Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 80s
A special feature on Japanese hit songs that colored the 1980s! These include hits by artists who went on to have a major impact on later eras and by idols who enjoyed charismatic popularity—songs so beloved that many people can still sing along today.
Many timeless classics remain popular, especially revival hits and Showa-era kayōkyoku that have gained traction among younger generations even in the Reiwa era and beyond.
That said, when you think, “I want to listen to Japanese music from the ’80s,” it can be hard to decide where to start.
We’ve put together a selection focused on massively successful hits that we recommend you listen to first in those moments.
Use this as a companion to reminisce about memories from back then or to discover new music!
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Classic and Hit J-Pop Songs from the Nostalgic ’80s (91–100)
Chaco’s Seaside StorySazan Ōrusutāzu
It’s the 14th single, released in January 1982.
It was issued on CD on June 25, 1988.
The song was also performed on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen on New Year’s Eve, marking the artist’s first appearance there in three years since 1979.
The track length is 3 minutes and 33 seconds, but because the first 20 seconds and the last 20 seconds consist of the sound of waves, the actual playing time is said to be only about 2 minutes and 50 seconds.
When I turn around, it’s YokohamaMarushia
“Furimukeba Yokohama” is the debut single by Marcia, released in 1989.
It won several awards, including the Japan Record Awards’ Best New Artist and the Nippon Kayō Awards’ Broadcast Music Newcomer Award.
The song made Marcia, a third-generation Japanese Brazilian, famous.
The True Face of the StormKudō Shizuka
It seems she had already been active as a singer before joining Onyanko Club.
She had a yankee (delinquent) and goofy persona.
Her yankee appeal was especially popular, and she herself valued those fans.
Many of the songs she sang were excellent, with some even written by Miyuki Nakajima.
C-GirlAsaka Yui
Yui Asaka, who made a big breakthrough as the third Saki Asamiya in Sukeban Deka, initially had a somewhat dowdy image—perhaps because of the role.
Later, however, she was chosen as a Shiseido image girl along with this song, C-Girl, which transformed her image into one that was energetic, cute, and charming.
It is Asaka’s biggest hit.
Mysterious Peach PieTakeuchi Mariya
“Fushigi na Peach Pie” (Mysterious Peach Pie) is the fourth single by Mariya Takeuchi, released in 1980.
It gained popularity after being used in a Shiseido cosmetics commercial and reached No.
3 on the Oricon charts.
This song brought Mariya Takeuchi wide recognition.
Longing for AndalusiaKondō Masahiko
This song was performed in a slightly different, more mature style by Masahiko Kondo, who was an idol at the time.
The lyrics and music were written by THE BLUE HEARTS’ Masashi “Mashy” (Masatoshi Mashima).
Although it is Mashy’s solo debut song, Kondo’s version was released a month later.
Sneaker BluesKondō Masahiko
It was released as his debut single in December 1980.
This was Masahiko Kondo’s debut single as a singer, following his acting debut in the TBS TV drama “Mr.
Kinpachi in Class 3B” (aired from October 1979 to March 1980).
It was the theme song for Toho’s Tanokin Super Hit Series Part 1, “Youth Graffiti: Sneaker Blues.”
High-Teen BoogieKondō Masahiko
This is the seventh single, released in June 1982.
It’s the theme song for the Toho film “Highteen Boogie.” Apparently it was composed and arranged by Tatsuro Yamashita, which I didn’t know.
I was in elementary school at the time, but it was on the Best Ten almost every week, and I watched it!
RunawayShaneruzu
It was a debut single released in February 1980.
It was originally recorded with only one verse as the commercial song for Pioneer’s boombox “Runaway,” but after it was decided to be released on record, it was produced as a single.
Strawberry TimeMatsuda Seiko
This is the 23rd single, released in April 1987.
Seiko Matsuda, who married Masaki Kanda and gave birth to their daughter Sayaka, drew attention by releasing it for the first time in one year and ten months since 1985’s “DANCING SHOES.”