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 Song Ranking [2026] (51–60)
The Reason We Set Out on a JourneyOzawa Kenji57rank/position
When those dazzling horns ring out in the intro, your heart starts to race and you feel a touch of bittersweetness, don’t you? The lyrics, sprinkled with words like “Tokyo Tower” and “airport,” are full of a tenderness that seems to affirm even the loneliness of parting.
Included on the classic 1994 album LIFE and later released as a single in 1996 as the theme song for the drama Shota no Sushi, this track also features a memorable phrase borrowed from a Paul Simon song, and it continues to be loved as a signature Shibuya-kei anthem.
It’s perfect for listening while thinking of friends or lovers far away, and it’s sure to give a fresh, gentle push to anyone setting off on a spring journey!
Who is knocking on the door?Ozawa Kenji58rank/position
One of the central figures of the Shibuya-kei scene, Kenji Ozawa, released his eighth single, “Who Is Knocking on the Door?” in 1995.
Despite being a Christmas song released out of season in March, it reached No.
10 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
It’s a bright, soul-style track whose live performances are known for audience claps that mimic knocking on a door, and its melody is an homage to the Jackson 5’s “I Will Find a Way.”
Strong feelings, strong loveOzawa Kenji59rank/position
Ozawa Kenji’s seventh single, released on February 28, 1995.
Composed by Kyohei Tsutsumi—an unbeatable duo! A groovy, uplifting sound with an irresistibly bright vocal! Beyond the sunny lyrics lies a deep, powerful love.
It’s a masterpiece overflowing with love that makes you feel like sharing both joy and sorrow.
In spring, I think of you.Ozawa Kenji60rank/position
“Spring, Thinking of You” is the single released at the end of the 1990s by Kenji Ozawa—known as Ozaken—who enjoyed great popularity during that decade.
Dubbed the prince of the Shibuya-kei scene, Ozawa stayed at the forefront of stylish sounds.
He eventually arrived at a new, more mature Ozaken sound, and “Spring, Thinking of You” feels like the culmination of that journey.
Set to a quiet, tango-like rhythm, this song speaks to the beauty of growing older, and it’s a wonderful piece that leaves you with a gentle, warm feeling.
Male Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s: Popular Song Rankings [2026] (61–70)
Thrilling Uplifting StreetOzawa Kenji61rank/position
This is the 11th single released in 1995 by Kenji Ozawa, who was known at the time as the “Shibuya-kei Prince.” Set to a pop tune, it sings about a man’s pure feelings of love as he walks down the street, excited to buy a present for his girlfriend.
Autumn breezeOzaki Yutaka62rank/position
When the hot, carefree summer of running around and having fun ends and autumn arrives, do you ever feel a little lonely? This song captures that feeling—something surely everyone has experienced.
It’s a hidden gem by Yutaka Ozaki, one of the defining singer-songwriters of 1990s Japan.
While it conveys the poignancy of the contrast with the radiant summer, it also beautifully portrays the unique wistfulness of autumn.
RIDE ON TIMEYamashita Tatsuro63rank/position
When we think of the ’80s, it was the era when city pop really took off.
Many classic songs were produced, but one I especially recommend for karaoke is Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Ride On Time.” It’s one of the few tracks performed by a full band, and because of that, even as a city pop song, it has a distinctive sense of drive and speed.
The lyrics are also upbeat and refreshing, which is another highlight.
Try singing it when you want to lift your spirits or liven up the atmosphere.
