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)
I can’t stop this sadnessAnri
This is one of Anri’s signature songs, alongside “Olivia wo Kikinagara,” released in 1983.
Toshiiki Kadomatsu’s arrangement has turned it into a timeless standard that never fades with the times.
The duet cover by Junichi Inagaki and Yuki Koyanagi also drew attention.
Japanese pop hits of the 1980s: a nostalgic collection of memorable classics (51–60)
TRAIN-TRAINTHE BLUE HEARTS
It’s a signature song by The Blue Hearts, a punk rock band that represents Japan.
Its very simplicity makes it resonate deeply, and it remains a timeless classic.
If there’s anyone who can listen to this song without feeling the urge to start running or to shout out, I’d love to meet them! That’s how powerfully it speaks to the heart.
It’s truly a wonderful song that can be called a defining track of Japanese rock.
Blue Coral ReefMatsuda Seiko
When it comes to the pinnacle of 1980s idol singers, none surpass Seiko Matsuda.
One of her early signature songs, Aoi Sangoshō (Blue Coral Reef), was her second single, released in 1980.
Although it kept climbing the Oricon charts for two months after its release and ultimately did not reach number one, the song earned her the Best New Artist award at the Japan Record Awards, solidifying her reputation.
TouchIwasaki Yoshimi
It’s the 20th single, released in 1985, which became a major hit as the opening theme for the 1985 anime Touch.
The B-side track, “Kimi ga Inakereba,” was also used as the ending theme.
Even today, it’s well-known as a staple cheer song for high school baseball.
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Released in April 1987 as the 10th single, this song became a major hit after being used as the ending theme for the TV anime City Hunter (Yomiuri TV).
It is said that an exceptionally large number of arrangements and remixes of this track have been released.
ff (fortissimo)HOUND DOG
A song with a very striking intro.
You could say it’s one of HOUND DOG’s signature tracks.
The keyboard timbre is emblematic of the ’80s.
The title “Fortissimo” is one of the musical dynamics markings, meaning “very loud.” True to that word, it’s a powerful classic with a strong sense of forward momentum.
DEAR FRIENDSPERSONZ
It was used as the theme song for the drama “Mamahaha Boogie,” became a long-running hit, and is one of PERSONZ’s signature songs, released in 1989.
Surprisingly, this song was actually born out of an incident in which vocalist Jill was stabbed by her ex-husband out of jealousy.
Her captivating husky voice leaves a lasting impression.
