![Ranking of Popular Songs by Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s [2026]](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/o1sUaVJUeB0/maxresdefault.webp)
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 Songs Ranking [2026] (1–10)
First LoveUtada Hikaru1rank/position
A song that expresses the pain of heartbreak and the feelings of a first love through poignant lyrics and melody.
Released in April 1999 as the theme song for the TV drama “Majo no Jōken,” it reached No.
2 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
With expressive power hard to believe from a teenager, this work captured the hearts of many listeners.
Included on the album “First Love,” it also held the No.
1 spot on the karaoke chart for 15 consecutive weeks.
Celebrated as a timeless classic, it is beloved by a wide range of generations.
Highly recommended for those who have experienced heartbreak or have unforgettable memories of their first love.
I want to see you.sawada chikako2rank/position
This is Chikaco Sawada’s eighth single, released in 1990, and it can be considered one of her signature songs.
It’s also noteworthy that Kazuo Zaitsu—known as a member of Tulip—composed the music.
The song conveys a poignant sense of longing throughout, depicting the growing swell of emotion as the singer looks back on parting with a loved one, recalling shared memories and words.
Although the farewell took place in winter, the way other seasons are the ones that come to mind suggests that the reality of the separation has not yet been accepted.
PRIDEImai Miki3rank/position
This piece resonates with lyrics that portray deep love for a partner and the will of an independent woman, carried by a warm melody crafted by Tomoyasu Hotei.
You don’t need to belt it out, and the melody moves gently, making it a great choice even for those who aren’t very confident in their singing.
Released in November 1996 as Miki Imai’s 12th single, it also became well known as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Doc.” As a tender, soothing ballad, it’s recommended for the latter part of a karaoke session or in a calm setting.
Simply following the melody carefully will make it sound lovely, so consider adding it to your repertoire.
beetle (specifically, a rhinoceros beetle)aiko4rank/position
This renowned song, which portrays the joy and poignancy of love through the changing seasons, was released as a single by aiko in November 1999.
In this work, each season symbolizes a different stage of romance, and from the distinctive perspective of a beetle, it delicately conveys the protagonist’s emotions.
Chosen as a program tie-in, it served as the ending theme for TBS’s “CDTV” in December 1999 and for Fuji TV’s “Jobireba!?” and has since been covered by various artists, including Keisuke Kuwata.
Embracing those moments when the beauty and fragility of love are most keenly felt, this piece was likely a youth anthem for many who came of age in the ’90s.
PIECE OF MY WISHImai Miki5rank/position
Released in November 1991, this song was used as the theme for the TBS drama “Ashita ga Aru Kara,” starring Miki Imai, and reached No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart.
A million-selling hit with about 1.25 million copies sold, it’s one of Imai’s signature songs and was also performed at the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
The lyrics, which carry a message of looking forward despite hardships and setbacks, were written by lyricist Yūho Iwasato while she was pregnant.
With a warmth reminiscent of motherhood, the song gently comforts those who are struggling.
When work or relationships feel tough, listening to this track will surely help you regain your footing and make a fresh start.
1/2Kawamoto Makoto6rank/position
This is a major hit by Makoto Kawamoto, which was also used as the opening theme for the anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story.
It was released in 1997 as her third single.
The sight of the petite Kawamoto passionately strumming a big guitar as she sang was always striking.
The lyrics, inspired by the pure idea that “half the person you love and half yourself together make one,” are a wonderful approach.
For those who watched the swordsmen’s fiery battles with bated breath back then, it’s sure to strike a nostalgic chord.
Silent EveKarashima Midori7rank/position
An essential song when talking about Midori Karashima, which became a massive hit as the theme song for the TBS drama “Christmas Eve” starring Atsuko Sendo and Eisaku Yoshida.
It’s a ballad from the heyday of trendy dramas, and at year-end and New Year karaoke parties, the women would compete to sing it.
The lyrics, written like a letter about a love wavering between friendship and romance, are striking—there may be no other song that so powerfully conveys the loneliness of spending Christmas alone.
Even the intro, which begins quietly with a piano solo, is heartbreakingly beautiful.
A defining ballad of the ’90s—if you haven’t heard it, you must!