I’ve put together the debut songs of female singers who colored the music scene of the ’80s, such as Yumi Arai, Miyuki Nakajima, and Ann Lewis.
Many people will be reminded of their youth when they listen to these songs.
Great songs remain in our hearts even after decades.
Please give them a listen.
- Top 1980s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
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- Looking back at the gem-like debut songs of female singers who debuted in 1990
- [1980s] A roundup of debut songs by enka singers
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- Ranking of Popular Songs by Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s [2026]
Debut songs by female artists from the 80s (1–10)
Wedding bellSuger
Sugar is a trio with beautifully high-toned choral work.
This song, though their debut single, probably became the most famous in their catalog.
It cynically portrays a woman who, after a failed romance, outwardly offers her blessings while secretly harboring malice.
Blue RevolutionHamada Mari
This song was released a few years after their debut, timed as their popularity was gradually rising, and it became their so-called first single.
The powerful, soaring high notes are simply outstanding.
They’re still an active performer today.
Listening to OliviaAnri
Anri was striking for her translucent voice and an outstanding figure that seemed un-Japanese.
In fact, before debuting as an artist, she also worked as a fashion model.
This song is a classic that reached many people and became one of the greatest successes of her career.
DOWN TOWNEPO
EPO’s debut single, which was also used as the theme song for Waratte Iitomo’s spin-off Oretachi Hyōkin-zoku.
It’s a well-known Sugar Babe song, but when sung in her voice it really gives off an ’80s vibe.
She had many other signature tracks as well and was gifted with enough songwriting talent to even provide songs for others.
Not For SaleTanimura Yumi
This person is also a long-running singer-songwriter who has continued their musical activities for many years.
I always thought their natural, down-to-earth way of speaking on the radio was distinctive, but it turns out that in the ’80s they were decked out in full-on bubble-era fashion.
It reminds me of the saying, “Every person has a history.”
Midnight Door ~Stay With Me~Matsubara Miki
A classic song with a city pop-style arrangement that truly reflects its era.
As you can hear, she’s a composed, highly skilled vocalist, and she would go on to release a string of wonderful classics after this.
Unfortunately, she retired from the music industry in the 1990s and passed away at the age of 44.
Midnight KidsNakamura Ayumi
The debut song of Ayumi Nakamura, an artist who gained popularity for her husky and very powerful vocals.
In the video she still has a rather innocent air about her, yet her voice sounds as if it’s been roughed up by cigarettes, whiskey, and salted fish.
It was quite distinctive, wasn’t it?