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. Top summer songs (1–10)
SPARKLEYamashita Tatsuro
Just hearing the striking guitar cutting in the intro makes your heart race—it’s a sound that truly distills the very essence of an ’80s summer.
The brilliance and exhilaration of this track vividly conjure scenes of a glittering sun and an endless blue sea.
Crafted by Tatsuro Yamashita and released in January 1982, it’s a song from the classic album FOR YOU, which debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon chart and sold around 700,000 copies.
Listening to it, you can’t help but recall the catchphrase of the time: “It’s summer, it’s the beach, it’s Tatsuro!” It’s guaranteed to be the perfect BGM for a summer drive or a moment by the seaside.
Summer MirageWada Kanako
With its shimmering sound, this song—sung by Kanako Wada—perfectly embodies the summer of the 1980s.
Set to an urban, sophisticated melody, it deftly portrays the unique flutter of a summer romance and the wistful ache that shimmers like a mirage.
The English phrases woven into the lyrics also highlight its stylish, mature vibe.
Released in May 1987, it became the first ending theme for the TV anime Kimagure Orange Road, leaving a lasting impression on many fans alongside the anime’s fresh, youthful world.
As one of Wada’s signature songs, its charm can also be fully enjoyed on the album Esquisse, released the same year.
Put it on for a drive at dusk, and those sweet-and-sour memories of days gone by may vividly come rushing back.
It’s a classic I highly recommend for anyone who wants to immerse themselves in the glittering soundscape of the ’80s or drift into thoughts of a slightly bittersweet summer love story.
Blue Coral ReefMatsuda Seiko
One of Seiko Matsuda’s early signature songs that catapulted her to fame.
It’s an outstanding summer tune that makes you feel a refreshing breeze just by listening! It was her second single, released in 1980.
Even now, it feels so fresh and pure it makes your heart skip a beat! Her clear, soaring vocals are so pleasant, they make you feel like you could fly anywhere.
It’s a classic that gives a flutter of excitement not only to the generation who loved it in real time back then, but also to people who didn’t live through that era.
Classic summer hits from the nostalgic ’80s. Summer songs roundup (11–20)
The Summer That Vanished Beyond the GlassSuzuki Masayuki
This is the first single released under Masayuki Suzuki’s solo name, who had been active as a member of Rats & Star.
Composed and produced by Yoshiyuki Ohsawa, with Tomoyasu Hotei on guitar, the song features an impressively gentle, floating sound.
While the lyrics express the pain of looking back on a sorrowful summer breakup, the expansive sound also conveys a sense of brightness.
With Suzuki’s powerfully resonant vocals leaving a strong impression, it’s a song that carries the strength to overcome a sad summer.
Southern WindNakamori Akina
This is Akina Nakamori’s eighth single, released in 1984, overflowing with an overwhelming sensuality.
The lyrics were written by Etsuko Kisugi and the music composed by Koji Tamaki, and it’s filled with a sexy worldview that’s quintessentially Nakamori.
The title “Southern Wind” means a south wind, and it feels like it portrays the liberating state of mind when spending time at a resort.
It seems like it could bring back the many emotions of a summer night.
It’s a vibe you probably wouldn’t hear much around 2020.
You are in full color.Ohtaki Eiichi
Released in 1981 as his 7th single, this is one of Eiichi Ohtaki’s signature songs.
At the time of release it was used in a Rohto Pharmaceutical commercial, and since then it has been featured in many ads, including Kirin Beverage’s Namacha, Asahi Beer’s Asahi Slat, Suzuki’s Alto Eco, and Suntory’s Kinmugi 75% Less Sugar.
It’s amusing that both Asahi and Suntory have used it.
A refreshing city-pop sound that evokes summer.
Heart-throbbing for you. — A Fickle Vacation —Yellow Magic Orchestra
YMO, pioneers of techno bands in Japan.
As a group that represents the country, they have a broad fan base, and many people were saddened by the news of the members’ passing.
Their cute summer song “Kimi ni, Mune Kyun” was released in 1983 as their seventh single.
It marked a complete shift from YMO’s earlier vibe and shocked the public as a summer number.
Even people from generations unfamiliar with YMO have likely heard the chorus.
The song also became widely known at home as a Kanebo cosmetics commercial tune.
