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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- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
- Karaoke songs that were hits in the ’90s. Classic and popular tracks from Japanese music.
- A lineup of classic hits! Karaoke songs recommended for the yutori generation
- Popular Showa-era pop. Timeless hit songs.
- [Nostalgic Hits] Smash Hits with the Showa Generation! Classic and Popular Songs Sung by Female Vocalists
- Heart-touching, tear-jerking masterpieces from the Showa era
- Thrilling to Cool Showa-Era Tunes! Classic Songs from Female Singers and Artists of the Showa Period
80s hit songs popular at karaoke. Sing kayōkyoku and pop tunes! (41–50)
dragonflyNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
For those looking for songs with a mature or dandy vibe, I’d like to recommend Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s “Tonbo.” It’s a folk-rock number suited for solo acoustic performance.
The melody is a singable mid-tempo.
The lyrics depict setbacks in life, so try singing with a touch of strain and heartfelt emotion.
Also, when it comes to “Tonbo,” everyone looks forward to singing along to that intro and outro.
Be sure to have your friends and family join in.
Sentimental JourneyMatsumoto Iyo
Iyo Matsumoto—well known from variety shows as Hiromi’s wife—made her idol-era debut with the classic song “Sentimental Journey,” which swept all the newcomer awards at the time.
Used in a Lotte Ghana Chocolate commercial, the track became her signature song and, despite being her debut, remains her best-selling single.
At karaoke, it’s always fun to hype things up by parodying the song’s distinctive “XX years old” line with your own age! Try singing it cutely, just like an idol!
Tsuppari High School Rock’n Roll (Going to School Version)Yokohama Ginbae
Yokohama Ginbae, a rock ’n’ roll band known for their so-called tsuppari fashion—pompadours, baggy “dokan” pants, and sunglasses—burst onto the scene with this style.
This is their second single, released on January 12, 1981.
The song has often been used in commercials and elsewhere, so many people have probably heard it.
In the hit drama series Today’s My Turn!!, the movie version features the Kyo-ore band performing it as the ending theme, which helped it gain widespread recognition.
Whether you know the song or not, once you hear it your body starts moving and you’ll want to sing along! It’s also a great pick for karaoke.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced a whole lineup of 80s Japanese hits that are perfect for karaoke.
For those who remember that era, it was probably a wonderfully nostalgic selection.
Some of you might be thinking, “I haven’t listened to 80s hits in a while,” but why not take this opportunity to belt out those classic tunes and relive your youthful days?