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.
Playlist
| A collection of nostalgic Japanese hit songs from the 1980s that still linger in our ears | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1 | DiamondsPRINCESS PRINCESS |  play_arrow | Speaking of Princess Princess’s signature songs, it has to be this one, right?… |
| 2 | Sailor Suit and Machine GunYakushimaru Hiroko |  play_arrow | It's Yakushimaru Hiroko's debut song, and Yakushimaru sa... |
| 3 | foreignerKUBOTA Saki |  play_arrow | This song was originally not about the Silk Road, but… |
| 4 | DESIRE -Passion-Nakamori Akina |  play_arrow | Their 14th single, released in 1986... |
| 5 | Lullaby of the Holy MothersIwasaki Hiromi |  play_arrow | It began broadcasting in 1981 and continued until 2005… |
| 6 | Wine Red Heartanzenchitai |  play_arrow | The fourth release by Anzen Chitai, which came out in 1984… |
| 7 | TANGO NOIRNakamori Akina |  play_arrow | Akina Nakamori’s 17th single. 1987… |
| 8 | Dancing All Nightmonta & burazāzu |  play_arrow | Their major debut single in 1980, ... |
| 9 | Snow CountryYoshi Ikuzo |  play_arrow | Even if you know the enka classic “Yukiguni,” it… |
| 10 | The Camellia Sasanqua InnŌkawa Eisaku |  play_arrow | Eisaku Okawa’s 1982 work that depicts a heartrending love. |
| 11 | A Tearful RequestChekkāzu |  play_arrow | The Checkers’ ... released in 1984 |
| 12 | Life won’t give (it) to me / Unyielding lifeSegawa Eiko |  play_arrow | The 40th single released in 1986... |
| 13 | Rock’n RougeMatsuda Seiko |  play_arrow | Released in 1984, this work depicts the arrival of spring and... |
| 14 | Sneaker BluesKondō Masahiko |  play_arrow | He dominated the idol scene of the time under the nickname “Match.” |
| 15 | MasqueradeShonentai |  play_arrow | They made a spectacular record debut in 1985... |
| 16 | Okuhida BojoRyū Tetsuya |  play_arrow | Okuhida Bojo is a song by the blind enka singer Tetsuya Ryu... |
| 17 | Distance of the Starry SkyTHE ALFEE |  play_arrow | The 17th single released in 1984… |
| 18 | CHA-CHA-CHAIshii Akemi |  play_arrow | Even if you don't know the title, people of all generations can… |
| 19 | Can’t Stop the RomanticC-C-B |  play_arrow | The rock band C-C-B made their debut in 1983... |
| 20 | Night of 15Ozaki Yutaka |  play_arrow | Yutaka Ozaki brought many hit songs into the world... |
| 21 | Ruby RingTerao Akira |  play_arrow | Mr. Akira Terao, who is strongly associated with his image as an actor… |
| 22 | Tears aren’t just for show.Nakamori Akina |  play_arrow | In 1984, Akina Nakamori’s 10th single, “Shi… |
| 23 | Roppongi HeartbreakAn Ruisu |  play_arrow | Ann Lewis’s … released in 1984 |
| 24 | Chance has comeBARBEE BOYS |  play_arrow | This “Chance Arrival” was released in 1985... |
| 25 | Goodbyeofukōsu |  play_arrow | Off Course’s song that became a hit in 1980, “... |
| 26 | Mi AmoreNakamori Akina |  play_arrow | Despite being an idol, they delivered an authentic, full-fledged vocal performance and became popular... |
| 27 | Medaka Siblingswarabe |  play_arrow | Released in 1982, the representative song by Warabe... |
| 28 | Yagiri no Watashi (Yagiri Ferry)Hosokawa Takashi |  play_arrow | Released in 1983, it even became a social phenomenon… |
| 29 | CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi |  play_arrow | A shocking track released in 1980. The sound of Japan... |
| 30 | I’ll wait.amin |  play_arrow | A female duo named Ami, who debuted in 1982... |
| 31 | The hottest summer in the worldPRINCESS PRINCESS |  play_arrow | This song ranked 2nd on the 1989 annual singles chart… |
| 32 | FriendsREBECCA |  play_arrow | In 1985, in the drama “Half Potato na Oretachi”... |
| 33 | Girl ANakamori Akina |  play_arrow | Akina Nakamori’s ... released in 1982 |
