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 (91–100)
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.
Masterpieces and hit songs of nostalgic Japanese pop from the 80s (101–110)
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.
Broken-winged angelNakamura Ayumi
“Tsubasa no Oretā Enjeru” (Broken-Winged Angel) is the third single by Ayumi Nakamura, released in 1985.
It reached No.
4 on the Oricon charts.
The song became a hit after being used in a Nissin Cup Noodles commercial.
Ayumi Nakamura’s husky voice is especially captivating.
You were mineKubota Toshinobu
Toshinobu Kubota’s “You Were Mine” was released in February 1988 and reached No.
3 on the weekly Oricon chart.
It also ranked No.
10 on the year-end Oricon chart and placed No.
4 on The Best Ten.
The song received the Gold Award at the Japan Record Awards.