Naoko Ken’s Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

The Ugly DucklingNaoko Ken8rank/position

Naoko Ken - The Ugly Duckling ~cover

Miyuki Nakajima, who wrote the song, also recorded a self-cover in 2002, but Naoko Ken released it in 1978, at a time when the Showa-era pop scene was just beginning to shift.

It became a huge hit for its portrayal of a woman’s sorrow and pride after being dumped in Nakajima’s “Abayo.” Though slightly up-tempo, it’s a poignant classic that expresses both the words a woman least wants to hear from the man she loves and her own feelings.

Girl from KyotoNaoko Ken9rank/position

A girl from Kyoto ... Naoko Ken

When it comes to songs about Kyoto from the Showa era, many are mellow enka-style numbers, but this one stands out as a pop tune.

This was Naoko Ken’s fourth single, with lyrics by Yū Aku and arrangement by Koichi Morita.

It’s a local-themed song that seems to carry on the momentum of the previous year’s Japanese National Railways campaign, and its lyrics feature numerous famous sightseeing spots in Kyoto.

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Hirakawa Masako (Bōkarisuto: Sakata Mizumako)

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YayoiNaoko Ken10rank/position

Yayoi Naoko Ken

Lyrics by Yoko Aki, music by Ryudo Uzaki.

The song sings of atonement toward a child who, due to circumstances, could not be born, as well as feelings of apology toward the family formed afterward, self-admonition, and sorrow.

It’s a song so shocking that you may be taken aback when you hear the lyrics.

era; age; time; periodNaoko Ken11rank/position

Naoko Ken Sings Miyuki Nakajima / Jidai (The Era)

High school students might not know this, but Naoko Ken is a bona fide musician.

She’s an excellent singer with many hit songs.

This time, I recommend her version of Miyuki Nakajima’s “Jidai” (The Times).

Chasing YokohamaNaoko Ken12rank/position

Chasing You to Yokohama – Junko Sakurada – Guitar Cover (Sung while Playing)

“Oikakete Yokohama” is a love song set in Yokohama.

It was released in 1978 as a single by Junko Sakurada, with lyrics and music by Miyuki Nakajima.

This video is Naoko Ken’s cover version.

There’s also a self-cover by Miyuki Nakajima.

Love, how is it? Romance, how is it?Naoko Ken13rank/position

Love, how is it? Romance, how is it?

It’s a hidden gem known to those in the know from her peak era.

Released in 1983 as her 32nd single, it was used as the campaign song for the “Biryūshi Foundation” commercial, and—as the unique title suggests—it’s an enchanting track.

The lyrics were written by Yukinojō Mori, famed for penning many of Kyosuke Himuro’s songs.

Dressed in a black suit with a pompadour, she looks incredibly stylish—almost unimaginable by today’s standards.

She’s like early Janet Jackson.