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)
Lips NetworkOkada Yukiko
A signature song by Yukiko Okada with lyrics by Seiko Matsuda and music by Ryuichi Sakamoto, expressing a sweet yet heartrending love.
It captures the feelings of a woman who is both forward and cautious, brought to life by a pure, graceful voice that truly moves the listener.
Used as Shiseido’s spring campaign CM song in January 1986, the track debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Blending maidenly sentiment with a modern sound, it stands as an emblematic piece of the 1980s.
Recommended for those who want to relate to the feeling of being in love or who are interested in Showa-era idol pop.
Paradise GalaxyHikaru GENJI
This is the third single released in 1988 by Hikaru Genji, the Johnny’s group that established a singing-and-dancing style on roller skates.
The lyrics and music were written by Ryo Asuka.
At the time, the song was so popular that the record kept selling out, and it swept major awards such as the Japan Record Award and the Gold Disc Award, becoming the group’s biggest hit.
With its catchy lyrics and easy-to-listen-to melody, it’s the kind of song that could make you a hit at karaoke!
Lonely Tropical FishWink
This is the fifth single by Wink, the two-member idol unit consisting of Sachiko “Sacchin” Suzuki and Shoko Aida, who’s also well-known from variety shows.
In 1989, it was featured in a Panasonic headphone stereo commercial, which the duo appeared in, and it became a huge hit as a result.
Their unusually melancholic, unsmiling, expressionless style for idols is striking, isn’t it? The choreography in the chorus is cool and makes you want to imitate it.
How about singing it as a duet with a friend at karaoke?
Subtly flashy (bling-bling, but nonchalant)Kondō Masahiko
A single released by Masahiko “Matchy” Kondo on September 30, 1981.
It’s no exaggeration to say this is the signature song that defines Matchy.
It was featured in commercials for House Foods’ Kukure Curry and Fujifilm’s Fujicolor.
Beyond the impactful chorus lyrics, the cool intro chorus and Matchy’s youthful vocals are irresistible.
It’s also a great song to sing at karaoke.
Why not belt it out with straightforward energy and gusto?
NANAChekkāzu
This song passionately sings straightforward feelings for a loved one, wrapped in sexy words.
Released as a single in 1986, it drew attention for the notable point that, unlike their previous songs, the members themselves handled both the lyrics and the composition.
The sound has a striking, wild atmosphere with a powerfully resonant rhythm, evoking a sense of rawness alongside direct affection.
Its easily felt rhythm and brusque vocal delivery make it easier to sing, and by leaning into that rough edge, you can more fully bring out the song’s world and character.
