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

dogwood (flowering dogwood)Hitoto Yo8rank/position

Hitoto Yo – Hanamizuki

The gem-like ballad by Yo Hitoto, woven with her gentle singing voice, was born in the wake of the September 11 attacks.

Its prayer-like, tender melody and lyrics filled with wishes for another’s happiness sink deeply into the listener’s heart.

Since its release in February 2004, it has been featured as a film theme song and in JRA commercials, and it won an Excellence Award at the Japan Cable Radio Awards.

It remained in the karaoke rankings’ Top 5 for 90 consecutive weeks and has become a classic covered by many artists.

It’s the perfect song for quietly reflecting on your feelings for someone important, or when you sincerely want to wish someone happiness.

Let me give you a songTakeuchi Mariya9rank/position

Mariya Takeuchi – Let Me Give You a Song (Official Music Video)

A heartwarming encouragement song has just been born.

Mariya Takeuchi’s gentle voice closely accompanies those struggling with worries.

The lyric “Everyone is full of worries” evokes deep empathy in listeners.

Released in August 2024, this piece also serves as the theme song for the drama “Subarashikya, Sensei!” Her harmony with Erika Ikuta is beautiful, resulting in a truly heartwarming track.

It’s the perfect song for cheering up a downcast friend or giving yourself courage.

Through the power of music, it helps you notice the love and happiness around you—a truly wonderful song.

TOMORROWMayo Okamoto10rank/position

TOMORROW

With its uplifting lyrics and buoyant piano melody, this is a pep song that gives courage to listeners.

Singer-songwriter Mayo Okamoto’s debut single “TOMORROW,” released in May 1995, was chosen as the theme song for the TV drama “Second Chance” and became a massive hit, achieving Double Platinum status.

Its message—that strength lies beyond the tears—will surely give a powerful push to graduates embarking on a new world.

Beloved enough to be selected as the entrance march for the National High School Baseball Tournament in March 1996, this song is widely cherished.

Sing it with friends at a reunion, and your memories of youth are sure to come vividly rushing back.

PRIDEImai Miki11rank/position

Miki Imai - 'PRIDE' Music Video

A heart-stirring anthem that turns hidden love into pride is delivered by Miki Imai.

Gazing up at the southern night sky, this piece sings of deep affection and resolve for a beloved, a gem of a love song crafted by Tomoyasu Hotei.

It gently speaks of the kindness to forgive one another and the joy of cherishing each other’s individuality, tenderly resonating with listeners’ hearts.

Released in November 1996, it was selected as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Doc,” generating a huge response by topping the Oricon charts for three consecutive weeks.

For those who wish to keep moving forward or who hold thoughts of someone precious close to their heart, it will offer gentle companionship—like a gift from the starry sky.

When cherry-blossom hues danceNakajima Mika12rank/position

Mika Nakashima “Sakurairo Mau Koro” MUSIC VIDEO Shorts ver.

Released in 2005, “Sakura-iro Mau Koro” was written and composed by Minako Kawae, who has provided many songs for Miki Imai.

Like “Yuki no Hana,” Mika Nakashima’s voice evokes a delicate, beautiful world that tightens your chest.

Though it portrays the changing of the seasons, perhaps it’s the word “sakura-colored” that makes you want to listen to it in spring.

It feels like a song that will stay close when you want to quietly reflect.

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A Naked Heartaimyon13rank/position

Aimyon – Naked Heart [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

Released in June 2020, this is Aimyon’s 10th single, chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama “My Housekeeper Nagisa-san.” It’s a ballad that expresses honest emotions over a sound centered on piano and melodica.

Even if past heartbreak makes you think “I’ll never fall in love again,” it captures the bittersweet feeling of falling for someone once more, along with the wish to be true to your feelings this time.

When you’re struggling with love or hoping to be accepted just as you are, the words of this song are sure to resonate.

Sakura: To You Who Couldn’t GraduateHanzaki Yoshiko14rank/position

Yoshiko Hanzaki “Sakura: To You Who Couldn’t Graduate” (Official Live Video)

A song by Hokkaido-born singer-songwriter Yoshiko Hanzaki.

It’s a number in which she weaves her feelings for a late friend who should have graduated alongside her, delivered in a voice that feels like a heartfelt conversation.

It expresses the sense of loss felt during cherry blossom season, as well as deep affection for someone who continues to live on in the heart.

After 17 years of groundwork, she made her major debut, and the song was included on the mini-album “Utaben,” released in April 2017, before later being released as a single.

Performed when she won the New Artist Award at the 50th Japan Cable Radio Awards, the piece is also widely loved as a choral song.

The animated music video also drew attention.

It’s a song that gently stays with you when you want to quietly remember someone after cherry-blossom viewing, or for those who have experienced parting with someone dear.