Best/Loved Songs with Great Lyrics by Female Singer-Songwriters: Ranking [2026]

ORIONNakajima Mika64rank/position

Mika Nakashima "ORION" Music Video

When it comes to Mika Nakashima’s winter and love songs, many people might pick “Yuki no Hana,” but the lyrics of “Orion” are truly excellent.

It’s a song that captures the feeling of two people looking at the winter constellations together, reflecting on all that’s happened, and wanting to keep the cherished days spent with you warm in the future as well.

The most beautiful meNakajima Mika65rank/position

Mika Nakashima – The Most Beautiful Me (2011 LIVE)

This song was used as an insert track for the TBS Friday drama “Unubore Deka.” I remember watching with interest because Mika Nakashima herself appeared in it, playing the role of the protagonist Tomoya Nagase’s ex-girlfriend.

The song honestly expresses a woman’s desire that everyone can relate to: wanting others to see her at her most beautiful.

Summer LoveInoue Sonoko66rank/position

Sonoko Inoue – Summer Love

It’s a refreshing song that feels like the start of summer! It’s a track by singer-songwriter Sonoko Inoue, released as her second single in June 2016, and it peaked at No.

17 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

Chosen as the ending theme for the TV drama “Koe Koi,” it reached a wide audience.

The lyrics, written in down-to-earth language, capture the frustration of not being able to take that one last step toward the person you like, along with the overflowing feelings of love—and just listening makes your heart flutter.

There’s also an adorable, catchy phrase that feels like casting a love-fulfilling spell.

This song might just color a beautiful moment in your summer.

lamplightYuga67rank/position

Yuga – Tomoshibi (Official Music Video) / Theme song for the TBS Friday drama “My Wife Is a Elementary School Student.” Sea of Light by Yuga

This song was written as the theme for the TBS Friday drama “Tsuma, Shogakusei ni Naru” (My Wife Is a Little Girl Now).

It delivers, on a gentle melody, the message that no one is ever truly alone—we live alongside the feelings of someone precious to us.

Many listeners will likely see themselves in the lyrics, which say that the presence of a loved one is a sure light illuminating the night road.

Please give it a listen when you want to once again feel the presence of someone important to you.

Last LoveKato Miria68rank/position

Miliyah Kato 'Last Love'

The work she created is a breakup song that perfectly fits the phrase “a heartbreakingly sad love ballad.” Through lyrics she wrote herself, it portrays with striking realism the aimless sense of loss and the lingering attachment that won’t fade after losing the one you love.

The grand, beautiful strings only seem to accentuate the loneliness at heart, and the clear, translucent vocals resonate as if asking a question—so achingly bittersweet.

Released in June 2010 as her 18th single, the track was later included on her acclaimed album HEAVEN, which became her first to top the charts.

When you’re carrying the pain of an unforgettable love, this song gently stays by your side in your helplessness.

Sayonara, baby.Kato Miria69rank/position

Miliyah Kato 'Sayonara Baby'

This is a bittersweet love song about a heart swaying between true feelings and outward appearances.

She wants to believe his words, yet deep down she doubts them, and still can’t bring herself to end things… You can sense her wavering emotions in the chorus’s back-and-forth between the man and woman.

The track is a work by singer-songwriter Miliyah Kato, released in September 2008 as her 13th single.

Its arrangement is striking, unfolding from a wistful piano intro into a danceable four-on-the-floor sound.

The song is also included on the acclaimed album “Ring.” When you’re unsure of the other person’s feelings and don’t know what to do, listening to this might resonate with your complicated state of mind.

YOU… feat. Izumi Nakasone (HY)Kato Miria70rank/position

Miliyah Kato “YOU… feat. Izumi Nakasone (HY)”

Speaking of collaborations between powerhouse female singers, we can’t forget this song by Miliyah Kato and Izumi Nakasone of HY.

Based on real unrequited-love stories sent in by radio listeners, the two artists co-created this gem of a ballad.

Released in September 2014 as their 30th single, it was also included on the milestone 10th-anniversary album “MUSE.” The frustration of not being able to put your feelings into words, and the emotional wavering as you move toward confessing your love, come through poignantly in the harmony between Kato’s delicate vocals and Nakasone’s warm voice.

Chosen as the theme song for a radio drama, this track just might gently give you the push you need if you’re struggling with a one-sided love.