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

YOU… feat. Izumi Nakasone (HY)Kato Miria71rank/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.

Love ForeverKatō Miriya × Shimizu Shōta72rank/position

Miliyah Kato × Shota Shimizu “Love Forever”

The golden duo representing the J-POP scene, Miliyah Kato and Shota Shimizu, have an unmissable duet song.

While celebrating the joy of meeting, its lyrics occasionally hint at an inevitable end, making it achingly bittersweet and tightening your chest.

Told from both of their perspectives, it’s a track that powerfully conveys gratitude toward the person who saved them from lonely days.

Released in May 2009 as a single by Miliyah Kato and included on the classic album “Ring,” the song became hugely popular, with its music video winning an award at MTV VMAJ 2010.

The section in the latter half where their harmonies intertwine is a must-hear.

It’s a masterpiece perfect for nights when you want to bask in the beautiful memories and bittersweetness of love.

remainingYoshizawa Kayoko73rank/position

Kayoko Yoshizawa 'Left Behind' MUSIC VIDEO

A song that expresses the lingering memory of heartbreak alongside the changing seasons, with delicate lyrics and an emotionally rich melody.

Kayoko Yoshizawa’s clear, translucent voice vividly portrays the aching feelings of a woman who cannot accept the end of love.

Released in October 2017, the song’s background is also intriguing—it was turned into an official recording in response to fervent requests from fans.

Through the scene of returning home at dawn, the lyrics evoke the afterglow of a love that has passed, offering deep comfort to those carrying the pain of a breakup.

It’s a recommended track for anyone unable to accept the end of a romance or wishing to immerse themselves in memories of the past.

pupilŌhara Sakurako74rank/position

Sakurako Ohara – Hitomi (Music Video Short ver.)

It’s a song that carries the message that there is meaning in trying your best, and that even if you fail, you can always start over.

It’s sung by Sakurako Ohara, who is also active as an actress and radio personality.

It was released in 2015 as her second single.

Her gentle singing voice is lovely.

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Araki Jakkan

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Keep Tryin’Utada Hikaru75rank/position

Utada Hikaru – Keep Tryin’

Hikaru Utada’s 16th single, “Keep Tryin’,” is a song with the message “let’s keep going.” It emphasizes the determination to keep doing what needs to be done now in order to get what you want.

It’s a pop tune that will give you a push as you set out to pursue your dreams and goals in a new chapter of life.

SAKURA DropsUtada Hikaru76rank/position

Hikaru Utada – SAKURA Drops

A signature spring song by Hikaru Utada, released in 2002.

Its vivid yet wistful and powerful world really moves you, doesn’t it? I remember being truly shocked the first time I heard it back then.

The lyrics empathize with the feelings after a breakup, singing about a heart that grows and moves forward with the arrival of spring.

I’m sure it will give courage to anyone who wants to come back even stronger this spring.

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KEI

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youUtada Hikaru77rank/position

Hikaru Utada 'Anata'

A song in which Hikaru Utada’s voice, brimming with deep love and tenderness, warmly embraces the listener’s heart.

It begins with a quiet piano melody, and the majestic sound woven by the strings beautifully expresses the depth of feelings for a loved one.

Released digitally in December 2017, this track was written as the theme song for the film “DESTINY: The Tale of Kamakura,” and is said to depict a mother’s cherished feelings for her child.

It’s also popular at weddings and makes a perfect gift as a song that conveys heartfelt emotions at moments when you want to deepen your bond with someone you love.