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!
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Revival among the youth? Japanese dance music hits from the 1980s. Showa-era dance tracks (21–30)
Give Me UpBaBe
Michael Fortunati’s debut single.
It’s been covered by many artists, but it seems BaBe’s cover sold the most.
It’s a quintessential Eurobeat track that shook Japan’s discos noisily night after night at the time.
BaBe’s harmonies were lovely, and their choreography also became trendy.
Man and WomanOhashi Junko
An electric and captivating track that evokes the disco sound of the ’80s.
The lyrics, depicting the fragility and poignancy of love, blend beautifully with Junko Ohashi’s powerful vocals.
Included on the album “Blue Desert,” released in March 1994, the song incorporates elements of city pop, reflecting the trends of the time.
With lyrics that resonate deeply and a danceable rhythm, it’s sure to support those struggling with matters of the heart.
A heartwarming song you’ll want to listen to with someone special.
I won’t lose!BARBEE BOYS
Barbee Boys were a rock band known for their twin vocals by Kyoko—who perfectly fits the moniker “big sister”—and KONTA (Atsushi Kondo).
Their songs depicting the push and pull of romance between men and women, elevated by the strong personalities of these two, set them apart from other bands and left a striking impression.
This work is a single released in 1986.
Roppongi HeartbreakAn Ruisu
A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that anyone can dance to.
When she debuted, Ann Lewis was a demure and cute singer in the vein of “Goodbye My Love.” Before we knew it, she was singing songs like this that exude a decidedly more mature mood.
Released in 1986, it’s a masterpiece of danceable rock kayō (Japanese pop).
Dancing All Nightmonta & burazāzu
Here’s a signature hit of the ’80s! A soulful track by Monta & Brothers, it portrays the bittersweet feelings of lovers dancing the night away.
The tender, aching lyrics mesh perfectly with the distinctive synthesizer-driven sound.
Released in April 1980 as their debut single, it topped the Oricon weekly chart for 10 consecutive weeks and won numerous awards, including a Japan Record Award Gold Prize.
In 2005 it was featured in a Mizkan commercial, continuing to be loved across generations.
Whether it’s a night swayed by love or a party with friends, this song is guaranteed to hype up any scene.
Highly recommended for anyone who wants to feel the exhilarating sound of the ’80s.
RYDEENYellow Magic Orchestra
Yellow Magic Orchestra, commonly known as YMO, is a band consisting of Yukihiro Takahashi, Haruomi Hosono, and Ryuichi Sakamoto.
Even at the time, they were noted as an exceptional group of artists whose scale exceeded the boundaries of Japan.
Many musicians have been influenced by them, and one of the most representative today is Perfume.
There was even a concert where Perfume danced while video of YMO performing Rydeen in the 1980s played in the background.
Mugo… mm… that’s sexy.Kudō Shizuka
As an idol who looked great in purple, she was extremely popular among the slightly delinquent-style fashion-loving older guys and gals of the time.
The fact that the lyrics were written by Miyuki Nakajima was also a hot topic.
The guitar in the intro was striking, and kids who couldn’t play guitar all imitated it with their mouths.
The electronic elements of the song matched well with Shizuka Kudo’s vocals, too.