| 34 | My RevolutionWatanabe Misato |  play_arrow | Many artists have covered Mi… |
| 35 | In the Name of LoveHamada Shogo |  play_arrow | There was a drama with the same title on the Nippon TV network… |
| 36 | MarionetteBOØWY |  play_arrow | …to disband in 1987 while at the height of their popularity. |
| 37 | atonementTeresa Ten |  play_arrow | The Asian songstress Teresa Teng’s hit song... |
| 38 | metropoliskurisutaru kingu |  play_arrow | An organ joins the initial piano-only arpeggio... |
| 39 | Daydream BelieverZa Taimāzu |  play_arrow | Originally released by The Monkees in 1967… |
| 40 | Dancing HeroOginome Yōko |  play_arrow | A disco cover released in 1985… |
| 41 | I won’t lose!BARBEE BOYS |  play_arrow | Kyoko with a husky voice doing twin vocals… |
| 42 | TOKIOsawada kenji |  | I can’t get this chorus melody out of my head at all… |
| 43 | GLORIAZIGGY |  play_arrow | As ZIGGY’s fifth single in 1989… |
| 44 | A long nightMatsuyama Chiharu |  play_arrow | One of Chiharu Matsuyama’s signature songs and his biggest hit… |
| 45 | The Never-Ending SongTHE BLUE HEARTS |  play_arrow | The origin of The Blue Hearts lies in the songs from around this time. And others… |
| 46 | Virgin BlueSALLY |  play_arrow | SALLY’s major debut single, the first... |
| 47 | Words of FarewellKaientai |  | The sea that was sung by so many people as a graduation song… |
| 48 | Marilyn in 1986Honda Minako |  play_arrow | After working as an idol singer, they moved on to a rock band and mu… |
| 49 | Full of memoriesH₂O |  play_arrow | This song was a huge hit all across Japan. H… |
| 50 | I can’t stop this sadnessAnri |  play_arrow | Listening to Olivia, released in 1983... |
| 51 | TRAIN-TRAINTHE BLUE HEARTS |  play_arrow | Japan’s iconic punk rock band, Blue… |
| 52 | Blue Coral ReefMatsuda Seiko |  play_arrow | Speaking of the pinnacle of 1980s idol singers, it would be Matsuda... |
| 53 | TouchIwasaki Yoshimi |  play_arrow | The opening theme of the 1985 anime Touch… |
| 54 | GET WILDTM NETWORK |  play_arrow | The band's tenth single, released in April 1987... |
| 55 | ff (fortissimo)HOUND DOG |  play_arrow | A song with a very striking intro. HOUND … |
| 56 | DEAR FRIENDSPERSONZ |  play_arrow | Selected as the theme song for the drama “Mamahaha Boogie”… |
| 57 | Star Love LetterTHE BOOM |  play_arrow | As THE BOOM’s second single, 1… |
| 58 | Season in the SunTUBE |  play_arrow | It’s a signature song by TUBE, a legendary summer band. Wo... |
| 59 | Payapayarepisshu |  play_arrow | LÄ-PPISCH made their debut in 1987 and lo... |
| 60 | I can’t put it into words.ofukōsu |  play_arrow | Released in 1982, with a strikingly clear, resonant voice... |
| 61 | Under the big onionbakufū suranpu |  play_arrow | A signature song by Bakufu Slump. Released in 1989, “Lily…” |
| 62 | WALKCHAGE and ASKA |  play_arrow | The 23rd single, released in 1989. |
| 63 | Teenage in GlassHikaru GENJI |  play_arrow | Many of you may already know this, but hikari G… |
| 64 | The Girl Who Leapt Through TimeHarada Tomoyo |  play_arrow | One of director Nobuhiko Obayashi’s “Onomichi Trilogy,” “Tok… |
| 65 | crimsonX JAPAN |  play_arrow | The signature work of the legendary rock band X JAPAN... |
| 66 | Crescent Moon MelancholyBARBEE BOYS |  play_arrow | It was a song included on their 13th single, and in 198... |
| 67 | Vixen on the RunBARBEE BOYS |  play_arrow | In the single version, in 1987... |
| 68 | The seasons change only you.BOØWY |  play_arrow | This “The Season Changes Only You” is from 1987... |
| 69 | Fall in LoveKobayashi Akiko |  play_arrow | It was their debut single released in 1985... |
| 70 | huge nuisanceUNICORN |  play_arrow | Unicorn’s debut single released in 1989… |
| 71 | Heartbroken over JuliaChekkāzu |  play_arrow | It shone at No. 1 on the 1985 yearly Oricon chart… |
