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 of the 1980s: A Nostalgic Collection of Unforgettable Classics (131–140)
I’M GETTIN’ BLUEZIGGY
“I’M GETTIN’ BLUE” is both the 1st and 6th single by ZIGGY.
The reason it was released twice is that they actually debuted with this song, but it didn’t sell.
The following single, “GLORIA,” also didn’t sell at first.
However, about a year after its release, it was tied to a TV drama, and “GLORIA” became a big hit.
“I’M GETTIN’ BLUE” was then re-released and became a hit as well.
Rainy NishiazabuTonneruzu
Although Tunnels are a comedy duo, they also released many works as singers from the 1980s through the 1990s, producing numerous hits.
Among them, this 1985 release is quintessentially theirs: it blends an enka and mood-kayō style with humorous spoken lines that make you chuckle.
On the music show “The Top Ten,” this song earned them their first-ever No.
1.
If tomorrow were to…warabe
A hit song by the unit Warabi, which was born from the TV program “Kin-chan no Dokomade Yaruno!?”.
With lyrics written in plain language and a simple yet memorable melody, it weaves in rounds and harmonies throughout, culminating in a key change that really tugs at the heart.
It’s a song that likely evokes nostalgia in just about any Japanese listener.
RunawayShaneruzu
“Runaway” is the debut single by Chanels, released in February 1980.
Originally created for a Pioneer commercial, the song became a major hit, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon chart.
An English version was included on the album released the following year.
Lullaby of a Serrated HeartChekkāzu
When you think of The Checkers, this is the song that comes to mind—an absolute classic.
Even if you don’t know The Checkers, I bet many younger people still know this song.
It’s incredibly famous.
The Checkers themselves were a group that defined the 1980s, and they were a band that put a lot of thought into their fashion and hairstyles too.
Don’t Stop LoveCOMPLEX
Formed by two major stars, Koji Kikkawa and Tomoyasu Hotei, they were active in the late ’80s! Their upbeat sound, which seemed to reflect the rock scene of the time, was striking.
And yet, despite its catchiness, this rock number is, curiously, still cool when you listen to it today! Not becoming uncool with the passage of time is the hallmark of a timeless classic loved across generations.
Sad and JealousyChekkāzu
It’s their third single, released in May 1984.
Their debut single “Gizagiza Heart no Komoriuta,” the previous single “Namida no Request,” and this single “Kanashikute Jealousy” are said to have simultaneously ranked within the Top 10 on music programs such as The Best Ten.