do it!Nakajima Miyuki14rank/position
This is a song you’ll want to listen to when taking that first step into a new chapter, like starting school.
The powerful message woven by Miyuki Nakajima gives you the courage to face adversity.
Featured on her 1983 album “Premonition,” the track was later used in a 1994 Sumitomo Life commercial.
More recently, it appeared in TV commercials for Calorie Mate, becoming a beloved anthem of encouragement across generations.
It’s especially recommended for those facing difficulties or feeling anxious about a new environment.
Miyuki Nakajima’s warm voice is sure to give you a gentle push forward.