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!
- A collection of nostalgic Japanese hit songs from the 1980s that still linger in our ears
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- Masterpieces and hit songs of 80s Japanese pop (kayōkyoku)
- 80s commercial songs. A roundup of Japanese songs from the 80s that have been used in commercials.
- A special feature on classic and hit songs by bands that were active in the 1980s
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese pop idols of the 80s
- Top 1980s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- A collection of nostalgic hit songs and classics from the 70s
- Popular Showa-era pop. Timeless hit songs.
- [Nostalgic Classics] Hit Japanese Love Songs from the 1980s
- [1980s Western Music] Nostalgic 80's Best Hit Songs
- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
Masterpieces and hit songs of nostalgic 80s Japanese pop (’81–’90)
Love Can’t Stop ~Turn It Into Love~Wink
Wink was a duo formed by two winners—one from the first half and one from the second half—of a certain magazine’s beauty contest.
In the beginning, they performed many overseas cover songs, and “Ai ga Tomaranai ~Turn It Into Love~” was originally a Kylie Minogue track.
Their movements, reminiscent of wind-up, music box-powered dolls, also became a hot topic.
metropoliskurisutaru kingu
This Crystal King urban mega-hit is often thought to be a 1970s song because it was released in November 1979, but in fact it became widely acclaimed later, turning into a hit around the start of 1980.
It placed third on the annual rankings, reached number one on the monthly charts, and even topped the weekly charts, making it a quintessential staple of the 1980s.
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.
Falling in LoveKobayashi Akiko
This song became the theme for the TBS drama “Friday Wives” and was a big hit.
The drama itself shows several married couples getting together, looking like they have a good time—being friendly, throwing parties, and seeming to enjoy their relationships—but behind the scenes they’re having affairs, and the story is quite messy.
The song’s lyrics also deal with an affair-like theme, so it was a perfect fit.
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.
Classic and Hit J-Pop Songs from the Nostalgic ’80s (91–100)
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.”