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)
From the bathroom with loveYamashita Kumiko29rank/position
Kumiko Yamashita’s debut song, known for its fast-paced, hard-edged sound, had a uniquely mood-kayo atmosphere to it.
However, who would have thought she would later experience exactly what the lyrics here describe…
Life is mysterious.
Christmas NightOkamura Takako30rank/position
Released in December 1988, this was Takako Okamura’s first Christmas song.
While centered on heartbreak, it beautifully captures the bittersweet atmosphere of the season.
The lyrics vividly conjure images of walking alone through a snowy town and looking up at the sky.
Okamura’s clear, translucent voice brings a touch of warmth to a cold winter night.
As a single cut from the album “SOLEIL,” it may be familiar to longtime fans.
It’s a song I recommend to those spending Christmas alone or thinking of someone special.
1980s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Song Rankings [2026] (31–40)
Surf Paradise, Ski ParadiseMatsutōya Yumi31rank/position
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.
Sugarcane fieldMoriyama Ryoko32rank/position
Known as a classic that colors the Showa-era pop scene, this piece carries lyrics that weave sorrow over war and a wish for peace, resonating with many hearts.
The melody, sung over the gentle tones of an acoustic guitar, evokes deep emotion.
First recorded in 1969 on the album “Ryoko Moriyama College Folk Album No.
2,” it has been cherished ever since.
Performed as a solo with guitar, it would surely become a song that deeply touches listeners.
Graduation PhotoArai Yumi33rank/position
A song widely known as a classic graduation tune that looks back on one’s youth.
It’s included on Yumi Arai’s third album, COBALT HOUR, and was released in June 1975.
Its wistful melody and lyrics that reminisce about student days evoke a timeless sense of poignancy.
Centered on the themes of one’s past and present self and relationships with loved ones, the lyrics are said to bring fresh resonance when heard in adulthood.
It’s a number to listen to when you find yourself layering the passage of time since graduation over who you are now, as memories of a tender first love overlap with your youth.
No reply needed.Arai Yumi34rank/position
This is the debut song released under the name Yumi Arai by the brilliantly talented musician who, as Yumi Matsutoya—known as Yuming—left an indelible mark on the history of Japanese pop.
Although this video is a performance from much later, the legend began with this very song.
She and TIP ON DUOImai Miki35rank/position
Miki Imai’s fourth single, “Kanojo to TIP ON DUO.” Released in 1988, this track was used as the Shiseido autumn campaign song that year, so those familiar with the ’80s probably heard it often in TV commercials.
While the melody is pop, the lyrics are moving: beneath the tough front of “I won’t think about him anymore!” you can feel the powerful sentiment of “I still love him.” It’s a quintessential ’80s song that people will want to revisit from their youth—and one that younger listeners should hear as well.
