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.
Playlist
| Top 1980s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1 | foreignerKUBOTA Saki |  play_arrow | A heartbreak song illuminated by Saki Kubota’s translucent, pure voice |
| 2 | stationTakeuchi Mariya |  play_arrow | Reunion at the station, the bittersweet pain of a past love |
| 3 | My RevolutionWatanabe Misato |  play_arrow | Song of Courage to Take a New Step Forward |
| 4 | Friday ChinatownYasuha |  play_arrow | A classic gem of exotic charm from the Showa-era Chinatown |
| 5 | Cheer up!Takeuchi Mariya |  play_arrow | Songs provided to Hiroko Yakushimaru, popular songs by Mariya Takeuchi |
| 6 | Equator Girl: Dokki!Yamashita Kumiko |  play_arrow | Queen of the Sun, Summer Love, a Technopop Masterpiece |
| 7 | Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako |  play_arrow | Cheering on a new beginning with Takako Okamura’s song |
| 8 | My lover is Santa ClausMatsutōya Yumi |  play_arrow | Spend time with a loved one with Christmas songs |
| 9 | Women Who Fall in Love in SummerOhnuki Taeko |  play_arrow | Taeko Onuki’s urban 1980s love songs |
| 10 | I want to protect youMatsutōya Yumi |  play_arrow | A soothing classic wrapped in Yumi’s warm singing voice |
| 11 | Time of the AngelsOkamura Takako |  play_arrow | A classic Christmas song by Takako Okamato |
| 12 | era; age; time; periodNakajima Miyuki |  play_arrow | Released in December 1975, this work... |
| 13 | You can do it!Nakajima Miyuki |  play_arrow | A powerful anthem cheering you on as you take a new step |
| 14 | A Lonely Christmas SongOzaki Ami |  play_arrow | A Christmas song by Ami Ozaki that resonates with the heart |
| 15 | You’re Kiwi, Papaya, and Mango.Nakahara Meiko |  play_arrow | Meiko-san’s Kiwi, Papaya, and Mango |
| 16 | I bear a grudge.Nakajima Miyuki |  play_arrow | A song of heartbreak’s pain and deep resentment |
| 17 | I want to go back to that dayMatsutōya Yumi |  play_arrow | A classic song from Yuming’s youth |
| 18 | Graduationsawada shouko |  play_arrow | Shoko Sawada's 'Graduation': The Bittersweet Feelings of Graduation |
| 19 | That’s sad, isn’t it?Watanabe Misato |  play_arrow | A drama song by Misato Watanabe composed by Tetsuya Komuro |
| 20 | Plastic LoveTakeuchi Mariya |  play_arrow | A classic of 80s city pop, the bittersweet emotions of love |
| 21 | Funky ChristmasNakahara Meiko |  play_arrow | Funky Christmas Dance Song |
| 22 | Ro-Ro-Ro-Russian RouletteNakahara Meiko |  play_arrow | An anime about a beautiful duo active in a future world. |
| 23 | My loverGorin Mayumi |  play_arrow | A farewell song in memory of the deceased |
| 24 | night after nightKurahashi Yoeko |  play_arrow | Yoeko Kurahashi’s “Yona Yona Yona,” a song that stirs the heart |
| 25 | 4:00 AMOhnuki Taeko |  play_arrow | The quiet before dawn and the restart of the heart |
| 26 | Memory PillowKosaka Kyoko |  play_arrow | A classic song that portrays the pain of heartbreak and lingering memories, sung with Kyoko Kosaka’s clear, translucent voice. |
| 27 | youKozaka Akiko |  play_arrow | A masterpiece that sang of pure love and became a social phenomenon |
| 28 | Happy Birthday…to meYamashita Kumiko |  play_arrow | A heartwarming song to celebrate a birthday |
| 29 | From the bathroom with loveYamashita Kumiko |  play_arrow | The unique style of Kumiko Yamashita’s debut song |
| 30 | Christmas NightOkamura Takako |  play_arrow | Express a Christmas song with a broken-heart, bittersweet mood. |
| 31 | Surf Paradise, Ski ParadiseMatsutōya Yumi |  play_arrow | Yuming’s classic winter song, heartwarming music |
| 32 | Sugarcane fieldMoriyama Ryoko |  play_arrow | Known as a classic that colored the Showa-era pop music scene… |
