Classic songs about women. Recommended popular tracks.
Although J-pop and rock are commonplace in Japan’s music scene today, there was a time when enka and kayōkyoku were at the center.
Here is a list of masterpieces from that era in Japan, all themed around “women.” Some sing of tragic love, others of adultery—different situations, yet the abundance of love songs reminds us that, in every era, love is essential for women.
- Masterpieces that sing about women. Recommended popular songs.
- Masterpieces about girls: recommended popular songs
- A number I’d recommend to the yutori generation—one I’d like women to sing
- Women’s Enka: A collection of classic enka songs expressing women’s emotions
- Popular Japanese songs among women in their 50s: recommended classics and staple tracks
- Songs women like. Famous and popular Japanese songs.
- Nostalgic Showa-era heartbreak songs. Soothe your heart with timeless classics that can move women in their 60s to tears.
- Recommended breakup songs for women in their 50s: classic and popular Japanese tracks
- [For Women] A roundup of enka songs that can score high in karaoke
- [For Women] Masterpiece Enka Songs with a High Degree of Difficulty
- Recommended heartbreak songs for women in their 40s: classic and popular Japanese hits
- [Must read] Songs with great lyrics. Moving songs you’ll want to listen to while reading the lyrics
- [Tearjerker] Songs that make your heart tremble with tears & moving tracks with lyrics that touch the soul
Masterpieces that sing about women. Recommended popular songs (71–80)
Kiss me here.Shiina Ringo
A signature song by Ringo Sheena that portrays a bittersweet yet passionate love.
Released in January 1999 as her third single, it was also selected as the ending theme for Yomiuri TV/Nippon TV’s “Downtown DX.” Written when she was 17 and living in Fukuoka, the song expresses single-minded devotion and a powerful yearning for a lover’s affection.
Its driving guitar riff and Sheena’s distinctive vocals stir the listener’s heart.
The lyrics, which empathize with the complex emotions of those in love, have resonated with many listeners and remained beloved for years.
It’s a must-listen for anyone who has experienced heartbreak or is currently struggling with matters of the heart.
MHamasaki Ayumi
This is one of Ayumi Hamasaki’s signature songs, expressing the bittersweet feelings of a woman in love.
Centered on the theme of “the deep loneliness and wounds one feels precisely because they love someone,” it draws listeners into a world woven from grand melodies and emotional lyrics.
Released in December 2000, the track also garnered attention as the first single she composed under her pen name CREA.
It was featured in a TU-KA commercial and topped the Oricon charts for two consecutive weeks, with total sales reaching 1.319 million copies.
If you want to convey your feelings to someone important, why not listen to this song? Its heartfelt lyrics are sure to give you the courage to express what’s in your heart.
I want to be a woman.Hamano Haruki
A song by Haruki Hamano that portrays a woman who stays true to herself, delivered with a powerful vocal performance.
After breaking up with a deadbeat man, she sings about her resolve to choose her own life.
Since its release in January 2024, the track has resonated with many women.
Announced as the third installment of a six-month consecutive release project, it was co-written and produced with CHIHIRO.
This work is a powerful pop tune that gives a push to those who struggle to express their true feelings.
It’s recommended not only for women grappling with love, but also for anyone who wants to reclaim their authentic self.
Masterpieces celebrating women: Recommended popular songs (81–90)
SoupFujihara Sakura
A cute love song by Sakura Fujiwara that likens a girl’s feelings in love to soup! Her clear, transparent voice pairs perfectly with the adorable lyrics.
Released in June 2016, it was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Love Song.” It’s so romantic how the deepening relationship between the two is expressed through the changing flavors of soup over time.
It’s a perfect track not only for those in love, but also for anyone hoping to fall in love.
The heartwarming melody and lyrics are sure to make your heart skip a beat.
How about listening to it together with someone special?
User ManualNishino Kana
This song portrays the delicate emotions of women through the fresh, inventive concept of an “instruction manual.” The phrase, “If I start to feel a bit worn and your eyes begin to wander, remember the day we first met,” expresses a woman’s wish for unwavering love.
Released in September 2015, it was also chosen as the theme song for the film No Longer Heroine (Heroine Shikkaku).
It resonated with many people, including through appearances at the 2015 and 2018 Kohaku Uta Gassen.
It’s a recommended track not only for women struggling with their relationships, but also for men who want to understand a woman’s heart.
LOVE tantrum phaseChou Tokimeki♡Sendenbu
This song adorably captures the “no-no phase” during romance! From cutting her bangs too short, it portrays, in a down-to-earth perspective, the sweetness, demands, and insecurities directed at a lover.
The phrase “If you don’t give me LOVE, I won’t have it!” is packed with romantic feelings everyone’s experienced.
Released in May 2023, the track features Cho Tokimeki♡Sendenbu’s fresh vocals and a catchy pop melody.
You’ll find yourself humming along before you know it.
It’s a perfect pick not only for those in love, but also for anyone who wants to rekindle that romantic feeling.
I want to be your lover.Abe Mao
This is a song that lays bare the feelings of a girl with an unrequited crush.
Her endearing hesitation to take action resonates with anyone who’s been in the same situation.
Its brightness tinged with a touch of sadness draws listeners in and won’t let go.
The ballad’s melody and the warm, gentle sound are soothing to the ears.
