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]
Ranking of Popular Songs by Japanese Male Singers from the 1990s [2026] (31–40)
IT’S ONLY LOVEFukuyama Masaharu36rank/position
This is one of Masaharu Fukuyama’s signature songs, loved by people of all ages.
Released in 1994, this work, which depicts the end of a bittersweet romance on a grand scale, captured the hearts of many.
It was also used in commercials, and the fusion of Fukuyama’s distinctive expressiveness with a delicate melody leaves a deep impression on listeners.
His powerful vocals convey the pain of heartbreak directly, while the inventive arrangements throughout further enhance the song’s atmosphere.
It’s a must-listen for those sensing the end of a relationship or who have experienced parting from someone dear.
WomanNakanishi Keizō37rank/position
Released on January 22, 1992, this is Keizo Nakanishi’s third single.
The vocals arrive as if traveling across the earth, bringing vivid scenery, distance, and time into view—everything feels vast and present all at once.
A dream song that carries a mysterious feeling that’s both grand and fleeting, along with a sense of awe! Which door will you knock on? The striking lyrics are a must-hear!
Miracle EarthKuwata Keisuke & Mr.Children38rank/position
In January 1995, a gem of a song was created through the collaboration of Keisuke Kuwata and Mr.Children.
It was released as a charity single as part of Act Against AIDS (AAA), a campaign aimed at spreading accurate knowledge about AIDS.
Written and composed by Kuwata, and arranged by Takeshi Kobayashi and Mr.Children, the piece was completed with a harmony between Kuwata and Kazutoshi Sakurai that truly resonates.
According to Oricon, it sold a cumulative total of 1.72 million copies.
All proceeds were used for AIDS countermeasures in various countries, including across Asia.
Its warm melody and powerful vocals have a cleansing effect on the heart.
VanillaGACKT39rank/position
This was the first song by Gackt I ever listened to.
I still sing it at karaoke sometimes, and well, it’s Gackt after all—his voice is so sweet.
If I remember correctly, I have an embarrassing memory of about ten boys, including me, belting this out during an overnight elementary school retreat, lol.
But that’s how impactful the song is.
It’s definitely worth a listen.
Love will winKAN40rank/position
Singer-songwriter KAN, who gained popularity for his eclectic musical style encompassing a wide range of genres such as rock ’n’ roll, soul, funk, jazz, dance beats, and rap.
His 8th single “Ai wa Katsu” (“Love Will Win”) was featured as an insert song on the variety show “Hō-chan no Yamada Katsute Nai TV,” becoming a massive hit.
Its positive lyrics and consistently high-energy arrangement brighten your mood and lift your spirits just by listening.
A timeless classic that represents the 1990s, it’s a song that supports you when you’re feeling down.
1990s Japanese Male Singers: Popular Song Rankings [2026] (41–50)
The rattlesnake is comingTonneruzu41rank/position
Released in 1992 as Tunnels’ 18th single.
It was used as the opening theme for Fuji TV’s “Tunnels no Minasan no Okage desu,” became popular especially among elementary and junior high school students, and was rushed into a CD release.
It earned Tunnels their first No.
1 on the Oricon chart and became a million-seller.
It’s a fun song to sing and dance to.
Midwinter RomanceElefanto Kashimashi42rank/position
Romantic in Midwinter, sung by The Elephant Kashimashi, is a track that was included as the B-side to the single This World Is the Best!, released in 1994.
The lyrics and music were written by Hiroji Miyamoto, the band’s vocalist and guitarist, with Dr.
KYON from Bogumbos appearing as a guest on piano.
It’s a breezy, quintessential Elephant Kashimashi rock ’n’ roll number, and Miyamoto’s distinctive lyrics are a highlight.
It’s a perfect song to listen to in winter, when it’s easy to slip into a sentimental mood!
