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)
Cactus Flower ~Under the Same Roof~Zaitsu Kazuo57rank/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.
It always starts with rain.ASKA58rank/position
A masterpiece by ASKA, whose translucent singing voice resonates deep in the heart.
Released in March 1991 and achieving million-seller status, the song was also featured in a Panasonic “HALF Component” commercial.
Its lyrics portray the poignant relationship of lovers who meet in the rain, intertwined with a tender, embracing melody that moves the listener.
Showcasing ASKA’s delicate expressiveness, this work depicts complex romantic emotions while brimming with a universal appeal that anyone can relate to.
It always begins with rain.ASKA59rank/position
ASAKA’s “The Beginning Is Always Rain” is a ballad that, even now, I can’t help but want to listen to whenever the rainy season arrives.
The melody, the lyrics, and ASKA’s vocal delivery—every aspect is perfect.
I recommend listening to it alone on a rainy night.
Tokyokururi60rank/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.
Ranking of Popular Songs by Japanese Male Singers from the 1990s [2026] (61–70)
Pathetic.Tonneruzu61rank/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 Kashimashi62rank/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!
I can’t put it into wordsofukōsu63rank/position
Kazumasa Oda, with his uniquely transparent and one-of-a-kind voice, never fails to captivate.
“Kotoba ni Dekinai” (“Can’t Put It Into Words”) is a classic released in February 1982 by Off Course, the band led by Oda.
It’s been used in commercials and anime, so many younger listeners may have heard it somewhere.
The Japanese lyrics come through beautifully, making it a song you can really savor as you sing—another of its great qualities.
It’s perfect not only for middle-aged and older listeners, but also for younger people who feel, “I can’t keep up with today’s fast-tempo songs!” Give it a try at karaoke.
