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)
Get Along Together -Because I Want to Give You My Love-Yamane Yasuhiro50rank/position
This song, which was written in just one week for a friend’s wedding, is Yasuhiko Yamane’s major-label debut single released in 1993.
Its lyrics, expressing deep gratitude to a loved one and the importance of walking through life together, resonate with many listeners.
Although sales were sluggish at first, the song gradually gained popularity through cable radio and ultimately became a million-seller.
It has since been included on best-of albums and continues to be cherished as one of Yamane’s signature songs.
With its heartwarming melody and lyrics, it’s perfect for special moments spent with someone important, such as weddings and anniversaries.
If you want to convey your feelings to someone you love, why not give this song a listen?
Ranking of Popular Songs by Japanese Male Singers in the 1990s [2026] (51–60)
A long nightMatsuyama Chiharu51rank/position
This song can be considered a quintessential example of cool Showa-era kayōkyoku sung by a male vocalist.
Known as a leading figure in folk music, Chiharu Matsuyama boldly transformed his style into a rock-oriented sound with this ambitious work, released in 1981.
Featuring passionate lyrics and a powerful arrangement, it vividly captures the emotions of a heart swayed by love.
It became Matsuyama’s biggest hit, selling a total of 866,000 copies.
While described as an “unconventional rock song,” it won over many fans.
Nail the soaring melody in the chorus, and it’s guaranteed to fire up any karaoke crowd!
I love youKawamura Ryuuichi52rank/position
A heart-stirring ballad woven from a delicate singing voice and profound expressions of love.
Ryuichi Kawamura’s solo debut is a memorable masterpiece whose romantic melody is complemented by imagery evocative of waves breaking on the shore.
Chosen as the ending theme for the music program COUNT DOWN TV, the song was released in February 1997 and reached No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It continues to shine with undimmed brilliance as one of Kawamura’s signature tracks.
This gem of a love song—delivered with his distinctive expressiveness and soaring high notes—will resonate deeply on a nighttime drive when love is in the air or during special moments with someone important.
MelodyTamaki Kōji53rank/position
Released in 1996 as Koji Tamaki’s 10th single, this memorable ballad has stayed in the hearts of many.
The warm tones of the acoustic guitar blend exquisitely with Tamaki’s delicate vocals.
The lyrics, themed around memories of the past, parting, and a mix of sorrow and tenderness, offer a depth that invites various interpretations from listeners.
The song was also used as the ending theme for the TBS news program “Tetsuya Chikushi NEWS23,” and it peaked at No.
49 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
It’s a recommended track for those who have experienced a farewell with someone dear or who wish to bask in nostalgic memories.
HeartFukuyama Masaharu54rank/position
This is Masaharu Fukuyama’s 12th single, marking his return after roughly two and a half years on hiatus.
Released in April 1998, it remains memorable to many as the theme song for the TBS drama “Meguriai,” in which he also appeared.
True to its title, the song sings directly from the “heart,” carried by the warm tones of an acoustic guitar.
The lyrics, which portray feelings that remain unchanged over time, blend beautifully with its gentle melody.
It’s a heartwarming love song that accompanies those moments in everyday life when you want to dwell in tender feelings for someone.
Far awayInaba Hiroshi55rank/position
This is the first single by singer-songwriter Koshi Inaba, who debuted as the vocalist of the rock unit B’z and drew attention in 2022 for his first voice-acting role in the Japanese dub of the animated film “Sing 2.” Released on December 16, 1998, the track follows the trajectory of his first solo album “Magma,” which came out the previous year, and is known as the debut single of solo artist Koshi Inaba.
The ensemble, with its dramatic shifts in arrangement throughout the song, exudes a charm distinct from the direction of B’z.
It’s an emotional rock tune that fully warrants its numerous tie-ins.
Princess MononokeMera Yoshikazu56rank/position
Theme song of the animated film Princess Mononoke.
Bolstered by the film’s record-breaking box-office success in Japan at the time, it became a major hit, selling over 400,000 copies despite peaking at only No.
13 on the Oricon charts.
The song brought attention to the countertenor—a male singer with a high, female-like voice—and YOSHIKAZU MERA, who sings Princess Mononoke, became widely known!