Best City Pop Classics: Recommended Popular Songs [Timeless & Modern]
City pop has been gaining momentum, especially overseas, after Mariya Takeuchi’s “Plastic Love” exploded in views on YouTube.
Originally, it referred to songs from the late 1970s to the 1980s that emphasized a sophisticated, urban vibe, but over time its definition and interpretation have gradually expanded.
Since the 2000s, it’s also been discussed in terms of its stylish, moody image, and perceptions vary from person to person.
In this article, we’ll introduce a wide range of tracks—from classic, beloved city pop that laid the foundations of modern pop music to songs that capture a fresh, contemporary feel.
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Best City Pop Classics: Recommended Popular Songs [Timeless & Modern] (11–20)
Dramatic RainInagaki Junichi
A timeless classic that sparkles like raindrops coloring a city nightscape.
Released in October 1982 as Junichi Inagaki’s third single, it remains an enduring monument of city pop.
Yasushi Akimoto’s woven lyrics and Kyohei Tsutsumi’s crafted melody harmonize beautifully to portray an urban love story.
Falling in love in the rain on gleaming asphalt—this song conjures such a sweet, cinematic scene, making it perfect for a nighttime drive.
Like rain that seeps gently into your heart, this track will surely resonate with you.
Friday ChinatownYasuha
This is a classic that weaves refined AOR and funk elements to portray an exotic urban night.
It was singer-songwriter Yasuha’s debut single, released in September 1981, and in recent years it has shone anew thanks to the global reappraisal of city pop.
The glittering synthesizers arranged by Akira Inoue intertwined with powerful vocals create a sound that lifts the listener’s spirits.
Also included on her first album, “TRANSIT,” this track is perfect for a midnight drive under swaying neon lights or for boosting your mood in a quiet room.
Why not surrender yourself to its groovy melody that continues to be loved across the ages?
Orphanscero
cero are indispensable protagonists of the city pop revival that began in the 2010s.
Their songs, which pay respectful homage to ’80s city pop, struck a chord with sharp-eared young listeners at the time and can fairly be said to have sparked this movement.
For listeners unfamiliar with original-era city pop, the music likely offered a fresh sensation—neither rock, hip-hop, nor J-pop, yet somehow nostalgic and new.
It’s a quintessential city pop track that unfolds vistas perfect for drives, walks, and daydreams.
meditationOzaki Ami
A dreamy track packed with the essence of city pop.
Even as a debut single, it’s a captivating number that showcases Ami Ozaki at her very best.
Released in March 1976 and included on the album “SHADY,” it features introspective lyrics themed around meditation and the search for shapeless existence.
The mood of deep contemplation in stillness is beautifully conveyed through Ozaki’s clear vocals and a simple yet richly layered melodic line.
While touching on universal themes—such as reminiscing about the past and trusting in the unseen—the song also carries a warmth that gently resonates with listeners.
With delicate arrangements and exceptional musical sensibility, it’s a standout piece—perfect for quiet nights or moments when you want to calm your mind.
WINDY SUMMERAnri
A mid-tempo number known as one of the classics of city pop.
It’s included on the album “Timely!!,” released in December 1983.
Anri’s crystal-clear vocals and the lyrics that paint a refreshing summer scene are striking.
The song delicately conveys the sense of freedom by the seaside and the desire to escape from reality, touching the heart.
Produced by Toshiki Kadomatsu, it boasts a sophisticated sound and an appealing groove.
The alto sax solo is also memorable, evoking the feel of a summer sea breeze.
It’s perfect for listening to while driving in the summer—a moving track that brings back the sweet, bittersweet memories of youth.
4:00A.M.Ohnuki Taeko
This is a track that brilliantly captures the taut air before dawn, where silence and tension coexist.
Ryuichi Sakamoto’s arrangement deftly places piano and synthesizer tones to evoke an urban yet somehow wistful scene.
Taeko Onuki’s translucent vocals quietly bring to the surface emotions like inexpressible restlessness and a faint fever, seeping into the listener’s heart.
Included on the classic album MIGNONNE, released in September 1978, it has been cherished worldwide alongside the renewed appreciation for city pop.
Its glow continues to grow across eras, with a re-edit issued on 7-inch in 2025.
It’s an exquisite song for adults—one that keeps you company through sleepless, lonely nights and leaves a subtle afterglow.
Best City Pop Classics: Recommended Popular Songs [Classics & Modern] (21–30)
SeptemberTakeuchi Mariya
Set against the transition from summer to autumn, this classic song poignantly portrays the end of a bittersweet romance.
Mariya Takeuchi’s refreshingly clear vocals beautifully harmonize delicate lyrics with a catchy pop melody.
Released in 1979, the track stayed on the Oricon charts for an extended period and sold a total of 104,000 copies.
Its popularity even earned it the Best New Artist award at the 21st Japan Record Awards.
The song is also included on the albums “LOVE SONGS” and “VIVA MARIYA!!”.
It’s perfect for moments when you want to savor the melancholic mood at summer’s end or reset your heart as a new season begins.