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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1990s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Song Rankings [2026] (71–80)
Just a JokeKokubu Yurie71rank/position
The urbane, sophisticated sound and the lyrics that sing of heartbreak blend exquisitely, embodying the aesthetics of city pop with a charm that grips the listener’s heart and never lets go.
YurIE Kokubu’s transparent, crystalline vocals brilliantly convey the ache of a bittersweet love.
Released in 1983 and included on the album “Relief 72 hours,” this song was highly regarded even at the time.
In recent years, it has also drawn attention from overseas listeners, helping ignite the city pop boom.
It’s especially recommended for adults troubled by love.
When you want to soothe the pain of heartbreak, why not give this song a listen?
I can’t leave you anymore.Kunitake Mari72rank/position
This is the debut song of Mari Kunitake, whose gentle, whispery tone captivates with its smooth, heartfelt delivery.
“My Pager Doesn’t Ring Anymore,” which was later tied in with a TV drama, is also a wonderful track, but this one really conveys her delicate charm as well.
So good!
Summer ConnectionOhnuki Taeko73rank/position
This song portrays the sparkle of summer and a special encounter.
It’s the kind of track that makes your heart flutter just by listening.
Taeko Onuki’s clear, translucent vocals bring summer memories vividly to life.
Featured on the album “Gray Skies,” the song captivates with arrangements that incorporate elements of jazz.
Released in June 2023, it drew attention as a perfect track for the summer season.
Ideal for a weekend drive or a stroll by the sea.
Listen while feeling a gentle breeze, and you’ll feel as if you’re spending the summer right alongside Onuki.
Rondo – revolutionOkui Masami74rank/position
Broadcast in 1997, the TV anime Revolutionary Girl Utena gained popularity across a wide audience thanks to its experimental direction and a storyline that transcended the boundaries of shoujo manga.
Its opening theme, Rondo – revolution, was released as Masami Okui’s 10th single.
She has worked on many other anime songs as well, and in 2003 she joined JAM Project, a hugely popular group of anison singers.
Addicted To YouUtada Hikaru75rank/position
This is Hikaru Utada’s fourth single, released in November 1999, and it came out as an advance single for the album Distance.
The song also drew attention for being featured in a Sony commercial.
Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis—who have worked with Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson—participated in the production, delivering an authentic R&B sound that was unparalleled in Japan at the time.
It topped the Oricon charts for two consecutive weeks and became a massive hit, selling a total of about 1.78 million copies.
The lyrics vividly portray an intense fixation on the other person and the pain of being unable to let go.
Even when reason understands, the emotions can’t keep up—capturing the raw conflict of love that really hits home.
Its distinctive atmosphere blends heavy beats and urban cool with a lingering sense of poignancy.
It’s a classic you should hear if you know what it feels like to be drowning in love, or if there’s someone you still can’t forget.
Azure NocturneOzaki Ami76rank/position
Amii Ozaki, who is active as a singer-songwriter, is also well known for her work as a lyricist and composer, including providing the song “Listening to Olivia” for Anri.
Centered on the timbre of the piano, the song and vocals leave a strong impression, conveying both heartrending emotion and burning passion, and it is sometimes performed live as a piano-and-vocal piece.
The lyrics depict the pain of heartbreak and lingering attachment to someone who is leaving, conveying a sense of momentum as if unleashing pent-up anguish.
It is a sorrowful song whose resonant vocals communicate the intensity of its emotions.
Don’t give up on your dreamsOkamura Takako77rank/position
When you want to sing a cheer song to boost your motivation, “Yume wo Akiramenai de” is perfect.
This piece is performed by singer-songwriter Takako Okamura.
True to its lyrics, it emphasizes the importance of never giving up on your dreams.
It’s great for lifting your spirits in everyday singing, and it would also suit karaoke at year-end parties or send-off gatherings.
From the verse to the chorus, the melody has a narrow and steady pitch range, so the key is to sing without overexerting yourself.
