1990s Male Singer-Songwriters: Popular Song Rankings [2026]
Isn’t it in the 1990s that singer-songwriters began covering a wider range of musical genres and self-composed songs seemed to become the mainstream?
From among the many timeless masterpieces born in the ’90s, we’re highlighting popular tracks—focusing especially on those by male singer-songwriters—and presenting them in a ranking.
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Japanese Male Singers from the 1990s [2026]
- [J-Pop] Debut songs by male solo artists from the 1990s
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
- Male Singer-Songwriters of the 2000s: Popular Song Ranking [2026]
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- Classic and hit J-pop songs from the nostalgic ’90s
- Singer-Songwriter/Artist Rankings of the 1980s [2026]
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese bands from the 1990s
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s [2026]
- Best Songs and Popular Tracks by Male Singer-Songwriters: 2026 Rankings
- Popular Nostalgic Songs: J-Pop Ranking [1990s Japanese Music Ranking]
- A roundup of hit love songs from the ’90s
- Tear-jerking J-pop from the ’90s. Hit songs and real tearjerkers.
1990s Male Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026] (21–30)
Far, far awayMakihara Noriyuki22rank/position
Have you ever had moments when scenes from your hometown or the faces of old friends suddenly come to mind? This work is filled with the desire to show friends living far away that you’re shining where you are now.
Created by singer-songwriter Noriyuki Makihara, it’s a famous song included on the album “Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono,” released in June 1992.
Although it wasn’t released as a single, it enjoys outstanding popularity and recognition, and it has remained beloved across generations—being used, for example, in a 2006 NTT East Japan commercial.
While carrying the loneliness of not being able to attend a class reunion, the lyrics express a resolve to chase dreams in a new city—sure to gently encourage those moving to Tokyo for school or work.
It’s a song to listen to when you’re thinking of someone important and taking a new step forward.
Eternal, unchanging loveOda Tetsurō23rank/position
This is a song known for its use in a Pocari Sweat commercial.
Tetsurō Oda released it in March 1992 as his 12th single.
It sings of unwavering love for someone special, while evoking the image of a radiant smile shining in the summer sun.
The refreshing sound and heartfelt lyrics—hallmarks of Tetsurō Oda—are truly captivating.
Listening to it will likely bring back nostalgic memories and a sense of connection with your partner.
It’s the perfect track to start a summer morning with a fresh, uplifting mood.
For loveOkuda Tamio24rank/position
This is the second single by singer-songwriter Tamio Okuda, known as the vocalist and guitarist of the five-piece rock band Unicorn, whose 2009 reunion drew widespread attention.
Although “Holiday/Kenkou” had been released as a planned project during Unicorn’s pre-breakup era and is sometimes regarded as his first single, this song marked his true solo debut single.
Its high-quality melody, delivered with his uniquely laid-back vocal style, likely comforted and reassured fans who felt the void after Unicorn’s breakup.
Packed with Okuda’s pop, catchy musical sensibilities, it stands as both his debut and one of his signature songs.
WHITE BREATHT.M.Revolution25rank/position
When it comes to T.M.Revolution’s summer songs, HIGH PRESSURE and HOT LIMIT come to mind, but for a winter song, it has to be WHITE BREATH.
Released in 1997, it became the biggest hit of his career and earned him his first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year.
The track features a driving digital rock sound characteristic of producer Daisuke Asakura, and lyrics that showcase the playful wordcraft of Akio Inoue, a truly golden duo.
Watching the music video—where he sings in a suit and tie with a bare torso amid a snowstorm—you’re reminded that while Takanori Nishikawa now proudly sports a finely honed physique, he was promoted at the time as a more androgynous character.
GlassKawamura Ryuuichi26rank/position
“Glass” is Ryuichi Kawamura’s second single, released in April 1997.
It was recorded during his solo activities while his then-popular band was on hiatus, and it became a million seller.
The song is characterized by its flowing piano and Kawamura’s distinctive vocals, and the music video notably features close-ups of Kawamura, who was hugely popular as a heartthrob at the time.
It is a ballad that represents the 1990s.
THUNDERBIRDT.M.Revolution27rank/position
In stark contrast to the powerful image showcased in HOT LIMIT, this is the first grand ballad T.M.Revolution presented to the world.
Its dramatic sound evokes heavy rain, while Takanori Nishikawa’s emotionally rich vocals resound, powerfully stirring the listener’s heart.
Released in October 1998, the song was used as the ending theme for the TV program Sekai Fushigi Hakken! (Discovery of the World’s Mysteries).
It later became a catalyst for him to work on the theme songs for Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, making it a significant track for fans.
LA LA LA Love SongKubota Toshinobu with Naomi Kyanberu28rank/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.