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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80s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Song Rankings [2026] (41–50)
clownNakajima Miyuki50rank/position
This is a masterpiece by Miyuki Nakajima, whose melancholy waltz melody seeps deep into the heart.
Released in September 1979 as part of the single “Revival,” the song portrays a protagonist bound by unforgettable memories of love, trying to dull the pain with alcohol.
The way they hide their true sorrow and carry themselves with composure makes them seem like a lonely clown.
The piece is also known as a song provided to actor Jinhachi Nezu and has been covered by artists such as Naoko Ken.
It’s a track that quietly stays by the side of a solitary heart on nights when one cannot take a step forward from memories of the past.
Top 1980s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (51–60)
wicked womanNakajima Miyuki51rank/position
She is a leading female artist in the New Music genre, on par with Yumi Matsutoya.
She appears in commercials now, but back then it was rare for New Music artists to appear on TV programs.
In October 1981, during the peak era of ranking shows, her song “Akujo” also hit No.
1 on the Oricon chart and became a massive hit with 830,000 copies sold, yet she had no media exposure.
unrequited love for someone already in a relationshipNakajima Miyuki52rank/position
Yoko-rembo (Unrequited Love), Miyuki Nakajima’s 1982 number, portrays the feelings of falling for someone who already has a partner.
Its lyrics, which sketch a heartbreak as poignant as a scene from a drama, are a striking contrast to the sprightly melody.
The singer can’t suppress her feelings, and yet she resolves to say goodbye.
She muses on the what-ifs—if only she had met them before they found someone else.
Even while carrying those thoughts, the song depicts her determination to bring closure to her own emotions with firm resolve.
snowNakajima Miyuki53rank/position
This is a winter song filled with the poignant qualities of Miyuki Nakajima’s signature kayōkyoku style.
It’s included on the 1981 album “Rin’getsū” (Full Term).
It was written with thoughts of Nakajima’s late father.
The regret over selfish things done before his passing makes it a sorrowful piece that feels as if it could be buried beneath the quietly accumulating snow.
It would be nice if we could live in a way that doesn’t let a day with bad memories become the very last day…
Please don’t say goodbyeGorin Mayumi54rank/position
Released in March 1978, this song feels like a prelude to her later hit “Koibito yo.” Compared to “Koibito yo,” it has a more up-tempo rhythm.
While it is a heartbreak song, it doesn’t emphasize darkness.
I think it’s a masterpiece that showcases her vocal prowess.
girlGorin Mayumi55rank/position
Mayumi Itsuwa’s debut song, created with her exceptional composing sense and supple vocal ability, was even described as the “Japanese Carole King” during overseas recording.
The melody certainly carries a Carole-like atmosphere, but of course she would go on to develop a distinctly original compositional style thereafter.
Sometimes, old storiesKatō Tokiko56rank/position
This is a ballad for adults that brings back fond memories the moment you hear it.
Created by Tokiko Kato, known as a singer-songwriter, it was included on the album “MY STORY/Toki ni wa Mukashi no Hanashi wo,” released in September 1986, and was issued as a single the following year.
You may also know it as the ending theme of the 1992 film Porco Rosso.
Set to a beautiful waltz of piano and strings, the song looks back on youthful dreams and setbacks, and conversations with friends.
If you play it at a wedding—on the day of a new beginning—during a moment of gratitude to the parents who raised you, the venue is sure to be filled with warm tears.
Why not choose this classic, which conveys both the weight of life and a sense of hope, for your most meaningful moments?