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 Rankings [2026] (41–50)
Take back the love!!kurisutaru kingu43rank/position
The opening shout is memorable—the theme song of the TV anime Fist of the North Star is “Ai o Torimodose!!” It was released in 1984 by Crystal King, a rock band known for hits like “Daitokai” and “Shinkirou.” With its punchy, fight-song energy, it’s perfect for blowing off stress! It’s also a popular anime song for karaoke, so it’s a great pick when you can’t decide what to sing or want to break out of a rut.
It’ll hype up a big group or a solo karaoke session, so give it a try!
Sly womanSha ran Q44rank/position
A quintessential breakup song of the ’90s, Sharam Q’s seventh single was released in May 1995.
Also used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s “Koji Imada no Shibuya-kei Uraringo,” the track became the band’s biggest hit.
Its lyrics, which sing of the pain of heartbreak, resonated with many and made it a karaoke staple.
The complex feelings toward the girlfriend—often described as “unfair”—are expressed through Tsunku’s distinctive vocals, striking a perfect balance between catchiness and melancholy.
It’s a must-listen not only for those who’ve experienced heartbreak, but also for anyone who wants to feel both the sweetness and bitterness of love.
Breath of DawnChekkāzu45rank/position
The 23rd single by The Checkers, a seven-member male band formed around singer-songwriter Fumiya Fujii that released numerous classic songs from the 1980s to the early 1990s.
Chosen as the campaign song for the film “Tasmania Story,” it features a beautiful, catchy melody over a relaxed ballad arrangement.
Its straightforward message to someone precious—paired with the band’s handsome vocals—will likely resonate with many listeners.
It’s a rich love ballad that reveals another side of The Checkers, who are often associated with upbeat kayō pop.
A street corner where even lovers get wetNakamura Masatoshi46rank/position
These days, Masatoshi Nakamura thrills us with his wonderfully understated, seasoned performances, but when he was younger he was brimming with hot-blooded energy.
He might have been like today’s Shuzo Matsuoka—a fiery presence.
Above all, his passionate performance in “Prime Minister of Yūhigaoka” left a strong impression! He was a hero of his time and truly cool.
Among the songs he put real effort into as a singer, his signature hit is “Koibito mo Nureru Machikado” (“A Street Corner Where Even Lovers Get Wet”).
The lyrics and music were by Keisuke Kuwata of Southern All Stars, and the lyrics—very Kuwata-like—expertly portray the idea that “any man can lose his way in love and suffer for it.” It’s a song you’ll want to listen to while reminiscing about the Showa era.
LA LA LA Love SongKubota Toshinobu with Naomi Kyanberu47rank/position
A gem of a love song that captures the unstoppable rush of romance—like a merry-go-round—with sweet, heartrending vocals and sound.
Born from the 1996 collaboration between Toshinobu Kubota and Naomi Campbell, the song became a major talking point as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Long Vacation.” In its sixth week after release, it topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and went on to sell 1.856 million copies.
It has since been covered by numerous artists.
It’s a song you’ll want to sing with all your heart as you recall happy moments with your loved one.
Christmas For YouMaeda Nobuteru48rank/position
Did you know that Noriharu Maeda, best known for evoking a strong “summer” image through his work with TUBE, paints a vivid sense of winter in his solo projects? Released in November 1992, this song is a ballad that portrays the shifting emotions of lovers at Christmastime.
Set to a dazzling melody, its warm message resonates in a way that makes even quarrels and misunderstandings feel endearing.
Chosen as the ending theme for the TV show “Big Airport ’92,” it reached No.
10 on the Oricon charts and became widely beloved.
The coupling track, “Merry Christmas To You,” further immerses listeners in the spirit of the holy night.
It’s a song you’ll want to play on an evening spent with someone special, when you want to express your true feelings.
energy flow (Ura BTTB)Sakamoto Ryuichi49rank/position
As soon as the commercial for Regain EB tablets aired on TV, it won overwhelming support from all quarters, and this extraordinary song—originally just a 30-second jingle—was even released as a CD.
It was also featured on the album “image,” and remains a quintessential work that helped launch the ongoing trends of Mellow Music and healing music.
If you’re feeling tired and haven’t heard it yet, please give it a listen at least once.