| 33 | Graduation PhotoArai Yumi |  play_arrow | A graduation song that looks back on youth and the past |
| 34 | No reply needed.Arai Yumi |  play_arrow | The Legend of Yuming’s Debut Song |
| 35 | She and TIP ON DUOImai Miki |  | Miki Imai’s 4th single, “Kanojo to T… |
| 36 | The Beginning of TimeOhnuki Taeko |  play_arrow | Taeko Onuki’s distinctive voice and worldview |
| 37 | Friday ChinatownYasuha | play_arrow | Daughter inherits the same performance talent as her father |
| 38 | Not For SaleTanimura Yumi |  play_arrow | A singer-songwriter with a long career |
| 39 | Sun, God, BoyNoda Mikiko |  play_arrow | An idol pop work with Greek mythology motifs |
| 40 | April Fools in DecemberEPO |  play_arrow | A sophisticated masterpiece that sings of heartbreak at Christmas |
| 41 | DOWN TOWNEPO |  play_arrow | Introduction to EPO's debut song. |
| 42 | If you’re coming alone, don’t come in winter.fuki no tō |  play_arrow | Yasuyo Yamaki’s classic winter song that depicts a heartrending love |
| 43 | winter galaxyfuki no tō |  play_arrow | A clear winter scene, a heartwarming classic |
| 44 | White Winterfuki no tō |  play_arrow | The shifting of autumn to winter and the sorrow of heartbreak |
| 45 | FANTASYNakahara Meiko |  play_arrow | A song depicting reincarnation and new beginnings |
| 46 | Actress in the MirrorNakahara Meiko |  play_arrow | A signature song by Meiko Nakahara, a city pop masterpiece |
| 47 | Lullaby of the Thistle MaidenNakajima Miyuki |  play_arrow | The sad atmosphere of Miyuki Nakajima’s cover song |
| 48 | As if singing a Christmas songNakajima Miyuki |  play_arrow | Miyuki Nakajima’s Christmas Song, A Special Day |
| 49 | As if singing a Christmas songNakajima Miyuki |  play_arrow | A classic song that sings of a bittersweet Christmas romance |
| 50 | clownNakajima Miyuki |  play_arrow | Miyuki Nakajima’s classic waltz. A protagonist hiding the sorrow of a broken heart. |
| 51 | wicked womanNakajima Miyuki |  play_arrow | A female New Music–style artist on par with Yumi Matsutoya… |
| 52 | unrequited love for someone already in a relationshipNakajima Miyuki |  play_arrow | A bittersweet love story about someone in love with a person who already has a partner |
| 53 | snowNakajima Miyuki |  play_arrow | Miyuki Nakajima’s winter song of aching feelings for her father |
| 54 | girlGorin Mayumi |  play_arrow | Characteristics and Evaluation of Mayumi Itsuwa’s Debut Song |
| 55 | Sometimes, old storiesKatō Tokiko |  play_arrow | Tokiko Kato’s classic song that sings of life |
| 56 | Last Single X’masHarayuko |  play_arrow | Haruyuki’s Christmas ballad, the bittersweet memories of youth |
| 57 | Love, my deepest apologies for troubling you when you are so busy.Harayuko |  play_arrow | Haruko Hara’s classic, loved across generations |
| 58 | The night of my birthdayHarayuko |  play_arrow | Haruyuki Hara’s 3rd single, a masterpiece depicting a night of love |
| 59 | Just a JokeKokubu Yurie |  play_arrow | City pop, a classic song that sings about the pain of heartbreak |
| 60 | Summer ConnectionOhnuki Taeko |  play_arrow | Taeko Onuki’s songs that color the brilliance of summer |
| 61 | Forest ChristmasOhnuki Taeko |  play_arrow | Taeko Onuki’s classic song depicting a winter forest |
| 62 | city; urban areaOhnuki Taeko |  play_arrow | Taeko Onuki’s classic, expressing the loneliness of the city |
| 63 | Azure NocturneOzaki Ami |  play_arrow | Stirring, piano-centered emotional music |
| 64 | curseYamazaki Hako |  play_arrow | Yamazaki Hako’s cursed song expresses the darkness of the heart. |
| 65 | Orie’s SongYamazaki Hako |  play_arrow | A moving enka song with lyrics by Hiroyuki Itsuki, sung by Hako Yamasaki. |
