Classic nostalgic summer hits from the ’80s. A roundup of summer songs.

Farewell… summerTahara Toshihiko

Farewell, summer

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

(HD) Mariya Takeuchi – Morning Glory (Tatsuro Yamashita) {1982}

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.

A new face you might love to hateYoshikawa Koji

A likely-to-be-hated new face

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

Tatsuro Yamashita Cover “SPARKLE” - Slow Motion Kiss

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

Dang Dang

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.

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