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
1980s Japanese pop hits: a nostalgic collection of unforgettable classics (121–130)
Pink sighTakahashi Mariko
The 10th single by Mariko Takahashi, released in 1984.
Used as a commercial song for “Camellia Diamond,” it received heavy late-night airplay and became a smash hit.
The lyrics were written by Chinfa Kan—who produced numerous major hits for artists like The Checkers and Anri, as well as the anime song Touch—and won the Lyricist Award at the 26th Japan Record Awards.
Composer Takashi Sato also received the Japan Composer Award.
This moody, alluring, and nostalgic song—very much in line with Japanese tastes—continues to be loved in Japan to this day.
All the coins I haveTHE STREET SLIDERS
The Street Sliders were a band that left a huge impact over their 17-year run.
Just saying the nicknames Harry, Ran-Maru, James, and Zuzu brings back vivid memories of their dazzling stage presence as if it were yesterday.
This song, “Arittake no Coin” (“Every Last Coin”), is their 14th single.
The lyrics—about someone who feels they have nothing, yet wants to do anything for the one they love—are gentler than they look on the page, keeping just the right distance from the bluesy melody line without clinging too closely.
Incidentally, starting with this single, their releases shifted from vinyl to 8 cm CDs.
Even the phrase “8 cm CD” feels nostalgic now.
The Makioka SistersItsuki Hiroshi
“Sasameyuki,” a 1983 number by Hiroshi Itsuki, depicts the aching, heartrending feelings of a woman betrayed by the man she loves.
No matter how much he betrays her, she can’t stop loving him; yet it also portrays her trying, at last, to sever her lingering attachment to a man who this time will never return.
The title “Sasameyuki,” which refers to fine, gently falling snow, seems to symbolize the woman’s tears.
The scene unfolds like a self-contained drama, making your chest tighten with pain.
SHOW MEMorikawa Yukari
It was the theme song of “Danjo 7-nin Aki Monogatari,” which featured Sanma Akashiya and others, and it became a big hit along with “CHA-CHA-CHA.” I’m sure there are still many people who sing it at karaoke even now.
Hit J-Pop Songs of the 1980s: A Nostalgic Collection of Unforgettable Classics (131–140)
EverydayJITTERIN’JINN
This “Everyday” is JITTERIN’JINN’s debut single, released in 1989.
You don’t see it around much, to be honest, but in fact the band has never disbanded since they formed in 1986 and are still together today.
A distinctive feature is that vocalist Harukawa sings with a stony, unsmiling expression.
Endless Sun SetYoshikawa Koji
It was the 11th single, released in 1987, and it was also used in a commercial for KDD’s “TEL ME Campaign.” In the film Shataller, in which she herself appeared, an instrumental version played as the ending theme.
Harusaki KobeniYano Akiko
Released in 1981, this fifth single—also used as Kanebo’s spring campaign song—reached No.
5 on the Oricon chart.
The lyrics were written by Shigesato Itoi, and the arrangement by ymoymo, an alias of Yellow Magic Orchestra.
It’s a gem of a pop number crafted by members who helped shape the era.