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.
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- A roundup of hit love songs from the ’90s
- Top 1980s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Top Female Singer-Songwriters and Popular Songs of the 2000s [2026]
- Classic and hit J-pop songs from the nostalgic ’90s
- Nostalgic Yet Everlasting: Classic Hits by 1990s Idol Singers
- Tear-jerking J-pop from the ’90s. Hit songs and real tearjerkers.
- Cool Japanese female vocal
- Thrilling to Cool Showa-Era Tunes! Classic Songs from Female Singers and Artists of the Showa Period
- Looking back at the gem-like debut songs of female singers who debuted in 1990
- [Healing & Cool] Female Vocalists with Captivating Husky Voices
- A collection of nostalgic hits from the Heisei era: Let’s look back at iconic songs from the 1990s and 2000s.
- A 90s girls' band. A popular Japanese band.
1990s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (11–20)
TOMORROWMayo Okamoto11rank/position
When it comes to the definitive cheer song that has encouraged people all across Japan, it has to be this one.
Singer-songwriter Mayo Okamoto released it as her debut single in May 1995, and it was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Second Chance,” becoming a massive hit with sales of about 1.77 million copies.
Its uplifting lyrics, which speak of growing stronger beyond tears, and its bouncy piano melody are unforgettable.
It’s also well known that during production, the tempo was sped up at the request of the drama’s team.
While it wasn’t originally a graduation song, this track gently gives you courage in the springtime, when anxiety and hope mingle.
Why not listen to it while putting your arm around a friend setting off into a new world—or to spur yourself on? It’s a timeless classic that never loses its shine.
Come, spring.Matsutōya Yumi12rank/position
Released as Yumi Matsutoya’s 26th single, “Haru yo, Koi” is surely one of Japan’s quintessential spring songs.
It topped the Oricon charts and has sold a total of 1.164 million copies.
The song was used as the theme for an NHK morning drama series and featured in numerous commercials.
It now appears in music and language arts textbooks and is also popular as a graduation song in elementary and junior high schools.
With lyrics and a melody that evoke Japan’s beautiful spring scenery, it’s a timeless classic that resonates across generations.
Watarase BridgeMoritaka Chisato13rank/position
Chisato Moritaka’s lyrics often feature real place names and scenery.
The song “Watarase Bridge” is also named after an actual bridge in Ashikaga City, Tochigi Prefecture, and it’s said to be a sacred spot among Moritaka fans.
Lines like “The Watarase Bridge I used to cross so often, this town I thought I wanted to live in forever, but you’re no longer here…” feel very realistic, and make me think they might be drawn from Moritaka’s own experiences.
It’s one of those staple ballads you want to listen to as winter approaches.
Along with this song, “Ame” is another highly regarded Moritaka ballad—why not take this opportunity to give them both another listen?
The strong and fleeting onesCocco14rank/position
A lyrical melody that portrays the feelings of a traveler setting out to protect a loved one resonates deeply.
It explores the reality faced in a haven of peace and the conflict over what is lost in the pursuit of ideals.
Cocco’s delicate depiction of human strength and fragility shakes the listener’s heart.
Released in November 1997 as her second single, the song was also included on the album “Kumuiuta” and chosen as the CM song for JAL’s Hawaii campaign.
Its delicate yet powerful vocals and poetic expression struck a chord with many, earning it Gold Disc certification.
It’s a song you’ll want to listen to when thinking of someone dear or standing at a crossroads in life.
A youth anthem that particularly resonates with those who grew up in the ’90s.
Tomorrow, when spring comesMatsu Takako15rank/position
This is the memorable debut single of Takako Matsu, who had already earned high acclaim as an actress.
Released in March 1997, it was also featured in an NTT commercial and became a hit, selling about 500,000 copies.
The warm, springlike melody—like sunlight filtering through the trees—matches perfectly with her clear, translucent voice.
The lyrics depict bittersweet memories of days gone by and a poignant longing for someone dear.
The scenes from those days, when you simply watched “you” devoted to your passion, come vividly to mind.
Listening to it in the season when farewells and new encounters intersect—graduations, new beginnings—might fill your heart with both nostalgia and hope for the future.
rainMoritaka Chisato16rank/position
A heart-stirring ballad by Chisato Moritaka, where the ache of heartbreak overlaps beautifully with the imagery of rain.
Since its release in September 1990, this song has marked a turning point as she evolved toward a more artist-driven direction.
The delicate vocals weave a tale of unrequited love, vividly portraying the complex emotions of a woman parting from her lover in the rain.
Released by Warner-Pioneer, it reached No.
2 on the Oricon charts.
It’s the perfect accompaniment for quiet moments—when you want to empathize with the sorrow of love, on a gentle rainy afternoon, or during a nighttime drive to sort out your feelings.
ALONEMayo Okamoto17rank/position
Singer-songwriter Mayo Okamoto, who also performs as a pianist under the name mayo and even produced an idol group in 2023.
Her third album, “Alone,” features an ensemble of crystalline piano and acoustic guitar that creates a sentimental atmosphere.
The lyrics, with their depictions that evoke the frustration of being unable to express one’s feelings and a sense of loneliness, may make your chest tighten as you picture the scenes they paint.
It’s a nostalgic ballad whose melancholic melody colors the bittersweetness of autumn.
Hello, my friendMatsutōya Yumi18rank/position
Coloring the summer of 1994, this song was released as the theme for the Monday 9 p.m.
drama “The Summer I Spent with You,” becoming a million seller that topped the Oricon charts.
Among Yumi Matsutoya’s works, it stands out as a profoundly heartrending masterpiece, depicting the complex emotions of someone who continues to think about a past love while wishing to keep that person in their heart as “just a friend.” The protagonist’s resolve to live positively despite the sadness of parting is something anyone can’t help but empathize with.
Its urbane arrangement, rich in synthesizers, blends exquisitely with a melody line that evokes a sense of nostalgia, making it an easy song to sing at karaoke.
It’s a track I especially recommend to those who, while looking back on a past romance, quietly hold feelings for someone dear.
appearsHamasaki Ayumi19rank/position
A song by Ayumi Hamasaki that sent shockwaves through Japan’s music scene in the late ’90s.
Its delicate, wintery sound and lyrics that contrast the outward happiness of lovers with the truth hidden beneath leave a strong impression.
Released in November 1999 on the same day as her second album, LOVEppears, it reached No.
2 on the Oricon weekly chart and became a major hit, selling a total of 291,000 copies.
This work depicts the complexities and conflicts of love, resonating deeply with many listeners.
It expresses the subtleties of romance alongside a sense of the season—memories of Christmas, attempts to take off a ring, and more.
It’s a recommended track for those troubled by love or looking to reflect on their relationship with someone important.
Summertime BluesWatanabe Misato20rank/position
It’s a classic packed with the bittersweetness and freshness of summer.
Released as a single in May 1990, it’s also included on the album “tokyo.” It gained attention when it was featured in the Meiji Yasuda Life “Super Life” commercial.
Misato Watanabe’s firm, resonant vocals leave a strong impression.
The song weaves in the pain of heartbreak and complex emotions.
Why not give it a listen when you feel like looking back on summer memories and feelings of love? As one of Misato Watanabe’s signature songs, it has been loved for many years.