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)
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!
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.
A long nightMatsuyama Chiharu
“Nagai Yoru” (Long Night) is the 10th single by Chiharu Matsuyama, released in 1981.
Its appeal lies in his clear, soaring vocals.
The song reached No.
1 on the Oricon charts and, along with “Kisetsu no Naka de,” is one of Matsuyama’s signature works.
Many impressionist comedians perform this song when impersonating Chiharu Matsuyama.
Masterpieces and hit songs of nostalgic 80s Japanese pop (’81–’90)
Let’s start from ‘I Love You’anzenchitai
No matter what words you tried—urban, sophisticated, adult band—none felt sufficient; Safety Zone was truly a gathering of real musicians.
Guitarist Yutaka Takezawa, the late drummer Yuji Tanaka, the other members, and above all, vocalist Koji Tamaki were utterly one of a kind.
Among their many hit songs, “Let’s Start with I Love You” is a driving, powerful, and energetic number that can be heard as an anthem for lovers.
Many listeners have surely been encouraged by its positive lyrics, like “We’ve got nothing, but the two of us can keep moving forward.”
Full of ChristmasKudō Shizuka
Shizuka Kudo is a singer who thrives across a wide range of fields—not only in music, but also as an actor, TV personality, jewelry designer, and painter.
The song that closes her best-of album “gradation,” X’mas ga Ippai (Full of Christmas), features a dreamy intro that conjures the holiday just as the title suggests.
Its lyrics, filled with love for someone special, seem perfectly suited to color the holy night.
With a melody that blends pop brightness with a touch of wistfulness, it’s an unforgettable, timeless winter song.
Surf Paradise, Ski ParadiseMatsutōya Yumi
Known by the nickname “Yuming,” singer-songwriter Yumi Matsutoya has released numerous hit songs, from her own original works to tracks she’s written for others.
Her song “Surf Tengoku, Ski Tengoku,” included on her 10th album SURF & SNOW, was used as the theme song for the film Take Me Out to the Snowland.
Its lyrics, which heighten the anticipation of winter’s snowy landscapes, set hearts dancing alongside an urban ensemble.
Despite never being released as a single, it has become a staple winter song and stands as a representative number of the 1980s.
River of Ten Thousand MilesCHAGE and ASKA
“Banri no Kawa” is the third single by CHAGE and ASKA, released in 1980.
It reached No.
6 on the Oricon chart.
Its epic, story-like content was well received and led to its success.
It became CHAGE and ASKA’s first hit since their debut in 1979.