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.