Ranking of Popular Songs by Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s [2026]
This is a song list featuring hit and classic tracks by female singer-songwriters from the 1990s.
The 1990s were the era in Japan when music and CDs sold the most, with million-selling records coming one after another.
Alongside massive hits, many highly musical works were also produced that satisfied even dedicated music fans.
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Top 90s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (61–70)
Friends again tomorrownishiwaki yui64rank/position
A classic song that warmly celebrates the importance of friendship.
Its bright melody that resonates with children and its simple, heartwarming lyrics are especially appealing.
Released in October 1992, it was broadcast for about three years as the fifth ending theme of the anime Doraemon.
It is often sung at kindergarten graduation ceremonies and recitals, and has become a memorable song for growing children.
It’s a track we hope people who cherish bonds with friends—and children approaching graduation—will listen to.
Actress in the MirrorNakahara Meiko65rank/position
This is one of Meiko Nakahara’s signature works and is also well known as the opening theme for the anime Kimagure Orange Road.
Included on her album Actress in the Mirror, released in March 1988, the track is characterized by its glittering synth-pop sound.
It skillfully portrays a woman’s emotions swaying between the realities and ideals of love, resonating deeply with listeners.
Celebrated as a city pop classic, it continues to be beloved by many fans, making it highly recommended for anyone interested in ’80s music.
Its appeal shines even more when listened to in an urban atmosphere—like during a nighttime drive.
Song of the TravelerNakajima Miyuki66rank/position
Released in May 1995 as the 32nd single and the theme song for the television drama “A Homeless Child 2,” which sparked a social phenomenon, “Tabibito no Uta” sold about 1.03 million copies, becoming a million-seller.
Its lyrics convey deep empathy for people who wander without a place to call home, powerfully asserting that even if you lose your past or your love, your dreams will never disappear.
The song gives profound courage to those who feel lonely in modern society.
With its emotional band sound and soul-stirring vocals that strike the heart, it’s a moving number that people standing at a crossroads in life should especially hear.
Miss YouImai Miki67rank/position
Miki Imai, who has been active since the 1980s, has many hit songs, but it was after she met Tomoyasu Hotei—who would later become her husband—in the 1990s that she began achieving major commercial success.
Released in July 1994, “Miss You” is a quintessential ballad born from her collaboration with Hotei, and many women surely admired Imai’s delicate rendering of Yūho Iwasato’s deeply moving lyrics.
It was also her third best-selling single, and there are likely still people who sing it at karaoke today.
Snowy WeekendImai Miki68rank/position
This is a song by Miki Imai, who is active not only as a singer but also as an actress.
It’s included on her seventh album, “flow into space,” and it’s also noteworthy that the arrangement was handled by Joe Hisaishi.
The content conveys a calm yet bittersweet atmosphere, as if looking out at the snowy sky through a window and reflecting on memories.
While suffering from the poignancy of memories of snow, it also depicts a determination to become a new self and move forward into the future.
Girls’ GenerationHarayuko69rank/position
This song features a nostalgic melody that gently embraces days gone by and resonates in the heart.
Originally written for Yuki Saito, it was included as a self-cover on the single “Makeruna Onna no Ko!” released in November 1991, and was chosen as the ending theme for the TV anime “YAWARA! a fashionable judo girl!” The bittersweet memories of youth, spun by Hara’s warm vocals, naturally overlap with the slightly lonely scenery of autumn as you listen.
It may touch you even more deeply if you play it at dusk while lost in thought.
A Smile for the Angel of TearsHarayuko70rank/position
This is a gentle piece woven by piano and strings, perfectly suited to autumn’s sentimental mood! It’s a solo number by Haruko Hara, also known as a member of Southern All Stars, with lyrics and composition by Keisuke Kuwata.
Released as a single in November 1997, it was used as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Amakarashan.” The lyrics are deeply moving, depicting a figure who, even in despair, finds a spark of hope and tries to face forward.
Listening to her warm, embracing voice feels like your heart is being cleansed.