| 66 | The morning I had forgottenYamamoto Junko |  play_arrow | A song that gently portrays the youth of a red bird |
| 67 | Stray AngelOkamura Takako |  play_arrow | A classic that sings of the fluttering heart of love |
| 68 | Merry Christmas to the worldOkamura Takako |  play_arrow | Takako Okamura’s warm Christmas song |
| 69 | 1/2Kawamoto Makoto |  play_arrow | The masterpiece opening theme of Rurouni Kenshin |
| 70 | Flying to IstanbulShōno Mayoyo |  play_arrow | A classic with exotic flair, expressing the fleeting nature of love |
| 71 | 3-D Christmas cardMatsutōya Yumi |  play_arrow | The Appeal of Yumi Matsutoya’s Christmas Songs |
| 72 | BLIZZARDMatsutōya Yumi |  play_arrow | Yuming’s classic winter synthesizer song |
| 73 | DANG DANGMatsutōya Yumi |  play_arrow | Yumi Matsutoya's 'DANG DANG' is a song about heartbreak and the sea. |
| 74 | Kanna Route 8Matsutōya Yumi |  play_arrow | The canna flowers in the median strip and the sense of freedom while driving |
| 75 | The Refrain Is ScreamingMatsutōya Yumi |  play_arrow | Yuming’s signature breakup song |
| 76 | Christmas Waiting at the LodgeMatsutōya Yumi |  play_arrow | A moonlit ski slope and the heartrending feelings of longing for a lover |
| 77 | The last spring breakMatsutōya Yumi |  play_arrow | A classic song that sings of graduation memories in the spring season. |
| 78 | Snow reportMatsutōya Yumi |  play_arrow | Yumi Matsutoya’s winter classic: heartbreak and reunion |
| 79 | If I’m wrapped in kindnessMatsutoya Yumi |  play_arrow | The heartwarming music and lyrics of Yumi Arai |
| 80 | Message of RougeMatsutoya Yumi |  play_arrow | Showa-era classics are capturing attention again. |
| 81 | They are lovers.Moritaka Chisato |  play_arrow | Entered the entertainment industry after winning the Pocari Sweat award. |
| 82 | Lonely ChristmasMariko Nagai |  play_arrow | A classic song about the loneliness of Christmas |
| 83 | Today, at last, I will change my heartMariko Nagai |  play_arrow | A poignant masterpiece about confessing one’s love at Christmas |
| 84 | Single AgainTakeuchi Mariya |  play_arrow | Mariya Takeuchi “Again” released in 1989, peaked at No. 2 |
| 85 | Mysterious Peach PieTakeuchi Mariya |  play_arrow | Mariya Takeuchi’s spring song, expressing the exhilaration of love with refreshing clarity |
| 86 | contrailArai Yumi |  play_arrow | Expressing Yumi Arai’s youthful impressions with a clear, translucent singing voice |
| 87 | If I’m wrapped in kindnessArai Yumi |  play_arrow | Charming and timeless songs by Yumi Arai |
| 88 | Message of RougeArai Yumi |  play_arrow | A classic by Yumi Arai, an iconic song of love and growth |
| 89 | Demon-Counting SongKarashima Midori |  play_arrow | A masterpiece that resonates with Midori Karashima’s cold despair |
| 90 | Singin’ In The SnowNoda Mikiko |  play_arrow | Budding feelings of first love in a Christmas song |
| 91 | If the spring wind is blowingyoshida takurou/ yoshida keiko |  play_arrow | The original, released in June 1973… |
| 92 | Youthful RegretMatsutōya Yumi |  play_arrow | Many of you may already know this, but rig... |
| 93 | Morning GloryTakeuchi Mariya |  play_arrow | Tatsuro Yamashita’s bright city pop song “Morning Glory” |
| 94 | SEPTEMBERTakeuchi Mariya |  play_arrow | Mariya Takeuchi 'SEPTEMBER' — an autumn classic |
| 95 | Come back, my time.Takeuchi Mariya |  play_arrow | Singer-songwriter Mariya Takeuchi, known for her low voice |
| 96 | Seriously Only You (Let’s Get Married)Takeuchi Mariya |  play_arrow | A love song in the style of Mendelssohn’s Wedding March |
| 97 | I want to go back to that dayArai Yumi (Matsutoya Yumi) |  play_arrow | Yumi Matsutoya, who is still active as a singer, sa... |