A collection of nostalgic Japanese hit songs from the 1980s that still linger in our ears
Speaking of the 1980s, it was a time when countless timeless hits emerged that remain popular even today!
It was also an era filled with artists who influenced many of today’s musicians, and in many ways can be seen as the dawn of J-POP leading up to the explosive million-selling boom of the 1990s.
In this article, we’ll introduce a generous selection of especially recommended songs from the hit-packed 80s.
Please enjoy these nostalgic chart-toppers that are sure to bring back memories of the time.
- Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 80s
- Masterpieces and hit songs of 80s Japanese pop (kayōkyoku)
- [Nostalgic Classics] Hit Japanese Love Songs from the 1980s
- A special feature on classic and hit songs by bands that were active in the 1980s
- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
- 80s commercial songs. A roundup of Japanese songs from the 80s that have been used in commercials.
- Classic and hit J-pop songs from the nostalgic ’90s
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese pop idols of the 80s
- Popular Nostalgic Hits and Classics Ranking [1980s Japanese Music Ranking]
- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
- A heartbreak song that was a hit in the 1980s. A classic and popular track in Japanese music.
- So nostalgic it feels new? Showa retro classics that colored Japan’s period of rapid economic growth
Hit J-Pop songs from the 1980s: a nostalgic collection of unforgettable classics (71–80)
Heartbroken over JuliaChekkāzu
It’s one of The Checkers’ signature songs, which topped the Oricon year-end chart in 1985.
The band is famous for having Fumiya Fujii as the vocalist, but in fact his younger brother Naoyuki played the saxophone, and his sax from the intro of this track is electrifying.
North TavernHosokawa Takashi
It might be hard to believe now, but in the 1980s, enka made up half of the hit charts.
Although Takashi Hosokawa’s debut song was a hit, he had no hits afterward, and perhaps buoyed by the times, he scored a dramatic comeback with the smash hit “Kita Sakaba.” The song even helped ignite the enka boom.
Will an enka boom come again in the Reiwa era? I’m excited to find out.
I want you to kiss me.THE BLUE HEARTS
This is the second single, released in November 1987.
It’s also well known for being used as the entrance song by Chunichi Dragons professional baseball player Atsushi Fujii since 2009.
Even in an era when many bands emerged, they were a truly wonderful band.
A Member of the Fire BrigadeRATS&STAR
This is the first single released after the music unit—who were the first in Japan to take on the doo-wop style—changed their name from The Chanels to Rats & Star.
It was a massive hit at the time, and the group remains legendary, still talked about today for their groundbreaking visuals.
There are anecdotes about how they initially struggled to be accepted in Japan.
Also, for some reason, the act of painting their faces black was labeled as discriminatory, leading to media backlash and criticism.
However, it’s said that Tatsuro Yamashita recognized their talent from the early days.
Subtly flashy (bling-bling, but nonchalant)Kondō Masahiko
A pop masterpiece released in 1981 that symbolizes the ’80s.
With its flashy production and Masahiko Kondo’s charismatic performance, it captivated countless fans.
It was also featured in a commercial for House Foods’ “Kukure Curry,” becoming a massive hit.
The lyrics strikingly reflect the youth culture, fashion, and views on love of the time.
Portraying a young man living casually, the song conveys a desire to value one’s individuality while staying in harmony with those around him.
Not too showy, yet undeniably present—this is the perfect track for when you’re in that kind of mood.
TRUTHT-SQUARE
“TRUTH” is also a classic beloved by many generations.
It’s a track released in 1987 by the fusion band T-SQUARE and is well known as the theme song for F1 race broadcasts.
Its speedy yet stylish sound has also made it a popular choice for background music in various works.
In fact, there are multiple versions, including remixes and self-covers.
They’re all excellent—give them a listen and compare!
RASPBERRY DREAMREBECCA
“RASPBERRY DREAM” is REBECCA’s fifth single, released in 1986.
While REBECCA is still widely known for their popular song “Friends,” they have many other great tracks as well.
“RASPBERRY DREAM” also has a somewhat nostalgic melody that evokes a sense of wistfulness.