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 80s Japanese pop (kayōkyoku)
- 80s commercial songs. A roundup of Japanese songs from the 80s that have been used in commercials.
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- 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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Classic and Hit J-Pop Songs from the Nostalgic ’80s (91–100)
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.