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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Masterpieces and hit songs of nostalgic Japanese pop from the 80s (101–110)
Sentimental and DearTahara Toshihiko
It was released in June 1980 (Showa 55).
It’s the debut single.
The original song is said to be “NEW YORK CITY NIGHTS,” included on American singer Leif Garrett’s 1978 album “Feel The Need” (released in Japan as “Prince no Shūmatsu”).
dragonflyNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s “Tonbo” was released in October 1988 and became a massive hit, reaching No.
1 on The Best Ten and holding the No.
1 spot on the Oricon charts for five consecutive weeks.
It ranked third on Oricon’s year-end chart, with Nagabuchi’s momentum showing no signs of slowing down.
Detective Story / Just a Little GentleYakushimaru Hiroko
This is the second single overall, released in May 1983.
It served as the theme song for the Kadokawa film “Detective Story.” It’s also a double A-side single that includes the ending theme for the TBS variety show “Waku Waku Animal Land.” Both tracks feature lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and music by Eiichi Ohtaki—quite a lineup.
FUNK FUJIYAMAkome kome CLUB
Kome Kome Club’s “FUNK FUJIYAMA” was released in October 1989 and reached No.
2 on the weekly Oricon chart.
In the 1990 year-end Oricon rankings, it placed 93rd.
“FUNK FUJIYAMA” is a knockout blow from Kome Kome Club themed around quintessential Japan.
Happy! Fun! I love it!DREAMS COME TRUE
It was featured as the CM song for Ezaki Glico’s “Pocky” and also became the theme song for the film “Yamada Baba ni Hanataba wo.” It’s the third single, released in September 1989.
It’s a very cute song—I love it—and back then everyone used to sing it a lot at karaoke.
Future Projection IIDREAMS COME TRUE
It’s an album released in November 1989.
It’s also the title of the ninth track on the album.
It is the longest song performed by DREAMS COME TRUE.
It is said that Yoshida wrote it during high school, along with Mirai Yosozu (Future Sketch).
Don’t take off my sailor uniformo nyanko kurabu
At the time, it became a social phenomenon.
You could say it was a forerunner of what AKB48 is today.
Women who were college students back then appeared on TV, were lively and playful, even released songs that became big hits, and I think that amateurish vibe really resonated.
Even now, only a few of them are still active, I believe.
Medaka Siblingswarabe
This is the first single by Warabe (Tomoko Takabe, Atsumi Kurasawa, and Mami Takahashi).
It was used as an insert song on the TV Asahi program “Kin-chan no Dokomade Yaruno!?” and is a very cute waltz in 3/4 time.
It was reportedly produced under the concept of a “new-era children’s song.”
atonementTeresa Ten
“Tsunogai” (Atonement) is Teresa Teng’s 14th single, released in 1984.
It reached No.
6 on the Oricon charts and won the Japan Cable Music Awards and the All Japan Cable Broadcast Awards.
Selling 1.5 million copies, it became the biggest hit of Asia’s songstress, Teresa Teng.
A Member of the Fire BrigadeRATS&STAR
This was the first single released in April 1983 after the group changed its name from “Chanels” to “Rats & Star.” It was used as Shiseido’s summer campaign song in 1983.
It’s one of my favorite songs, and I consider it a classic.