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 in the 1990s [2026] (51–60)
HeartFukuyama Masaharu57rank/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 Hiroshi58rank/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 Yoshikazu59rank/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!
Cactus Flower ~Under the Same Roof~Zaitsu Kazuo60rank/position
It’s a song that is likely etched in my heart along with memories of the drama “Under One Roof.” It brings back the importance of family and the conflicts between siblings, together with so many recollections.
That’s all the more true because of those faint memories from youth.
It feels as if it teaches us how much we come to realize after becoming adults.
Ranking of Popular Songs by Japanese Male Singers from the 1990s [2026] (61–70)
Tokyokururi61rank/position
You’ve probably heard music lovers say that songs titled “Tokyo” tend to be masterpieces.
This one is no exception.
It’s a track by Quruli, a popular band from Kyoto that also organizes music festivals, released in 1998 as their debut single.
Their musical style shifts depending on the era, but in their early days they had an emotional, guitar-centered sound.
The lyrics lay bare their inner feelings, and if you’ve experienced moving to Tokyo, you’ll likely relate to them.
Pathetic.Tonneruzu62rank/position
The comedy duo Tunnels also released a major hit song that year.
Rather than showcasing polished singing, I think the appeal was how they powered through it with the kind of momentum only youth can bring.
They’re still active on variety shows today, and that continuity is something that should be appreciated as well.
April windElefanto Kashimashi63rank/position
“April Wind” is a song by Elephant Kashimashi, a rock band formed in 1981, released as a double A-side single together with one of their signature songs, “At the End of Sorrow.” With a pop sound that marked a complete departure from their previous rock-oriented Elekashi style, the songwriter himself, Hiroji Miyamoto, is said to have agonized over whether this was the right direction due to the stark change in style.
However, once released, it gained popularity, receiving heavy rotation on FM802 and being used in commercials.
It’s a refreshing pop tune perfect for spring—give it a listen!
