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 of the 1980s: a nostalgic collection of memorable classics (41–50)
GLORIAZIGGY
It was released in 1989 as ZIGGY’s fifth single.
The song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Dō·Kyū·Sei” (Classmates), and the reissued version became a hit, selling over 300,000 copies and reaching No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
A long nightMatsuyama Chiharu
One of Chiharu Matsuyama’s signature songs and his biggest hit.
Released in 1981, it reached No.
1 on the Oricon chart.
Unlike many of Matsuyama’s more mellow tunes, this track is uptempo, featuring an energetic backing with prominent electric guitar.
The interlude includes intertwining twin guitars, giving it a rock flavor.
It’s a number where you can enjoy Chiharu’s beautiful, clean-toned vocals.
The Never-Ending SongTHE BLUE HEARTS
The roots of The Blue Hearts are in the songs from around this time.
They also have many other famous tracks like “Linda Linda” and “Be Kind to People.” They’re a band known for melodies that really touch your heart, set against a rough, unpolished sound.
Hiroto’s vocals have a tone that feels like he was born to do rock punk, and there’s a warmth to them.
Virgin BlueSALLY
It was SALLY’s major-label debut single, released in 1984.
Thanks in part to a tie-in with the Kirin Lemon 2101 commercial featuring Tetta Sugimoto, it became a smash hit.
Because their costumes, hairstyles, and musical style were similar to The Checkers, they were also called “the second Checkers.”
Words of FarewellKaientai
Here is the 16th single by Kaientai, a song that has been sung by many people as a graduation song.
It became a massive hit, selling over one million records, partly because it was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Mr.
Kinpachi in Class 3-B,” starring Tetsuya Takeda.
Originally, Takeda wrote the song based on his experience of a broken heart and it had nothing to do with graduation, but the lyrics fit perfectly as a graduation song, don’t they?
Marilyn in 1986Honda Minako
Minako Honda, who began as an idol singer and later thrived in rock bands and musicals, had her biggest hit with the 1986 release “Marilyn in 1986,” a signature song from her idol era.
With lyrics written by Yasushi Akimoto, this track was created with a strong focus on expressing her individuality, allowing her to establish a presence distinct from other idols.
Full of memoriesH₂O
This song was a huge hit across Japan.
It’s said to be H2O’s fifth single, but the impact of this track was just too strong.
It was also well-known as the ending theme for the TV anime Miyuki.
Even today, it’s widely listened to and used in contexts like choral arrangements.