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)
Come, spring.Matsutoya Yumi81rank/position
A ballad that has long been cherished as a classic befitting graduation and season-of-departure moments.
Sung by Yumi Matsutoya, this song stirs the heart the instant the piano introduction begins to flow.
Its beautiful Japanese lyrics, imbued with a sense of “wa” (Japanese harmony), vividly capture the earnest longing for spring.
Released as a single in October 1994, it became widely known as the theme song for the NHK morning drama of the same name.
It was included on the subsequent album THE DANCING SUN and even appeared on the following year’s year-end charts, cementing its status as a cross-generational standard.
Interweaving the sorrow of parting with hope for the future, it’s perfect for occasions when you want to reminisce—like karaoke at a reunion after a long time apart.
An afternoon offMoritaka Chisato82rank/position
This piece is a gentle number with a theme of a casually spent holiday afternoon, one that quietly soaks into the heart.
The affection for everyday life expressed over a mellow folk-pop sound leaves you with a warm feeling as you listen.
The relaxed vocals suit the soft sunlight of autumn perfectly.
Released in October 1995 as the 26th single, it was used as the ending theme for TV Tokyo’s “Ii Tabi, Yume Kibun.” It’s an ideal song for when you want to spend some leisurely time.
Wish Upon a StarMoritaka Chisato83rank/position
An autumn night sky and constellations painted with delicate sensitivity.
Chisato Moritaka’s 1997 song “Hoshi ni Negai wo” (“Wish Upon a Star”) centers on the theme of a starry sky seen from the rooftop of a city building.
Included on the album PEACHBERRY, the song gently portrays the soothing feeling that comes from gazing up at the night sky.
The lyrics are striking as they search for constellations and ponder the heroes of Greek mythology.
Time spent simply staring at the stars, letting the night breeze wash over you, will surely calm anyone’s heart.
When you want to step away from the noise of everyday life, why not give this track a listen?
Kiss me here.Shiina Ringo84rank/position
Even looking back now, among songs like the debut track “Koufukuron (Theories of Happiness)” and “Kabukichō no Joō (Queen of Kabukichō),” which made Ringo Sheena a hot topic among music fans as a maverick singer-songwriter, the song that first brought her name to wider public attention was surely “Koko de Kiss Shite.” With a band ensemble that reflects the influence of alternative rock, lyrics that freely weave between English lines and Japanese lines imbued with literary sensibility, and a voice that’s instantly recognizable, plus a melody with real pop appeal, there was no way this song wouldn’t be a hit.
The protagonist of the song feels very much like Sheena herself, and in the music video—where she’s bound from neck to chest with rope and fiercely plays a Duesenberg guitar—legions of women and men alike found themselves captivated.
The Theory of HappinessShiina Ringo85rank/position
Compared to Shiina Ringo’s later work and songs, her debut track leaves quite a different impression.
Even so, this “Fortune Theory” is also one of her popular songs.
The lyrics were written based on her own romantic experiences.
And the distinctive direction of the promotional video likewise showcases her extraordinary talent.
Even after graduating, even after saying goodbye, even from afarMariko Nagai86rank/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 Ayumi87rank/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 Ayumi88rank/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 Ayumi89rank/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 Ayumi90rank/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.