Revival among the youth? Japanese dance music that was a hit in the 1980s. Showa-era dance tracks.
Due to American influence, in the 1980s Japan also saw dance music that heavily used drum machines and synthesizers become popular as it was incorporated into pop and other genres.
Behind the scenes, a wealth of superb, funky disco tracks were produced in large numbers, many of which remain timeless classics still talked about today.
In this era of retro revival, why not listen to the dance music that was in vogue in the ’80s?
For those who spent their youth back then, it will sound nostalgic; for generations who didn’t experience the era, it will sound fresh and new!
In this article, we’ve selected recommended dance tracks from that time.
Enjoy!
Revival Among the Youth? Japanese Dance Music Hits from the 1980s: Showa-Era Dance Tracks (1–10)
Dancing HeroOginome Yōko
A single by Yoko Oginome released in 1985.
It became a major hit alongside the disco boom of the time.
The original song is Angie Gold’s Western pop track “Eat You Up,” known in Japan as “Suteki na High Energy Boy.” In 2017, “Dancing Hero” enjoyed a resurgence when the dance club of Osaka Prefectural Toin Gakuen High School uploaded their “Bubbly Dance” performance to YouTube, bringing renewed popularity to both the song and Yoko Oginome.
SHOW MEMorikawa Yukari
A single released by Yukari Morikawa in 1987.
The original song was by the American girl group The Cover Girls, with the same title.
It was used as the theme song for the popular TV drama “Danjo 7-nin Aki Monogatari” (Autumn Story of Seven Men and Women).
Representing the height of the bubbly disco boom, this track earned Morikawa numerous music awards.
CHA-CHA-CHAIshii Akemi
Released in 1986.
The original song was a Western disco track that became a hit for an Italian group called I Finzi-Contini.
Japanese lyrics were added, and the version sung by Akemi Ishii became a massive hit.
Contributing factors included not only the quality of the song itself, but also the boost in recognition from being used as the theme song for the hugely popular TV drama “Danjo 7-nin Natsu Monogatari” (Seven Men and Women: Summer Story) at the time.
Can’t Stop the RomanticC-C-B
A quintessential hit of the 80s, this song is known as C-C-B’s signature work.
With its catchy melody and fresh sound, it captivated many fans and gained popularity not only in Japan but also across Asia.
Released in 1985, the song features memorable lyrics depicting a shift from friendship to romance.
Kasa’s appealing high-tone vocals stand out, and it is said the track was recorded two semitones higher than usual.
It was also used as a TV drama theme song, solidifying its status as C-C-B’s representative track.
It’s a recommended listen both for those nostalgic for their youth and for younger listeners interested in 80s music.
TATTOONakamori Akina
A dance tune emblematic of the ’80s, this was Akina Nakamori’s single released in May 1988.
Packed with the allure of bubble-era dance music, its sound fully embraces Eurobeat elements.
Known for its choreographed routine, the song made a powerful impact with Nakamori’s groundbreaking performance in a mini-skirt outfit.
It left a vivid impression on fans of the time and became widely familiar as the theme for Orient Watch commercials.
It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and achieved a brilliant 9th place in the year-end rankings.
It’s a must-listen not only for those who remember the golden age of dance music, but also for music fans awakening to disco sounds.