Top 1980s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
We’ll introduce a ranking of popular songs by female singer-songwriters from the 1980s, including classic and hit tracks.
These songs were hits during Japan’s economic peak, the era known as the bubble.
Many are still frequently used as TV background music, so chances are you’ve heard most of them.
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1980s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Song Rankings [2026] (21–30)
Ro-Ro-Ro-Russian RouletteNakahara Meiko22rank/position
Dirty Pair, which began airing in 1985, is an anime set in a futuristic world.
It follows Kei and Yuri, a pair of beautiful trouble consultants with the codename “Lovely Angels,” as they solve a variety of problems.
The opening theme, sung by Meiko Nakahara—who also scored a big hit with “Kimitachi Kiwi Papaya Mango da ne”—is a track richly infused with late-1980s pop sensibilities that really captures the spirit of the era.
My loverGorin Mayumi23rank/position
It’s a heartbreaking farewell song that trembles the heart, reflecting on a beloved person you can no longer meet.
It’s a piece by Mayumi Itsuwa, a singer-songwriter who enjoys great popularity overseas, released in 1980 as her 18th single.
The lyrics are deeply moving, as if she carefully sent out each word that rose from within her heart.
It shows just how much she was thinking about that person.
The model for this “lover” was Takasuke Kida, a musician who was active as a member of the band Jacks and sadly passed away in 1980.
night after nightKurahashi Yoeko24rank/position
Yoeko Kurahashi is known for a style that blends jazz with Japanese popular ballads.
Her song Yonayona Yona portrays her tossing and turning at night, lost in troubling thoughts.
The psychological state is depicted quite realistically, so anyone who’s had similar experiences will likely feel it’s speaking directly to them.
Her uniquely distinctive vocal delivery is also a highlight.
It’s unlike any other singing style, so please give it a listen yourself.
Although the song expresses despair and may initially feel unsettling, it gradually becomes addictive.
4:00 AMOhnuki Taeko25rank/position
This song is themed around the stillness and introspection before dawn.
It delicately captures the quiet atmosphere of 4 a.m., imbued with the protagonist’s inner turmoil and desire for a fresh start.
Included on the album “MIGNONNE,” released in September 1978, it is one of Taeko Onuki’s signature works, beloved by many fans.
The beautiful arrangement by Ryuichi Sakamoto is also a highlight.
It’s perfect for night owls or anyone standing at a crossroads in life.
Use it in your Instagram story late at night to create a calm mood.
Be sure to listen while feeling the quiet of the night.
Memory PillowKosaka Kyoko26rank/position
This classic song of aching love is brought back to life by Kyoko Kosaka’s translucent voice.
Released in May 1975, it became a massive hit, selling over 1.3 million copies.
It delicately portrays a woman’s feelings as she recalls memories of her lover alongside the pain of heartbreak.
Scenes of her singing the song he loved or drinking alone convey emotions that anyone can relate to.
It’s a song that gently stays with you on nights when you feel like remembering someone dear.
youKozaka Akiko27rank/position
A masterpiece that sings of wistful, pure love, its lyrics and melody seep deeply into the listener’s heart.
When it was released in 1973, it instantly became a social phenomenon.
Remarkably, she was only 16 years old when this massive hit came out.
It’s said that the song was written with thoughts for her future spouse.
The way it charmingly depicts a dream of a happy family life in a small home is truly endearing.
It’s a song that brings back memories of that bittersweet first love almost everyone has experienced.
It’s great for karaoke, and also highly recommended to listen to with someone special.
Happy Birthday…to meYamashita Kumiko28rank/position
This work was born as a birthday song to oneself.
It’s a track packed with Kumiko Yamashita’s charm, marked by a pop, glamorous vibe that really stands out.
The lyrics, which portray the loneliness and wistfulness of a birthday party, will likely resonate with many.
Tomoyasu Hotei’s refined arrangement is another highlight.
It’s a song that makes you want to cherish yourself on a special day.
A high-energy rock number that we’d love for anyone celebrating a birthday to hear.