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 Japanese songs from the 1980s: a nostalgic collection of unforgettable classics (91–100)
Purple Town ~You Oughta Know By Now~Yagami Junko
Junko Yagami’s 9th single, released in 1980.
Along with “Mizuiro no Ame,” it is one of her most well-known signature songs.
It was tied in with Japan Airlines’ JALPAK “I LOVE NEW YORK Campaign” and became a massive hit, selling a total of 600,000 copies.
It drew attention for developing into a lawsuit over its strong resemblance to Ray Kennedy’s “You Oughta Know By Now.”
Blue Jean PierrotInagaki Junichi
Speaking of seductive singing voices, this is the person who comes to mind.
“By the Time the Christmas Carols Play” is famous, but since that’s from the ’90s, we’ll save it for another time.
In terms of a masculine vocal that expresses a man’s allure, earnestness, and even sorrow, there may be no one who surpasses him.
Rather than simply being a great singer, he might be Japan’s best when it comes to bringing out that slightly naive, sensitive male voice.
That’s the kind of artist he is.
Be kind to othersTHE BLUE HEARTS
In February 1987, they released ‘Be Kind to People/Hammer’ as an independently produced single.
In 2002, it was chosen as the theme song and an insert song for the Fuji TV drama ‘Be Kind to People’ starring Shingo Katori, leading to the CD being reissued.
I believe this gave many people who hadn’t listened to The Blue Hearts in real time a chance to discover their music.
MissingKubota Toshinobu
This is a poignant love song from the 1986 debut album “SHAKE IT PARADISE.” Despite not being released as a single, it became one of his signature tracks.
It garnered attention when it was performed as a collaboration with Ken Hirai at the 2010 FNS Music Festival.
Beautiful night skyJUN SKY WALKER(S)
The debut single by JUN SKY WALKER(S).
An up-tempo track that emerged amid the late-’80s rock band boom.
It’s a highly influential song that helped kick off the band boom that followed.
Many people probably listened to it every day during their school days.
The chorus makes you want to shout along with everyone! It’s still performed at live shows and festivals and is loved across generations.
Even after 30 years, its sound and momentum remain as powerful as ever.
VirginityREBECCA
Rebecca is best known for “Friends,” but in recent years it seems that attention has also turned to their early and later songs.
Speaking of their early signature tracks, this is the one.
Although Rebecca had a strong pop image from a little before “Friends,” I feel that in their early days they leaned more toward a rock sound.
Limit LoversSHOW-YA
This “Genkai LOVERS” is SHOW-YA’s eighth single, released in 1989.
A self-cover music video of the song was also produced in 2015, and their look—making you think they might even seem younger and cooler than back then—and their unchanged vocal power are truly surprising.