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 hit songs: a nostalgic collection of unforgettable classics (11–20)
MasqueradeShonentai
This song is the debut single of Shonentai, who made a spectacular record debut in 1985, and is known as one of their signature tracks.
It is often performed at events by Johnny’s Jr., and can be called an eternal classic for Johnny’s fans.
Released at the end of 1985, the song reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts despite being a debut, and ranked third in Oricon’s annual single sales for 1986.
Okuhida BojoRyū Tetsuya
Okuhida Bojo (Yearning for Okuhida) was the debut single of blind enka singer Tetsuya Ryu and his biggest hit.
It won the Long Seller Award at the 23rd Japan Record Awards and the 14th Japan Cable Music Awards, selling over 1.5 million copies in total.
Its wistful sound strikes a chord with the Japanese heart—a poignant, beautiful number.
Overseas, there are popular blind singers like Ray Charles and Stevie Wonder, but in Japan, aside from Tetsuya Ryu, I don’t know of any singers who have found similar success.
Distance of the Starry SkyTHE ALFEE
Here is the song that was released as their 17th single in 1984.
Following the previous work “Marianne,” Ken Sakurai once again takes the lead vocals, but the fact that all three members can sing lead makes the band quite formidable, doesn’t it? The lyrics tell a story of heartbreak caused by physical distance, and it stands as one of the Showa era’s classic songs with a romantic atmosphere.
CHA-CHA-CHAIshii Akemi
Even if you don’t know the title, people of all generations will probably think “I know this!” when they hear this song.
Released in 1986 as Akemi Ishii’s debut single, Cha-Cha-Cha became a huge hit, partly because it was used as the theme song for the popular TV drama Seven Men and Women, Summer Story.
In fact, the song is a cover of a Western track—the original was by the Italian dance group Finzi-Contini.
Can’t Stop the RomanticC-C-B
The rock band C-C-B struggled to see results after their 1983 debut and even considered breaking up.
Their breakthrough came with “Romantic ga Tomaranai,” which became a huge hit as the theme song for the popular TV drama ‘Maido Osawagase Shimasu,’ aired from 1985.
With their colorful hair and the innovative style of singing while playing electronic drums, many people might think of this song when they recall hits from the 1980s.
Night of 15Ozaki Yutaka
Yutaka Ozaki produced many hit songs, and this track became an explosive hit early on.
It’s famous for resonating with many young people, to the point that he was called a spokesperson for youth.
Even many who are now adults say that when they listen to Yutaka Ozaki’s songs, they’re transported back to their younger days.
Hit J-Pop Songs of the 1980s: A Collection of Nostalgic Classics That Still Linger in Our Ears (21–30)
Ruby RingTerao Akira
Although Akira Terao is best known for his image as an actor, he was also active as a singer in the 1980s.
Among his works, the 1981 release “Ruby no Yubiwa” (Ruby Ring) greatly elevated his reputation as a vocalist.
The song was included on his first album, “Reflections,” released the same year, and can also be heard on “Re-Cool Reflections,” the 2006 re-recording of that album.