Debut songs by female artists from the 1980s

Vacation of Murderous IntentHonda Minako

Minako Honda: Vacation of Murderous Intent

As a debut single for an idol, the title is a bit questionable, and the style might not quite match her singing voice.

Of course, as you know, she went on to do extremely well, and despite her slender frame, her powerful voice made her highly sought after as a musical theater singer after graduating from her idol career.

I can surely say that.Iijima Mari

Mari Iijima - I Can Surely Say

As a singer, Mari Iijima was a highly anticipated major newcomer who debuted under the production of Ryuichi Sakamoto.

This track is one of the songs included on her debut album.

However, she had already broken through as well, as the voice actress for Macross heroine Lynn Minmay.

Lullaby of the Thistle MaidenNakajima Miyuki

Lullaby of Miss Thistle — Miyuki Nakajima [cover]

A gifted artist, Miyuki Nakajima has continued to pursue a one-and-only form of expression since the ’80s—and beyond—while achieving the kind of commercial success befitting a major star.

This video is a cover, but it still captures that distinctly her kind of melancholy atmosphere.

Falling in LoveKobayashi Akiko

Fall in Love - Koibito ni Ochite by Akiko Kobayashi

A heartrending love song that was also used as the theme for the TBS drama “Friday Wives.” But it’s surprising that this was their debut single.

The expressive power felt like something only a seasoned veteran could deliver.

It’s amazing how it still makes you feel that ache even now.

No reply needed.Arai Yumi

[No reply needed] Yuming cover band “Yuming Brand”

This is the debut song released under the name Yumi Arai by the brilliantly talented musician who, as Yumi Matsutoya—known as Yuming—left an indelible mark on the history of Japanese pop.

Although this video is a performance from much later, the legend began with this very song.

Youth’s PranksKikuchi Momoko

Youth's Pranks

Speaking of idols, the 1980s were a time when many acted in a bubbly, perky manner.

However, in Momoko Kikuchi’s case, that approach wasn’t really evident; she sang with modest choreography and the like.

Her debut song also featured a subdued performance.

BremenTogawa Jun (Gerunika)

Guernica — Bremen

A track that opens the first album by Guernica, Jun Togawa’s music project that became known nationwide through a commercial for a certain company’s warm-water bidet toilet seat.

Within its short runtime, it packs in her distinctly strange and eccentric character.

Love SongPEARL

PEARL – Love Song

While this is the sound of Yumi Tamura’s pre-solo band, you could basically call it her solo project.

She would go on to fully transition into a solo career after this, but her characteristic phrasing was already fully formed.

The Beginning of TimeOhnuki Taeko

Taeko Onuki – The Beginning of Time (Official Audio)

From Sugar Babe to the present day, Taeko Onuki—an extraordinary artist who has consistently presented a singular worldview with her distinctive voice—seems to have fully shaped that character mainly in the 1980s.

This track is included on her first solo album, and you can still sense a certain freshness in it.

The season of bare feetMatsuda Seiko

Seiko Matsuda Barefoot Season

Seiko Matsuda, the genius who epitomized the idol scene of the 1980s.

She still had quite an innocent air about her, but you could already see her steadiness.

This song marked the beginning of her legend, yet her agency at the time, Sun Music, apparently hadn’t paid her much attention and even hesitated to sign her until they heard this singing voice.