Popular 80s hits for karaoke. Sing kayōkyoku and pop songs!
What kind of songs do you sing when you go to karaoke?
Some people like to sing the latest hits, but 80s Japanese pop still enjoys strong popularity at karaoke.
Songs from that era are often either easy to sing or really satisfying to belt out, so they’re popular even among younger generations.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of recommended karaoke tracks from the biggest hits of the 80s.
We’ve focused on timeless classics that almost everyone has heard before and gathered songs perfect for karaoke, so use this as a guide when choosing what to sing.
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Hit songs from the ’80s popular at karaoke. Sing kayōkyoku and pop! (21–30)
CAT’S EYEAnri
Cat’s Eye has a cool, era-defining city pop sound.
Singer-songwriter Anri, known for Olivia o Kikinagara, released it in 1983.
It became a huge hit after being used as the opening theme for the TV anime of the same title, and it’s a highly recognized anime song.
Even today it still feels catchy, and it’s a track that can get not only older listeners but also younger generations excited when they sing it.
I’d especially recommend it to those who find recent songs hard to follow or too difficult.
ONLY YOUBOØWY
Some people say they go for rock when they want to heat up the karaoke party—so let me introduce “Only You.” It’s performed by BOØWY, a rock band that defined the 1980s.
Though they formed and disbanded within that decade, their impact is still talked about today.
Among their tracks, “Only You” is especially beloved by fans.
Ride the edgy sound and sing it out with confidence.
Also, aim to peak the excitement at the end, where the same phrase is repeated over and over.
It’s nothing good.Nagabuchi Tsuyoshi
Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, whose songs about burning manly passion are supported by men of his generation.
His track “Rokuna Mon Ja Nee,” released in 1987, became a major hit as the theme song for the drama Oyako Zigzag, in which Nagabuchi himself starred.
It’s a well-known song that many people have heard, not only those who remember the era but also thanks to its huge success.
It creates a rugged, cool vibe yet also gets everyone fired up as a karaoke song—by the chorus it turns into a big sing-along.
It’s a number I highly recommend to anyone who’s been feeling stressed out lately.
Embraced by the wintry windKoizumi Kyoko
“Kogarashi ni Dakarete” is a song that portrays the feelings of a woman with an unrequited crush.
Even if the title doesn’t ring a bell, I’m sure you’ll recognize it once you hear the chorus.
It’s sung by Kyoko Koizumi, who is both an actress and a singer.
The lyrics and music were written by Toshihiko Takamizawa of THE ALFEE, and he’s also done a self-cover.
Because of that, his version also leaves a strong impression.
In any case, it’s a song that’s sung mostly in a high register.
When singing it, try setting the key higher than usual.
Graduation -GRADUATION-Kikuchi Momoko
Momoko Kikuchi is strongly associated with a soft, gentle image as an actress, but she actually debuted as an idol.
“Sotsugyo – GRADUATION -” is her fourth single, released in February 1985.
The lyrics were written by Yasushi Akimoto, who still produces idols today.
Its relaxed melody seems easy to sing at karaoke.
It’s a perfect song for graduation season—why not perform it at an appreciation party or similar event?