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]
- 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]
- Ranking of Popular Japanese Music and J-POP Artists Among People in Their 40s [2026]
90s Japanese Male Singers: Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (71–80)
SHADOW CITYTerao Akira76rank/position
Atsushi Terao continues to captivate us with performances brimming with intensity.
Whether in films, TV dramas, or even in brief supporting roles, he leaves an overwhelming presence that elevates every work.
Speaking of Terao’s music career, we remember countless Showa-era legends still talked about today, such as his record-setting consecutive No.
1s on The Best Ten with “Ruby no Yubiwa,” and having three songs simultaneously ranked in the top ten.
“SHADOW CITY,” Terao’s third single, is exceptional for a hit song in that the entire first verse has no lyrics and is sung in scat.
Its cool, composed melody evokes the sophistication of Showa-era adults—and it’s incredibly stylish.
It’s a Showa masterpiece that today’s young people should absolutely hear!
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.
The Reason We Set Out on a JourneyOzawa Kenji78rank/position
When those dazzling horns ring out in the intro, your heart starts to race and you feel a touch of bittersweetness, don’t you? The lyrics, sprinkled with words like “Tokyo Tower” and “airport,” are full of a tenderness that seems to affirm even the loneliness of parting.
Included on the classic 1994 album LIFE and later released as a single in 1996 as the theme song for the drama Shota no Sushi, this track also features a memorable phrase borrowed from a Paul Simon song, and it continues to be loved as a signature Shibuya-kei anthem.
It’s perfect for listening while thinking of friends or lovers far away, and it’s sure to give a fresh, gentle push to anyone setting off on a spring journey!
Strong feelings, strong loveOzawa Kenji79rank/position
Ozawa Kenji’s seventh single, released on February 28, 1995.
Composed by Kyohei Tsutsumi—an unbeatable duo! A groovy, uplifting sound with an irresistibly bright vocal! Beyond the sunny lyrics lies a deep, powerful love.
It’s a masterpiece overflowing with love that makes you feel like sharing both joy and sorrow.
celeryYamazaki Masayoshi80rank/position
It might give off the vibe of being either a song by Masayoshi Yamazaki or a SMAP song.
Tracing its history, it’s a track that enjoyed two waves of success: first released by Masayoshi Yamazaki in 1996, then covered by SMAP in 1997.
It’s a warm song about differences in likes and dislikes between lovers, and how they draw closer to bridge those gaps together.