Miho Nakayama’s Love Songs: Popular Song Rankings [2026]

You’re My Only Shinin’ StarNagayama Miho1rank/position

You’re My Only Shinin’ Star

A classic song sung by Miho Nakayama that expresses heartfelt feelings for a beloved partner.

Set to a gentle, ballad-style melody, her clear, tender voice wraps the miracle of meeting and a love that lasts forever.

Crafted by city pop maestro Toshiki Kadomatsu, the track was released as a single in February 1988 and reached No.

1 on the Oricon Weekly Chart.

It also drew attention as an insert song for the drama “Mama wa Idol!” Embraced by many listeners, it remains a song that accompanies those quiet moments of gazing up at the night sky and thinking of someone special.

Somewhere in a distant town…Nagayama Miho2rank/position

Miho Nakayama / Somewhere in a Distant Town…

In recent years, this 1991 classic by Miho Nakayama has been reappraised as city pop.

It was originally produced as the theme song for the TV drama “Aitai Toki ni Anata wa Inai…” (“When I Want to See You, You’re Not There”).

The lyrics, which mirror the drama’s theme of a long-distance relationship between a man and a woman living in Sapporo and Tokyo, are truly heart-wrenching.

The meaning of spending Christmas alone—and the reasons behind it—vary from person to person.

Even so, at least on the holy night, we’d like to send words of blessing rather than words of lament.

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I just feel like crying.Nagayama Miho3rank/position

I just feel like crying.

A masterpiece whose resonance is carried by Miho Nakayama’s singing voice.

Known as a defining TV drama theme of the 1990s, this song exquisitely captures the sadness of love.

Its gently embracing melody and lyrics that sing of feelings for someone special leave a lasting impression.

Released in February 1994, the track became a massive hit alongside the drama and is now one of Nakayama’s signature songs.

This work speaks deeply to anyone who has experienced heartbreak or unrequited love.

When you’re feeling down or thinking about someone important, you’re sure to find something in it that resonates.

Surely more than anyone else in the worldNagayama Miho & WANDS4rank/position

Surely More Than Anyone in the World – Miho Nakayama & WANDS (Aiemu Acoustic cover)

Speaking of love songs that became massive hits along with their dramas, this track by Miho Nakayama and WANDS stands out.

Released in October 1992, it was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Dareka ga Kanojo o Aishiteru” (“Someone Loves Her”).

The song embraces the idea that meeting or reuniting with a loved one is a matter of fate, and conveys a desire to cherish the bond with that person.

It surpassed one million copies in just 20 days after release and went on to sell over two million copies in total.

It’s also known as a karaoke staple, making it a recommended song not only for those in love but also for anyone who wants to express their feelings to someone important.

Surely more than anyone else in the worldNagayama Miho5rank/position

Surely more than anyone else in the world

Released in 1992, this duet by Miho Nakayama and WANDS gained attention as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Dareka ga Kanojo o Aishiteru” (“Someone Loves Her”).

Their sweet yet heartrending vocals leave a strong impression, and the love story—beginning with imagery that evokes the end of summer—strikes a chord.

Its message of a fateful reunion and the resolve to keep dreaming with a passion hotter than anyone’s blends perfectly with the drama’s narrative.

The song was also a commercial success, topping the Oricon weekly singles chart and selling over one million copies within just 20 days of its release.

Even now, thanks to frequent use on television and numerous artist covers, it remains widely recognized across generations.

Highly recommended for those who want to resonate with powerful feelings for a loved one and the pure determination to pursue one’s ideals.

Color · White BlendNagayama Miho6rank/position

Color · White Blend

A lighthearted spring love song set to Mariya Takeuchi’s stylish sound.

It sings about a brand-new romance that’s just begun with a new boyfriend, making it a perfect pick for couples who’ve just started dating.

Try playing it during a stay-at-home date to set the mood.

To be happyNagayama Miho7rank/position

To Be Happy - Miho Nakayama, guitar singing cover

It was released in 1993 as Miho Nakayama’s 26th single.

Selected as the theme song for the NHK morning drama series “Eenyo-bo,” it was recorded in Los Angeles.

At her sixth appearance on the 44th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, she performed it with accordionist coba as a guest, and the song suits Miho Nakayama’s gentle aura very well.