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)
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.
An uncool way of getting dumpedŌe Senri29rank/position
This is a signature song by Senri Oe, who enjoyed immense popularity as a singer-songwriter in the 1980s and 1990s.
It was also the theme song for the drama “Men Who Want to Get Married,” and it became a hot topic because Oe himself, who was active as an actor in the show, appeared in it as well.
His character is bright, funny, a bit uncool yet kind of cool—and the lyrics, which seem to reflect that persona, resonated with listeners.
Boys who heard this song surely shed tears, overlaying it with their own heartbreak.
Happy endingOhtaki Eiichi30rank/position
This is a gem of a love song that Eiichi Ohtaki released for the first time in 12 years as the theme for Fuji TV’s Monday 9 p.m.
drama slot.
Its gentle, heartwarming melody and lyrics that carefully weave together the feelings of a woman in love harmonize beautifully, propelling the song to a massive hit with 970,000 copies sold since its release in November 1997.
Used in the drama “Love Generation,” the track also became Ohtaki’s first solo entry into the Top 10, showcasing his rich musicality to the fullest.
Portraying a sweet and bittersweet love story, this song is recommended for those harboring feelings for someone special or wishing for a happy future with a loved one.