| 72 | North TavernHosokawa Takashi |  play_arrow | It might be hard to believe now, but back in 19… |
| 73 | I want you to kiss me.THE BLUE HEARTS |  play_arrow | The 2nd single released in November 1987… |
| 74 | A Member of the Fire BrigadeRATS&STAR |  play_arrow | Becoming the first in Japan to adopt a doo-wop style and... |
| 75 | Subtly flashy (bling-bling, but nonchalant)Kondō Masahiko |  play_arrow | Released in 1981, it symbolizes the 1980s... |
| 76 | TRUTHT-SQUARE |  play_arrow | T-SQUARE’s classic song “TRUTH” is popular across generations. |
| 77 | RASPBERRY DREAMREBECCA |  play_arrow | This “RASPBERRY DREAM” is… |
| 78 | BODY TO BODYSOFT BALLET |  play_arrow | This band, formed in 1986, … |
| 79 | Lonely Tropical FishWink |  play_arrow | Lonely Tropical Fish was released by Lily in July 1989... |
| 80 | I love youOkamura Yasuyuki |  play_arrow | Released in 1988, starring Miki Imai… |
| 81 | I want to protect youMatsutōya Yumi |  play_arrow | This song is from 1981, from the film “Nerawareta …” |
| 82 | YES-NOofukōsu |  play_arrow | From the era of folk to rock bands. 1980… |
| 83 | FugitiveYazawa Eikichi |  play_arrow | To a thrilling guitar riff, toward freedom... |
| 84 | In the night sky after the rainRC Succession |  play_arrow | A Japanese lo… that was released as a single in 1981 |
| 85 | Diamond HurricaneHikaru GENJI |  play_arrow | "Diamond Hurricane" is by Hikaru GENJI… |
| 86 | Runnerbakufū suranpu |  play_arrow | "Runner" was released in 1988... |
| 87 | SubaruTanimura Shinji |  play_arrow | One of Shinji Tanimura’s signature songs alongside “Sarai.” Featured on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen... |
| 88 | The Door to SummerMatsuda Seiko |  play_arrow | The sparkling arrival of summer and the beginning of love... |
| 89 | Heavenly KissMatsuda Seiko |  play_arrow | A spark of love, a heart-thrilling tune |
| 90 | Let’s walkJUN SKY WALKER(S) |  play_arrow | Released in June 1989 as their second single... |
| 91 | Deep down, thank you.Thetōnanseihoku |  play_arrow | The 1986... by the Hiroshima-born band The Tonan Seihoku |
| 92 | Purple Town ~You Oughta Know By Now~Yagami Junko |  play_arrow | Junko Yagami’s … released in 1980 |
| 93 | Blue Jean PierrotInagaki Junichi |  play_arrow | Speaking of sultry vocals, this person comes to mind. “Christma… |
| 94 | Be kind to othersTHE BLUE HEARTS |  play_arrow | In February 1987, as an independently produced single… |
| 95 | MissingKubota Toshinobu |  play_arrow | The first album released in 1986, “SH…” |
| 96 | Beautiful night skyJUN SKY WALKER(S) |  play_arrow | JUN SKY WALKER(S)’s first… |
| 97 | VirginityREBECCA |  play_arrow | Rebecca is famous for Friends, but in recent years… |
| 98 | Limit LoversSHOW-YA |  play_arrow | This “Genkai LOVERS” was released in 1989... |
| 99 | Love is overŌyō Fifi |  play_arrow | The Taiwanese singer Ouyang Feifei’s big hit in Japan... |
| 100 | Shake Hip!kome kome CLUB |  play_arrow | Released as her second single in 1986, Lily… |
| 101 | You were mineKubota Toshinobu |  play_arrow | Released in 1988, it aired on the Fuji TV network... |
| 102 | Minna no UtaSazan Ōrusutāzu |  play_arrow | June 25, 1988, marking the 10th anniversary of their debut… |
| 103 | Two people on a muddy roadBO GUMBOS |  play_arrow | The gumbo in the band name BO GUMBOS… |
| 104 | Vanity AngelREBECCA |  play_arrow | The album “BL…” released in April 1989 |
| 105 | Plan for the Indianization of JapanKinniku Shoujo Tai |  play_arrow | This “Plan to Indianize Japan” was released in 1989… |
| 106 | dragonflyNagabuchi Tsuyoshi |  play_arrow | In ’89, Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi also became synonymous with this... |
