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)
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.
Jenny is in a bad moodJūshii Furūtsu
A single released in 1980.
Juicy Fruits is a band formed around Haruo Chikada.
For its time, the piece—sung entirely in a whispery voice by the female vocalist Illya—was innovative, and it was very cute and danceable.
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.
Lucky LoveWada Kanako
It’s a very catchy song featuring the vocals of Kanako Wada, an idol who epitomized the ’80s.
Set to a lively melody, it portrays the wavering feelings caught between an ideal love and the reality of romance.
Released in November 1988, this track was also used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Ie to Nyobo to Otoko no Meiyo,” and it left a lasting impression on many listeners.
It’s the perfect song for anyone struggling with love or feeling nostalgic for their youth.
Just one listen will lift your spirits—like a little bit of magic.