Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese pop idols of the 80s
The 1980s were truly the “golden age of idols,” a decade that saw the rise of many legendary Japanese idols who left their mark on music history, such as Seiko Matsuda and Akina Nakamori.
Not only did they spark a social phenomenon, with many young people emulating their hairstyles and fashion, but we also can’t overlook the fact that countless hits and timeless songs were born in that era—songs that are still sung today in the 2020s.
This article brings together and introduces the classic and hit songs performed by the idols of the 1980s.
Whether you’re from that generation or a younger music fan curious about idol songs from this era, be sure to check it out!
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Famous and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese pop idols from the 1980s (61–70)
Hello/GoodbyeKashiwabara Yoshie
Yoshie Kashiwabara, who debuted from Star Tanjō!, released “Hello, Goodbye” as her seventh single, and it became a big hit.
Its memorable lyrics resonated with listeners and boosted the popularity of tea-serving coffee shops.
The cute choreography featuring hip-swaying is also a highlight.
She has a lovely smile, and—as you’d expect from a Star Tanjō! alum—she’s got solid vocal skills too.
BOY’s ThemeKikuchi Momoko
Momoko Kikuchi is still active on the front lines today.
“Sotsugyō (Graduation)” and “Mō Aenai Kamoshirenai (We Might Never Meet Again)” are undoubtedly her two major hits, but “Boy no Theme” also drew a great deal of attention at the time as the theme song for a film in which she herself starred.
The lyrics for this song were written by Yasushi Akimoto.
SosotteHonda Minako
Speaking of Minako Honda, “Marilyn in 1986” is considered her most famous and representative work, but the song that drew the most attention for its costume was “Sosotte.” Nowadays, showing the midriff like that might seem unremarkable, but at the time it was impactful enough to be banned on NHK’s music programs.
CamouflageKashiwabara Yoshie
Speaking of Yoshie Kashiwabara, “Haru nanoni” and “Hello Goodbye” are famous.
At a time when many idols were singing upbeat pop songs, her hidden gem is “Camouflage,” written and composed by Miyuki Nakajima—a mellow, sentimental tune she delivered with a vocal prowess uncommon for idols.
With love to the water planetMoriguchi Hiroko
Her debut song, which also became her signature track, “Mizu no Hoshi e Ai wo Komete.” It was released as a theme song for Gundam.
Although she didn’t have many hits afterward, she firmly established herself as a variety-show idol and continues to be active today.
TATTOONakamori Akina
A dance tune emblematic of the ’80s, this was Akina Nakamori’s single released in May 1988.
Packed with the allure of bubble-era dance music, its sound fully embraces Eurobeat elements.
Known for its choreographed routine, the song made a powerful impact with Nakamori’s groundbreaking performance in a mini-skirt outfit.
It left a vivid impression on fans of the time and became widely familiar as the theme for Orient Watch commercials.
It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and achieved a brilliant 9th place in the year-end rankings.
It’s a must-listen not only for those who remember the golden age of dance music, but also for music fans awakening to disco sounds.
Full of SunHikaru GENJI
The roller skates, synonymous with Hikaru GENJI, have now been passed down to their juniors, Kis-My-Ft2.
This song, Taiyō ga Ippai, was provided by singer-songwriter Senri Oe.
It’s a track sprinkled throughout with the glittering vibe of the late ’80s, their peak era.