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 1990s Female Singer-Songwriters [2026] (31–40)
Summer DayMoritaka Chisato36rank/position
Chisato Moritaka, who never seems to age.
The 54th birthday photos she posted on Instagram even caused a mini buzz with comments like, “She hasn’t changed at all since her younger days!” Her song “Natsu no Hi” (Summer Day) is a natural, true-to-herself track that sings about an ordinary day.
The lyrics are by Chisato Moritaka, the composition by Hideo Saito—the golden duo behind her string of hits.
The lyrics—“A summer after a breakup, alone on the beach at dusk, stars, waves, all I can think about is you…”—feel so real they make you wonder if they’re drawn from her own experience.
It’s a summer song by Moritaka that forgoes the Japanese-style Eurobeat for a gentle, heartfelt listen.
If you haven’t heard it yet, definitely give it a try!
Marunouchi SadisticShiina Ringo37rank/position
This is a track that lets you fully savor Ringo Sheena’s musical sensibilities.
Included on the album “Muzai Moratorium,” it was released in February 1999.
Many listeners were probably shocked by its provocative lyrics and music video.
The chorus melody rises and falls, making it fun and satisfying to sing, so it’s great for karaoke as well.
If possible, try adding a rolled “r” and other nuances to get closer to the original—it’s a perfect song for women to get hyped to.
instinctShiina Ringo38rank/position
A music video where she smashes glass while dressed in a nurse outfit made a huge impact! When it comes to Ringo Sheena, many people probably think of this video.
That’s how much the song shook the music scene at the time.
It’s said that she even used a megaphone during live performances, showing an extraordinary attention to staging.
Friday ChinatownYasuha39rank/position
A quintessential classic when discussing 1980s city pop, “Friday Chinatown.” It was her debut single—she’s also known as a TV personality—and it was released in 1981.
The track features a danceable beat reminiscent of disco and pop music.
Many listeners will be captivated by her coquettish vocals etched against deep synthesizers.
The performance is cool and stylish, offering a sound world that’s uniquely its own.
It’s also a staple of the Showa era in karaoke—be sure to give it a try.
Boys & GirlsHamasaki Ayumi40rank/position
This is Ayumi Hamasaki’s ninth single, which vividly colored the summer of 1999.
Its four-on-the-floor beat and synth-driven, danceable sound are filled with an exhilaration that makes your heart leap just by listening.
Yet, when you look at the lyrics, they delicately portray the struggles and anxieties unique to youth, and the poignancy behind the brightness resonates deeply.
Chosen as the song for Kao’s “SOFINA AUBE” commercial, it won fervent support from women of the same generation.
The track became her first million-selling single and topped the Oricon chart for three consecutive weeks, making it a clear starting point of her breakthrough.
It continues to be loved today, having been reused in 2023 for McDonald’s Japan’s Heisei Burger commercial.
It’s the perfect number for a summer drive or whenever you want to lift your spirits.
Top Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s: Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (41–50)
My RevolutionWatanabe Misato41rank/position
It was Misato Watanabe’s fourth single, released on January 22, 1986.
The composer was Tetsuya Komuro, who had just debuted with TM Network at the time.
Listening back to the song now, you can catch glimpses here and there of the melodic traits that would later be known as the “Komuro style,” which makes it fascinating from that perspective as well.
The song itself is built on a very catchy, easy-to-hum melody, making it an ideal choice to sing and enjoy at karaoke.
GraduationWatanabe Misato42rank/position
Released in April 1991 as a theme song for a Meiji Life commercial, this track by Misato Watanabe sets an unquenchable, never‑giving‑up love to Tetsuya Komuro’s delicate melody.
Though set during the spring graduation season, its lyrics—saying that “there are loves you can’t graduate from”—are poignantly moving and likely resonate with many.
The song reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and was included on the album Lucky.
It’s a number that stays close to those facing springtime farewells or wishing to look back on cherished memories of the past.