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]
1990s Japanese Male Singers: Popular Song Ranking [2026] (21–30)
For loveOkuda Tamio29rank/position
This is the second single by singer-songwriter Tamio Okuda, known as the vocalist and guitarist of the five-piece rock band Unicorn, whose 2009 reunion drew widespread attention.
Although “Holiday/Kenkou” had been released as a planned project during Unicorn’s pre-breakup era and is sometimes regarded as his first single, this song marked his true solo debut single.
Its high-quality melody, delivered with his uniquely laid-back vocal style, likely comforted and reassured fans who felt the void after Unicorn’s breakup.
Packed with Okuda’s pop, catchy musical sensibilities, it stands as both his debut and one of his signature songs.
TELL MEhide30rank/position
During his solo activities, he used the lowercase name “hide.” In February 1994, he released his first solo album, “HIDE YOUR FACE.” The mask object featured in the album’s design was created by H.
R.
Giger, known for the film Alien.
In 1994, he also held his first solo tour.
Ranking of Popular Songs by Japanese Male Singers from the 1990s [2026] (31–40)
You’re the Only…Ono Masatoshi31rank/position
This is the third single by singer-songwriter Masatoshi Ono, known for his crystal-clear high-tone voice and currently active as the vocalist of the metal band GALNERYUS.
The song was used as the theme for the TV drama “Kimi no Tame ni Dekiru Koto” (What I Can Do for You) and became a million-selling, smash-hit single.
Its straightforward message, carried by a voice that soars endlessly, resonates with the atmosphere of the drama, which has elements of a love fantasy.
It is Ono’s biggest hit, further drawing attention in 2010 when GALNERYUS released “You’re the Only… 2010.”
Eternal, unchanging loveOda Tetsurō32rank/position
This is a song known for its use in a Pocari Sweat commercial.
Tetsurō Oda released it in March 1992 as his 12th single.
It sings of unwavering love for someone special, while evoking the image of a radiant smile shining in the summer sun.
The refreshing sound and heartfelt lyrics—hallmarks of Tetsurō Oda—are truly captivating.
Listening to it will likely bring back nostalgic memories and a sense of connection with your partner.
It’s the perfect track to start a summer morning with a fresh, uplifting mood.
Soulmatesupittsu33rank/position
A gem of a song whose delicate lyricism finds the meaning of life in everyday moments and whose universal message questions the nature of love in modern society.
Released as a single in November 1997, it is known as a work that symbolizes Spitz’s musical evolution.
Its striking sound—harmonizing the warmth of acoustic guitar with fresh experiments like breakbeats—reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It also drew attention as the theme song for the 1999 film Whisper of the Moon.
Highly recommended for those who want to listen alone on a calm night, or who are seeking support for the heart while standing at a crossroads in life.
Parody Song MedleyKamon Tatsuo34rank/position
What’s amazing about this person is that they can rank around the top 30 in the annual charts with parody songs.
Despite being a comic song in the form of a parody, the fact that they established an entire genre deserves more recognition.
And even now, it still makes you laugh.
GlassKawamura Ryuuichi35rank/position
“Glass” is Ryuichi Kawamura’s second single, released in April 1997.
It was recorded during his solo activities while his then-popular band was on hiatus, and it became a million seller.
The song is characterized by its flowing piano and Kawamura’s distinctive vocals, and the music video notably features close-ups of Kawamura, who was hugely popular as a heartthrob at the time.
It is a ballad that represents the 1990s.