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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Ranking of Popular Songs by Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s [2026] (81–90)
Even after graduating, even after saying goodbye, even from afarMariko Nagai85rank/position
Starting with what seems like a bright anecdote—being the only one grinning widely in a graduation group photo—this song is actually a bittersweet number about a love that was never confessed.
With lyrics penned by Mariko Nagai, it vividly portrays a powerful feeling that doesn’t fade even after graduation and goodbyes, and every listen brings back the sights of those days in sharp detail.
Released in February 1993 as the B-side of a single and later included on the March 1993 album “OPEN ZOO,” it’s a hidden gem.
Why not listen to it when you’re anxious about walking separate paths and possibly never meeting again, yet still want to believe in an unchanging bond? Alongside the sweet-and-sour memories of youth, it will gently warm your heart as you set out on a new journey.
LOVE〜Destiny〜Hamasaki Ayumi86rank/position
Ayumi Hamasaki, who enjoyed immense popularity in the 1990s as a style icon for junior and senior high school girls and dominated the J-pop scene as the Heisei era’s songstress.
Her seventh single, released in April 1999, was a milestone that earned her first No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It was also featured as an insert song in the Fuji TV drama “Semi-Double.” Written by Ayumi Hamasaki and composed by Tsunku♂, this ballad portrays the helpless, heartrending feelings of two people drawn together by fate.
Her emotionally rich vocals, carried by a beautiful piano melody, deeply move the hearts of listeners.
POWDER SNOWHamasaki Ayumi87rank/position
Ayumi Hamasaki, an artist who was a charismatic icon for high school girls from the late 1990s to the early 2000s.
She originally worked not as an artist but as a TV personality, taking any job she could get at the time.
It seems she had a strong desire to become famous from a young age.
When it comes to her winter songs, wouldn’t “POWDER SNOW” be the one that comes to mind? The melody has a vibe reminiscent of late-’80s to early-’90s anime songs.
Be sure to check it out!
TO BEHamasaki Ayumi88rank/position
Released in May 1999 as Ayumi Hamasaki’s eighth single, this work reached a peak position of No.
4 on the Oricon chart.
Beneath its dazzling, pop-infused sound lies a philosophical message that steps back to observe the self and questions the meaning of life.
It was featured in JT’s “Momo no Tennen-sui” commercial, and many may remember the ad in which Hamasaki herself appeared.
Later included on the acclaimed album LOVEppears, this track is one that stays by your side on nights when you quietly face yourself at a crossroads in life.
Poker FaceHamasaki Ayumi89rank/position
In their prime, they were characterized by Americanized celebrity fashion and song structures, but around this time their voice, though leaning husky, conveyed a pure sense of transparency.
Additionally, prior to that they were engaged in so-called idol activities, which feels very much of its era.
I WishWatanabe Misato90rank/position
Singer-songwriter Misato Watanabe, whose name became widely known thanks to the massive hit of her 4th single “My Revolution,” composed by Tetsuya Komuro.
“I Wish,” the closing track of her 9th album “Baby Faith,” features an ensemble centered on lyrical piano tones that evokes a sense of nostalgia.
The lyrics, depicting a farewell with a loved one, convey a vivid realism through their portrayal of the times.
It’s a classic that colors the autumn season, with a sentimental voice and melody that linger in the ear.
1990s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (91–100)
Plastic LoveTakeuchi Mariya91rank/position
Known as a quintessential masterpiece of Japanese city pop, this song is included on the 1984 album “VARIETY.” Its smooth, sophisticated sound and lyrics depicting the complex emotions between lovers have captivated many listeners.
Mariya Takeuchi wrote and composed the song herself, with arrangements by Tatsuro Yamashita.
The fusion of their talents had a significant impact on Japan’s pop music scene.
In 2021, a 12-inch analog edition was reissued, allowing listeners to savor its magical allure with the warmth of vinyl.
The lyrics, portraying the emptiness of romance and surface-level relationships, vividly express the feelings of a lonely woman wandering the city at night.