Masako Mori Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

wintering swallowMori Masako1rank/position

wintering swallow

This gem of a ballad, which eloquently sings of the aching melancholy of painful love, is a masterpiece that showcases Masako Mori’s outstanding vocal prowess.

Its poetic world is striking: the feelings of a woman who has thrown herself into a forbidden romance are overlaid with the image of a lone swallow that defies the seasons and makes its home out of place.

Mori’s limpid voice intertwines with the heartrending melody, where sorrow and passion cross, creating a deeply moving song.

After its 1983 release, her tearful performance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen drew widespread attention, and the song earned her the Best Vocal Performance award at the 25th Japan Record Awards.

Even among enka songs that give voice to bittersweet longing, this work stands out for its richly expressive phrasing.

It’s the perfect piece for those moments when you want to pour your emotions into the song and sing your heart out, as if setting your soul free.

teacherMori Masako2rank/position

Masako Mori - Sensei (1986-06-29)

Known as a quintessential Showa-era kayōkyoku, this song was released in 1972 as Masako Mori’s debut single.

Its lyrics, which depict a tale of a faint first love, carry a universal theme that resonates with many people.

The delicate expression of her bittersweet feelings for the teacher is particularly striking.

With this song, Masako Mori won the New Artist Award at the 14th Japan Record Awards.

She went on to gain popularity with more school-themed songs, establishing a solid position in the Japanese music scene.

It’s a recommended track for anyone who wants to look back on the sweet and sour memories of their youth.

Cape TachimachiMori Masako3rank/position

Cape Tachimachi

It’s a classic song set on the Sea of Japan that poignantly portrays a woman who continues to wait for her beloved.

Masako Mori’s clear, deeply expressive singing resonates profoundly with listeners.

Released in August 1982 as Mori’s 39th single, the song won the Grand Prize at the Masao Koga Memorial Music Awards.

It was also performed at the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen at the end of the same year, earning widespread affection.

While upholding the traditions of enka, the song features a melodious quality reminiscent of kayōkyoku, highlighted by Mori’s transparent, luminous voice.

It’s a demanding piece that calls for a wide vocal range and delicate expressiveness, but by all means, give it a try.

MotherMori Masako4rank/position

Masako Mori, Mother

“Okaasan” (“Mother”) is a song released by Masako Mori in 1974 and is a classic that expresses gratitude and love for one’s mother.

The lyrics reflect on a mother’s importance and the support she provided, conveying heartfelt thanks.

It’s striking how the song weaves together everyday appreciation for one’s mother, memories of time spent together, and wishes for the future.

Beloved across generations, the song was even selected as the entrance march for the 47th National High School Baseball Invitational Tournament in spring.

Singing it with seniors at a Mother’s Day event would help everyone renew their feelings of gratitude toward their mothers.

This tribute to a mother’s greatness is sure to resonate with many people across generations.

Azusagawa, Shinano RoadMori Masako5rank/position

Shinano Route, Azusa River

Nagano has many beautiful mountains, and in particular, the beauty of the Azusa River flowing through Kamikochi—one of Japan’s premier scenic spots in the Northern Alps—is something that anyone who has traveled there will feel compelled to share with someone.

This song is a bright tune about a woman traveling alone who wishes to one day share that same moving experience with someone she loves.

Masako Mori, who debuted at age 13 with the song “Sensei,” has also become very feminine and beautiful compared to back then.

A solitary, melancholy personMori Masako6rank/position

A solitary, melancholy person

It’s a masterpiece that beautifully depicts the poignant scenery of autumn.

Through the silence and loneliness that descend after festivals and fireworks, it expresses the transience of love and the impermanence of life.

Masako Mori’s powerful vocals further accentuate the bittersweet emotion in the lyrics.

Released in July 2007, this song can be seen as the culmination of Mori’s career.

It’s recommended for solitary listening on long autumn nights.

For those who want to savor a reflective mood or feel the subtleties of life, this is a must-hear track.

Kiso-bushiMori Masako7rank/position

Kiso-bushi (Nagano Prefecture folk song)

The Kiso-bushi is a folk song from the Kiso region of Nagano Prefecture.

Passed down in the Kiso area since the early modern period, it takes as its motif the kawanishi (log driving), in which Kiso timber was floated down rivers, and it sings of the Kiso River, the surrounding mountains, and human warmth.

It is said that the spread of the Kiso-bushi nationwide owed much to the efforts of Jun Ito, who served as the mayor of Fukushima Town (now Kiso Town) from the Taisho era through the prewar Showa period.