Great enka masterpieces and hit songs of the 1980s
The appeal of enka, a genre cherished as Japanese music for many years, has not faded.
Even today it’s featured on TV and in commercials, and many enka singers appear on the annual New Year’s Eve music show, the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
In this article, we’ll showcase a selection of hit enka songs released in the 1980s—works that embody the very heart of Japan.
For those who remember the era, many of these tracks will feel nostalgic.
At the same time, we’ve chosen numerous timeless classics that people born after the ’80s are likely to know as well.
Take this opportunity to sit back and savor the enka masterpieces of the 1980s.
- [Enka] A special feature on female singers in their 80s. Singers who were active from the early to mid-Showa era.
- A roundup of male enka singers in their 80s: veterans who left their mark on the enka world
- Great enka masterpieces and hit songs of the 1970s
- Great enka masterpieces and hit songs of the 1990s
- Classic enka songs you’ll want to sing at karaoke: recommended popular tracks
- [1980s] A roundup of debut songs by enka singers
- [Showa Era] A Collection of Enka Hits: Timeless Classics Loved Across Generations
- A roundup of hit enka songs from the Heisei era
- Easy-to-sing enka: A roundup of recommended enka songs for karaoke
- [2026] Representative Famous Enka Songs: A Compilation of Classic Favorites [Beginner-Friendly]
- A roundup of male enka singers in their 70s: legendary vocalists who support the enka world
- Nostalgic enka. A collection of classic enka hits from the Showa era.
- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
Great Enka Masterpieces and Hit Songs of the ’80s (21–30)
With a fiery heartKobayashi Akira
It’s a song released by Akira Kobayashi in 1985.
It was composed by Eiichi Ohtaki, who was a fan of Kobayashi and created a grand piece to match Kobayashi’s image, with lyrics commissioned from Yū Aku.
The song continued as a long-running hit into the following year and was performed at the 1986 Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Sentiments of a Journey to WuxiOgata Daisaku
It’s a hit song by Daisaku Ogata released in 1986, written and composed by Daisaburō Nakayama.
The title “Wuxi” refers to Wuxi City in Jiangsu Province, China, and the lyrics depict scenes from there.
In Wuxi, a monument inscribed with the song’s Chinese version has been erected.
The third-year affairHiroshi & Kībō
A shocking work on the theme of marital infidelity that sparked a social phenomenon.
Released as the debut single of Hiroshi & Kibo, it topped the Oricon Singles Chart for three consecutive weeks.
Its conversational, husband-and-wife-style lyrics must have resonated with many people.
Released in August 1982, the song became a massive hit, selling over 700,000 copies.
It caused such a stir that an answer song was later produced.
Although it never made it to the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen, it’s still frequently sung at karaoke today.
It might even be good to listen to during a marital spat—though cheating is never okay!
Let yourself go with the flow of timeTeresa Ten
This is the third song by the duo of Toyohisa Araki and Takashi Miki for Teresa Teng, following “Tsugunai” and “Aijin.” Released in 1986, it won numerous awards, including the Japan Cable Radio Awards.
A timeless masterpiece, it continues to be sung today and has been covered by many musicians.
pledge; vow; promise; (contextually also) bond of love/sexual unionItsuki Hiroshi
The lyrics were written by Yu Aku and the music was composed by Hiroshi Itsuki; the song was released in 1982.
While the version he sang himself was of course a hit, what likely boosted the song’s fame significantly was the “Robot Itsuki” routine by the impressionist Korokke.