Classic nostalgic summer hits from the ’80s. A roundup of summer songs.
80s songs—nostalgic for those who lived through the era in real time, and increasingly popular among younger listeners as a fresh sound.
Many people have become captivated by their vividness that triggers instant flashbacks and their glittering production, haven’t they?
In this article, we’re focusing on “summer songs” from the 80s!
We’ve gathered popular tracks with rich soundscapes that are loved across generations.
Enjoy a wonderful summer with timeless classics that never lose their shine, no matter how times change!
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Classic nostalgic summer hits from the ’80s. Summer songs roundup (61–70)
Dance, fish.Yamashita Tatsuro
Tatsuro Yamashita is a singer loved across generations, and he’s also known for releasing many summer songs.
Among his tracks, I’d like to introduce “Odoroyo, Fish” (“Dance, Fish”).
It was written specifically for ANA’s Okinawa campaign.
While it doesn’t state it outright, the lyrics evoke a tropical vibe.
The melody, which blends in percussion, also creates a summery atmosphere.
Its bright and fun feel makes it perfect for getting everyone excited together or as a great companion for a drive.
Women Who Fall in Love in SummerOhnuki Taeko
A single released in 1983.
It was used as the theme song for the drama of the same name starring Masakazu Tamura, Women in Love in Summer.
It’s a bossa nova–styled medium-tempo number that evokes the languid feel of summer, featuring the mature tones of a soprano saxophone and maracas rhythms—an easy-on-the-ears track that blends elements of jazz and world music.
Seychelles sunsetMatsuda Seiko
A summer ballad included on the classic album Utopia, released in June 1983.
Many listeners were surely captivated by its bittersweet yet romantic scene: at dusk in a far-off land, entrusting a letter—written in sunset-colored ink while thinking of a loved one—to the sea.
Masao Ōmura’s luxurious, delicate production blends beautifully with Seiko’s crystal-clear vocals.
The album featuring this song won the Best Album Award at the Japan Record Awards that same year.
And the fact that it continues to be selected for many best-of compilations despite not being a single shows just how beloved it is.
It’s the perfect track for twilight on a journey, or for a quiet night spent thinking of someone dear.
Miami 5 a.m.Matsuda Seiko
This is a quintessential city pop track that captures the languor and poignancy of late summer.
Seiko Matsuda’s slightly cool, translucent vocals pair beautifully with the scenes of a city at dawn.
Many listeners can probably picture the protagonist returning to reality after their time together ends, brushing sand from their shoes.
The song appears on the classic album Utopia, released in June 1983, and there’s even a production anecdote that the original lyrics were different.
Perfect for an early-summer-morning drive or when you want to sink into a slightly sentimental mood, this piece wraps you in a refined, grown-up atmosphere—and if you listen when you’re in that headspace, you may find yourself drawn deeply into its story.
Remember Summer DaysAnri
It’s a song that conjures a bittersweet yet beautiful scene—like recalling summer days by the autumn shore.
The quiet loneliness hidden in the protagonist’s heart, the shimmering memories of love, and the wavering impulse to take a new step all stir the listener’s sense of nostalgia.
This piece is a gem included on Anri’s masterpiece “Timely!!,” released in December 1983 and debuting at No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
Produced by Toshiaki Kadomatsu, its polished AOR sound epitomizes the best of ’80s city pop, with a sax solo in the interlude that adds just the right flavor.
It’s a classic you’ll want to lend an ear to when reminiscing at summer’s end or when you’re in a reflective mood.
Farewell… summerTahara Toshihiko
The 15th single, released in August 1983.
At first it seems like a rare ballad for Toshi-chan, but in the latter half it unfolds into a bright, dramatic pop number.
The composer is Paul Anka.
It reached No.
1 on Oricon, The Best Ten, and The Top Ten, and won the Grand Prix at the 14th Japan Kayō Awards.
Despite being a hit at the time, it didn’t become one of Toshihiko Tahara’s signature songs—a hidden masterpiece of summer tunes.
Morning GloryTakeuchi Mariya
This is a track included on the fourth album “Miss M,” released in 1980.
The lyrics and composition were by Tatsuro Yamashita, who later included the song on his own album “FOR YOU.” The lyrics are stylish and fun, full of playful, tightly woven rhymes, and the song itself is a bright, pleasant-to-the-ear, positive city-pop number with a medium tempo.
The title “Morning Glory” refers to the morning glory flower.