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!
- Top 1980s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- A collection of nostalgic Japanese hit songs from the 1980s that still linger in our ears
- Iconic and hit songs by Johnny’s from the 1980s
- Nostalgic Yet Everlasting: Classic Hits by 1990s Idol Singers
- 80s commercial songs. A roundup of Japanese songs from the 80s that have been used in commercials.
- [Nostalgic] A roundup of anime songs and theme songs that were hits in the 1980s
- Akina Nakamori’s classic and popular songs
- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
- Masterpieces and hit songs of 80s Japanese pop (kayōkyoku)
- Popular Nostalgic Hits and Classics Ranking [1980s Japanese Music Ranking]
- Revival hits driven by social media! Classic Showa-era songs popular with Gen Z
- Recommended for women in their 50s! A curated selection of classic and popular karaoke hits that will get the crowd going
- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese pop idols of the 1980s (71–80)
witchKoizumi Kyoko
Kyoko Koizumi has many major hits that are still being sung today, so it’s very hard to pick something “hidden.” But from around the time of Majo, you can already glimpse the cool, dashing woman she would become as “Koizumi,” and that feels very nostalgic and striking.
Marilyn in 1986Honda Minako
She appeared on the audition show “Star Tanjō,” but unfortunately was not scouted.
Later, while she was in high school, she participated in the “Nagasaki Kayōsai,” where she was scouted and made her debut.
She possessed exceptional vocal ability and also thrived in musical theater.
However, she passed away from leukemia in 2005.
Though it’s hard to rank her songs, “Marilyn in 1986” is considered her signature work.
The lyrics were written by Yasushi Akimoto.
After all, I’m an idolKoizumi Kyoko
This is a masterpiece by Kyoko Koizumi that portrays the light and shadow of idols with a mix of irony and humor.
By confronting the very idea of an idol head-on and vividly expressing both its front and back sides without concealment, it overturned the conventional concept of idol songs.
The complex emotions embedded within its bright, catchy melody—self-affirmation and inner conflict, loneliness amid glamour—sparked a major response when it was released in 1985.
The song was used in a commercial for Fujifilm’s Caldia and topped the Oricon chart, selling 420,000 copies.
It’s a track that resonates with the feelings of wavering between the “ideal self” and the “real self,” something people of any age or gender can relate to.
Melon SighYamase Mami
She won the 10th HoriPro Talent Scout Caravan and entered the entertainment industry.
While she is now active as a multi-talented performer, she originally debuted as an idol singer.
She is also well known as the host of “Shinkon-san Irasshai.” Her debut song is “Meron no Tameiki” (“Melon Sigh”).
It’s impressive how, despite her usually lisping way of speaking, you don’t notice it at all when she sings.
Do You Remember Love?Iijima Mari
Ai Oboete Imasuka (Do You Remember Love?) by Mari Iijima was released as the theme song for the anime Macross.
In the anime itself, she also played the role of an idol singer, which drew attention.
The song later became established as an anime song classic and remains one of the popular choices at karaoke today.