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 1980s (31–40)
New York StoryMori Shinichi
In Shinichi Mori’s song released in 1983, the lyrics were written by Takashi Matsumoto, just like the previous work “Fuyu no Riviera.” The composition was by Haruomi Hosono of YMO, and the arrangement was handled by Hosono and Ryuichi Sakamoto, making it a distinctive, unconventional track.
Yagiri no Watashi (Yagiri Ferry)Hosokawa Takashi
One of the quintessential hits of the 1980s and a song many people know well.
Its lyrics, depicting a farewell to a loved one, are heartrending and strike straight to the heart.
Takashi Hosokawa’s powerful yet wistful vocals further elevate the song’s appeal.
Released in 1983, it became a massive hit, ranking second on Oricon’s year-end charts.
It also won the Japan Record Award, and Hosokawa performed it as the grand finale on the Kouhaku Uta Gassen, making it one of that year’s defining songs.
It’s a track you’ll want to listen to when standing at a crossroads in love or life.
Its resonant lyrics and melody are sure to become a source of strength for you.
In conclusion
We introduced a whole lineup of enka hits from the 1980s.
Many of them are still loved as timeless masterpieces, so even those of the younger generation who weren’t yet born at the time may be familiar with quite a few of these songs.
Take this opportunity to listen carefully to the classics featured in this article!