Ranking of Popular Songs by Japanese Male Singers from the 1990s [2026]
The 1990s saw notable advancements in digital sound and the emergence of many music groups, making group-based music activities more common.
At the same time, numerous solo releases by singers also became major hits.
Here, we introduce a ranking of popular singers from the 1990s—especially male singers—through which you can also feel the progress of music technology.
- 1990s Male Singer-Songwriters: Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- [J-Pop] Debut songs by male solo artists from the 1990s
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese bands from the 1990s
- Karaoke songs that were hits in the ’90s. Classic and popular tracks from Japanese music.
- Recommended Japanese Music Artists and Popular Song Rankings for Men in Their 50s [2026]
- [J-Rock] Timeless masterpieces that colored the 1990s. Nostalgic hit songs.
- Classic and hit J-pop songs from the nostalgic ’90s
- Band rankings popular among people in their 50s [2026]
- Tear-jerking J-pop from the ’90s. Hit songs and real tearjerkers.
- Showa Era Popular Artist Rankings [2026]
- A roundup of hit love songs from the ’90s
- A roundup of songs for men in their 30s to sing [’90s–’00s tracks]
90s Japanese Male Singers: Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (71–80)
ROOMChekkāzu71rank/position
This song gently sings about a love that will never return, all within a calm, serene mood.
Released as a single in 1989, it was later included on the album “Seven Heaven.” It drew attention in various ways—for example, it was the first single released after the era name changed to Heisei, and it was the 100th song since The Checkers’ debut.
The soothing sound with a strong kayōkyoku (Japanese pop) feel is striking, and it really highlights the bittersweet story told in the lyrics.
Matching the sound, the vocal delivery has a composed tempo, making it a track you can sing while feeling the rhythm and staying relaxed.
Song for U.S.A.Chekkāzu72rank/position
This song expresses a longing for the dazzling towns of America, sung with a grand, expansive mood.
Released as a single in 1986, it was also used as the theme song for the film “The Checkers SONG FOR U.S.A.,” starring members of The Checkers.
Words evoking America are sung over a gentle sound, conjuring an image of that yearning quietly growing.
The overall calm rhythm makes it easy to sing, and the melodic lines are relaxed, making it a track that can be performed comfortably.
Heartbroken over JuliaChekkāzu73rank/position
This is the fifth single by The Checkers, a seven-member rock band that enjoyed idol-like popularity with songs incorporating doo-wop and rock ’n’ roll, centered around Fumiya Fujii, who is now active as a singer-songwriter.
Known as one of the band’s signature tracks that cemented their popularity, it features a breezy, sax-driven intro and rich, resonant choral work that feels great to listen to.
Its dramatic arrangement captures The Checkers’ enduring appeal that hasn’t faded with time.
With its catchy melody that’s a pleasure to sing at karaoke, it stands as a classic representative of the 1980s J-pop scene.
Shot by a TIME showerKubota Toshinobu74rank/position
Toshinobu Kubota’s “Time Shower ni Utarete” is a track released in 1986 that, for its time, boldly incorporated many elements of soul and funk.
Its appeal lies in how its sound anticipated the R&B boom that would later spread, led by artists like Hikaru Utada.
The slightly laid-back vocal delivery also differed from conventional kayōkyoku, evoking the polished feel of Western R&B.
It’s remarkable that such a forward-thinking genre was emerging in the mainstream during that era!
Young BloodsSano Motoharu75rank/position
“Young Bloods” is a pop song by singer-songwriter Motoharu Sano with an addictive rhythm.
Created as the theme song for the International Youth Year established by the United Nations, it’s remembered for the episode in which its royalties were donated as charity funds to aid refugees in Africa.
The song’s charm lies in Sano’s vocals and the backing performance, which give you the energy to dash toward a shining future.
Both are top-notch, resulting in a remarkably avant-garde sound even within the realm of kayōkyoku (Japanese popular songs).
wandererOkuda Tamio76rank/position
A folk-rock style song that sings of a lonely journey.
Tamio Okuda’s distinctive vocals and the simple guitar riff really stand out.
Released in February 1998 as his eighth single, it’s also included on the album “Matatabi.” It was used as the theme song for the drama “Days,” and in recent years has also been used as the theme for “Can I Recharge My Batteries? with Tetsurou Degawa.” There’s even an anecdote that the demo recorded at home was used as-is.
It might be the perfect track for those feeling lost in life or ready to take a new step forward.
Ruby RingTerao Akira77rank/position
Akira Terao, who thrived not only as an actor but also as an artist, had a mega-hit with “Ruby no Yubiwa,” a song that has continued to be sung at karaoke for many years.
To sing this song stylishly, it’s important to first understand your own vocal quality.
If you have a low voice, you can sing it with the same downbeat feel as the original.
If you have a higher voice, try raising the key on purpose.
It’s a song that still sounds cool even with a raspy delivery, so give it a try.