| 107 | MonicaYoshikawa Koji |  play_arrow | This is another famous song. Speaking of Koji Kikkawa… |
| 108 | Portrait in Prussian Blueanzenchitai |  play_arrow | A Japanese film distributed by Toho, released in July 1986… |
| 109 | If I Could Play the PianoNishida Toshiyuki |  play_arrow | In the 1980s, with Toshiyuki Nishida starring, it became a big hit... |
| 110 | B BLUEBOØWY |  play_arrow | Released in September 1986, the 5th album… |
| 111 | JUST ONE MORE KISSBUCK-TICK |  play_arrow | This 'JUST ONE MORE KIS… |
| 112 | Buy me the video.kasutera |  play_arrow | Castella is a rock band that debuted in 1989... |
| 113 | Don’t take off my sailor uniformKunikyo Sayuri |  play_arrow | The pioneering large-scale female idol group “Ony… |
| 114 | To each their own.Ōe Senri |  play_arrow | Released in 1984, now more than 30 years later... |
| 115 | KISS IN THE MOONLIGHTUP-BEAT |  play_arrow | Kumiko Goto–starring drama “My Classmate Is 13…” |
| 116 | SOMEDAYSano Motoharu |  play_arrow | A single from 1981, Motoharu Sano... |
| 117 | Flashy!!!Nagayama Miho |  play_arrow | Miho Nakayama’s classic brimming with synth vibes |
| 118 | Roses and WineRED WARRIORS |  play_arrow | This “Roses and Wine” was released in 1987... |
| 119 | SEVEN DAYS WARTM NETWORK |  play_arrow | This “SEVEN DAYS WAR” is 1… |
| 120 | Twilight AvenueStardust Revue |  play_arrow | A signature Starep song that sings of the bittersweet love of adults... |
| 121 | Even though (I/you/they) became stupidThe Pīzu |  play_arrow | The Pees, formed in 1987, 1… |
| 122 | I CAN BEkome kome CLUB |  play_arrow | When they debuted, I thought, what a groundbreaking band had emerged... |
| 123 | UFOpinku redii |  play_arrow | Pink Lady's hit song “UFO” |
| 124 | Surf Paradise, Ski ParadiseMatsutōya Yumi |  play_arrow | Yuming’s classic winter song, heartwarming music |
| 125 | MUGO… so sexyKudō Shizuka |  play_arrow | Their fifth single overall, released in August 1988... |
| 126 | Take a chance of tearskazami shingo |  play_arrow | The fourth single, released in 1984… |
| 127 | Pink sighTakahashi Mariko |  play_arrow | Mari Takahashi’s 10… released in 1984 |
| 128 | All the coins I haveTHE STREET SLIDERS |  play_arrow | A music band of love and kindness, active for 17 years |
| 129 | The Makioka SistersItsuki Hiroshi |  play_arrow | A story of a betrayed woman's love and farewell |
| 130 | SHOW MEMorikawa Yukari |  play_arrow | “The Autumn Tale of Seven Men and Women,” featuring Sanma Akashiya and others… |
| 131 | EverydayJITTERIN’JINN |  play_arrow | This “Everyday” was released in 1989 and… |
| 132 | Endless Sun SetYoshikawa Koji |  play_arrow | It’s the 11th single, released in 1987… |
| 133 | Harusaki KobeniYano Akiko |  play_arrow | It even became the campaign song for Kanebo’s spring promotion... |
| 134 | I’M GETTIN’ BLUEZIGGY |  play_arrow | This “I’M GETTIN’ BLUE”... |
| 135 | Rainy NishiazabuTonneruzu |  play_arrow | Although Tunnels is a comedy duo, they scored eight… |
| 136 | If tomorrow were to…warabe |  play_arrow | The TV show “Kin-chan no Dokomade Yaruno!?” |
| 137 | RunawayShaneruzu |  play_arrow | “Runaway” is a song by the Chanels from 1980… |
| 138 | Lullaby of a Serrated HeartChekkāzu |  play_arrow | This is the one that screams The Checkers! It’s so iconic… |
| 139 | Don’t Stop LoveCOMPLEX |  play_arrow | The two major sta... named Koji Kikkawa and Tomoyasu Hotei |
| 140 | Sad and JealousyChekkāzu |  play_arrow | The third single, released in May 1984... |
| 141 | Rizo Ravabakufū suranpu |  play_arrow | It was released in July 1989. The 14th... |
| 142 | Future Projection IIDREAMS COME TRUE |  play_arrow | The wildly popular music duo, Dreams Come Tr... |
| 143 | Paradise GalaxyHikaru GENJI |  play_arrow | The three albums by Hikaru GENJI released in 1988... |