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 (71–80)
The hottest summer in the worldPRINCESS PRINCESS
A heart-throbbing love song that unleashes the imagination in the August breeze and sets off on an adventure with a lover.
First released by PRINCESS PRINCESS in July 1987, the song initially received a lukewarm response, but upon its 1989 re-release it topped the Oricon charts and even rose to No.
2 for the year.
It later became familiar as the theme song for TV Asahi’s programs “Sekai Dokkiri Watch” and “Itsuka Iku Tabi,” and in 2012 it was also used in a commercial for Sapporo Beer’s Ice Lager 7.
It’s a track that lets anyone feel as if they’re embarking on a romantic adventure straight out of a movie scene.
I am a storm.SHOW-YA
A rock number that shatters false comfort with powerful vocals and a galloping guitar sound, singing a vow to live true to oneself.
Guided by a wind that symbolizes limitless possibilities, it carries a passionate message of chasing dreams and a caution to those who tend to suppress their true selves within society.
Released in June 1989 as the lead single from the landmark album “Outerlimits,” it was selected for a Showa Shell Sekiyu commercial tie-in and helped drive album sales past 600,000 copies.
A song that transcends time, it stirs the listener’s heart and gives the courage to stand by one’s convictions.
In my heart, thank you.Thetōnanseihoku
A gem of a love song that beautifully captures the bittersweet emotions of romance.
It portrays the protagonist’s feelings—aching and earnest, yet left unspoken—set against a gentle soundscape.
Released in April 1986 and also included on the March 1986 album “Hikō Shōnen,” the song was featured in a commercial for Kenwood’s mini component system ROXY, winning the hearts of many music fans.
For anyone who’s struggled to be honest about their feelings of love, this track continues to shine with a timeless allure.
A flawless rock ’n’ rollerarajin
A self-proclaimed rock star youth, obsessing over looks and behavior, portrays his not-so-successful love life with a unique sense of humor.
The world evoking the youth culture of the time—complete with tsuppari delinquents and Harajuku’s Takenoko-zoku—lovingly depicts rebellion against society and bold self-assertion.
Featured on the album “ALADDIN VS Aladdin,” the song reached No.
5 on TBS’s The Best Ten in February 1982.
Later, a parody version of the song was used as the theme for the Fuji TV drama “Ijiwaru Otetsudai-san,” cementing its status as a cross-generational favorite.
Green poinsettiaKawai Sonoko
A Christmas song by Sonoko Kawai, the original beautiful idol.
In Onyanko Club, she had an older-sister presence, and after graduating from the group she continued to release hit songs one after another.
“Midori no Poinsettia” is a rare track in that it wasn’t written by Yasushi Akimoto, who produced the Onyanko-related projects.
Its heartbreakingly poignant lyrics—overlaying the sorrow of a broken heart onto a green poinsettia—fit Sonoko Kawai perfectly.
For those who spent their youth with Onyanko, this song might hit right on target.
It’s included on her debut album “Sonoko,” so please give it a listen if you have the chance!
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.
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.