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 (71–80)
A new face you might love to hateYoshikawa Koji
A classic that captures the spirit of the ’80s and colors the summer of youth.
Koji Kikkawa’s vocals—both powerful and delicate—express freedom and passion to the fullest.
Released in April 1985, the song topped the Oricon charts and ranked 36th on the year-end chart.
It was also used for Kanebo’s summer campaign and became a major hit.
Musically, it’s a fast-paced pop-rock track with a catchy melody and dynamic backing.
The lyrics, depicting the courage to reveal a new self and deep feelings for someone special, still resonate with many today.
Why not give it a listen as you make new summer memories?
SparkleTatsuro Yamashita
This is the opening track on the album “For You,” released in 1982.
It’s one of Tatsuro Yamashita’s signature early songs—a breezy summer number that seems to distill directly into music the comfortable ring of a cutting guitar, the striking contrast of a glamorous horn section, and the urban, luxurious prosperity of early-1980s Japan.
DANG DANGMatsutōya Yumi
Yumi Matsutoya, beloved across generations.
One of the tracks included on her best-of album “Nihon no Koi to, Yuming to” is “DANG DANG.” It’s a song about a heartbroken woman who goes to the sea, portraying her sorrow in sync with the ocean’s waves.
Try listening while picturing that scene.
It’s also recommended as a song where you can fully enjoy her signature high-tone voice.
The section where the title phrase is repeated is especially addictive.
Ride On TimeYamashita Tatsuro
Tatsuro Yamashita, who stands at the pinnacle of city pop, released the single “RIDE ON TIME” in 1980.
It was a lead single from the album of the same name, “RIDE ON TIME,” and it reached No.
3 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
This song marked Yamashita’s first entry on the Oricon charts.
In 2003, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “GOOD LUCK!!” starring Takuya Kimura, bringing it back into the spotlight.
Its fresh, fast-paced sound makes it a perfect track for summer!
Karen in LoveOhtaki Eiichi
A song by Eiichi Ohtaki, who served as the vocalist for Happy End, the legendary folk-rock band active during the formative years of rock in Japan.
For the recording, they captured a one-take performance and later overdubbed guitar and piano, resulting in a sound that blends a live feel with depth.
The layered choruses in the hook create an atmosphere that mixes the freshness and anticipation of summer, making it a stylish yet passionate, quintessentially summery number.
MERRY X’MAS IN SUMMERKUWATA BAND
This track stunned many music fans with its bold concept of bringing Christmas—a quintessential winter tradition—into a tropical paradise.
Created by the legendary project KUWATA BAND, which centered on Keisuke Kuwata and was active only during the limited span of 1986, the song rides a breezy reggae rhythm to deftly portray a twisted yet tender longing: under the dazzling midsummer sun, the narrator somehow wishes for an early goodbye.
Released as a single in July 1986, its fiery performance can also be heard on the live album masterpiece ROCK CONCERT.
Once featured in a Shiseido commercial and more recently used in a Uniqlo ad, it’s no surprise that the song remains beloved across generations.
Put it on for a midsummer drive—or when you’re in the mood for a slightly unconventional Christmas tune—and you’re sure to feel something refreshingly new.
Nagisa’s ‘…..’ushiroyubi-sasaregumi
It’s a quintessentially 80s idol-style song that pours a wavering summer-beach heart into a bright yet somehow bittersweet melody.
The suggestive symbol in the title hints at unspoken feelings or words left to the imagination, giving listeners a sweet, tangy pang.
The harmonies woven by the two members of Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi beautifully capture both the sparkle of summer and the fleeting nature of youth, making your heart tighten before you know it.
Released in August 1986 as their fourth single, it was used as the third opening theme for the Fuji TV anime “High School! Kimengumi,” from episodes 37 to 49, and it remains etched in the memories of many fans along with the show.
If you listen to it when you want to recall a summer from back then, or during a slightly sentimental twilight, the excitement of that time may vividly come rushing back.