Shiina Ringo’s Best and Most Popular Songs: From Hit Singles to Hidden Gems, All in One Guide!

Kiss me here.Shiina Ringo

Ringo Sheena – Kiss Me Here.

A track from the first album Muzai Moratorium, released in February 1999.

With this work, Ringo Sheena made her first appearance on the music program Music Station, and it became one of her signature pieces.

It is said that she wrote this song while living in Fukuoka, expressing her straightforward feelings for the man she was dating at the time.

CappuccinoShiina Ringo

Cappuccino

A song provided by Ringo Sheena—known for her distinctive turns of phrase and sharp insight—to Rie Tomosaka, which Sheena later self-covered.

Using a cappuccino, with its blend of sweetness and bitterness, as a motif, the piece depicts the complex emotions of romantic love.

The lyrics, which deftly express a young woman’s growth and budding feelings, have resonated with many listeners.

It’s a perfect track for those troubled by love or those who want to savor a more mature romance.

an open secretShiina Ringo

Shiina Ringo – Public Secret

The theme song for the drama “Jikou Keisatsu Hajimemashita.” It’s a lively, pop-tinged track, sprinkled generously with aroma-related words like pheromone, flavor, and cinnamon.

The lyrics portray a proactive woman determined to win over the man she’s secretly in love with, exuding a somewhat mysterious, seductive allure.

It’s a song that invites you to fully immerse yourself in its lyrical world.

Chicken, Snake, and PigShiina Ringo

Ringo Sheena – Chicken and Snake and Pig

A mysterious song entirely in English.

It starts with chant-like music, so listening to it alone might send a chill down your spine.

The chicken, snake, and pig symbolize three desires that poison the human heart.

If you read the lyrics translated into Japanese, you’ll see it’s an encouraging song with a message like, “Being steeped in worldly desires isn’t a bad thing—forge ahead as you believe,” which might put you at ease.

It’s a track that showcases the artist’s remarkable talent.

The Long and Short FestivalShiina Ringo

Ringo Sheena – Long and Short Festival

A dance number with a lively rhythm reminiscent of Brazilian samba and a mature sensuality.

This duet by Ringo Sheena and Ukigumo of Tokyo Jihen blends autotuned vocals with the energy of a live band to exquisite effect.

The lyrics, which liken a woman’s prime to a fleeting summer gleam, convey a fragile yet powerful vitality.

Included on the single “Nagaku Mijikai Matsuri / Kamisama, Hotokesama,” released in August 2015, it also became familiar nationwide as a Coca-Cola commercial song.

Its sophisticated chord progressions and thrilling developments reveal something new with every listen, and the pleasantly shifting modulations are addictive.

A perfect classic for a humid summer night when you want to enjoy a drive with the windows down.

StoicismShiina Ringo

Stoicism

This 1-minute-46-second piece is placed as a bridge leading into the latter half of the album Shōso Strip.

It’s characterized by the ascetic nuance suggested by its title and a unique sound full of darting electronic tones.

In fact, it’s cleverly paired with the preceding track, “Crime and Punishment”: if you read the seemingly nonsensical string of lyrics backward, a certain phrase emerges.

Dense artistry and playful spirit are compressed into this short runtime.

Try solving this word puzzle yourself.

Marunouchi SadisticShiina Ringo

Marunouchi Sadistic

Among Shiina Ringo’s songs—an artist who continues to imprint her singular worldview on Japan’s music scene—this track has remained a beloved signature number despite never being released as a single.

Featured on her 1999 album “Muzai Moratorium,” it’s distinguished by a shuffle beat infused with jazz and rock elements, and urbane lyrics that weave in gear names like Gibson and Marshall.

Sing it over the sprightly piano melody, and the atmosphere instantly takes on a refined sheen.

Fans of Shiina Ringo or Tokyo Jihen, of course, but also any music lovers at year-end or New Year parties, will likely nod in approval: “Nice choice.” With a groove that feels great to sing, it has long been a staple pick for karaoke.