Hiromi Ohta, the singer-songwriter whose song “Cotton Handkerchief” was a huge hit.
Skilled at the piano, she started out with a folk style in her early career and often performed piano-and-vocal pieces.
Here’s a ranking of some of her popular songs.
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Hiromi Ohta Popular Song Ranking [2026] (1–10)
Cotton HandkerchiefŌta Hiromi1rank/position

This song, created by the golden duo of lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and music by Kyohei Tsutsumi, was a massive hit, ranking 4th for the year in 1976.
It’s basically sung with a cute, charming tone—if you sing it in that classic “burikko” cutesy style, it’ll really get the crowd going! The overall vocal range is G#3 to E5, which is on the higher side, but it’s easier to sing if you use a light, airy head voice.
Keeping an idol-like smile with a slightly bashful expression will help you use your breath more effectively and sing more comfortably.
Take a breath, and when you release your voice, try to imagine it coming out from just in front of your eyebrows.
That should help you capture that adorable vocal vibe!
September RainŌta Hiromi2rank/position

This song evokes a scene wrapped in the stillness of autumn.
It’s a masterpiece woven with tenderness and wistfulness, as if autumn rain were gently falling on the listener’s heart.
Released in September 1977 as Hiromi Ohta’s ninth single, it became one of her signature works.
She performed it at the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen at the end of the same year, captivating many hearts.
It’s perfect for listening alone on a long autumn night, or together with someone special.
Why not savor it while reminiscing about the love of those days? It offers a lovely time filled with nostalgia that soothes the soul.
South Wind – SOUTH WIND –Ōta Hiromi3rank/position

If you want to savor an open, summery vibe, Hiromi Ohta’s “Minamikaze – SOUTH WIND -” is perfect.
Released in 1980 as her 17th single, it was used in a commercial for Kirin Beer’s “Kirin Orange” at the time.
Its refreshing sound, fitting for a soft drink commercial, puts you in a pleasant mood.
The lyrics, told from the perspective of young people who can’t wait for summer, feel charmingly fresh.
Definitely give “Minamikaze – SOUTH WIND -” a listen and soak up the summer atmosphere!
The youth I walked through with youŌta Hiromi4rank/position

A song by Hiromi Ohta that captured the hearts of many and stands as a signature work from the golden age of folk music.
Written and composed by Shozo Ise, it was released as a single in December 1977 and is also included on the album “12-Page Poetry Collection.” Its lyrics and melody gently embrace the loneliness of the end of youth and the parting from someone dear.
Ohta’s clear, pure voice resonates deeply with listeners.
When you feel like looking back on your youthful days, give it a listen.
Farewell, Siberian RailwayŌta Hiromi5rank/position

With lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and music by Eiichi Ohtaki, this song is a classic winter piece that poignantly portrays a bittersweet farewell as someone departs for the distant northern lands on the Trans-Siberian Railway.
Released as a single in November 1980, it was originally intended to be sung by Ohtaki himself, but since the lyrics were written from a woman’s perspective, it was offered to Hiromi Ohta instead.
Against a wintry backdrop of white ice fields and biting cold, the protagonist’s attempt to accept parting from a loved one is deeply moving.
Ohta’s clear, translucent vocals delicately convey the wistful scene, making it a song you’ll want to savor.
Why not listen quietly at dusk on a cold day?
Red high heelsŌta Hiromi6rank/position

A poignant story woven from Takashi Matsumoto’s delicate lyrics, which portray a young girl’s heart wavering between pure dreams and urban reality, and Kyohei Tsutsumi’s melody.
Hiromi Ohta’s transparent voice beautifully expresses the loneliness and inner conflict of city life, symbolized by the motif of red shoes.
Released in June 1976, the song became a major hit, reaching No.
2 on the Oricon charts and winning the Excellence in Vocal Performance Award at that year’s Japan Record Awards.
It was also included on the album “Handmade Picture Book” and was frequently featured on music programs of the time.
For those who long for life in the big city or who live far from their hometown, this is a song that will resonate deeply.
Daddy and Your ShadowŌta Hiromi7rank/position

It’s a song from NHK’s “Minna no Uta.” The lyrics and music are by Hitomi Konno.
The song has very straightforward lyrics that convey important things to children.
Above all, we must not forget the earnest determination to live strongly.


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