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 nostalgic Japanese pop from the 80s (101–110)
KOME KOME WARkome kome CLUB
It became Kome Kome Club’s seventh single, and I think this song is what made them widely known to the public.
Rather than conventional lyrics, it’s characterized by a litany of words from Tango and playful wordplay.
Also, the music video was directed by the vocalist, Carl Smoky Ishii, and it won an award on MTV.
Passion, Hot Wind, SerenadeKondō Masahiko
This is the fifth single, released in January 1982.
The “☆” and “_” in the title were apparently taken from the lyric “Moonlight ni kirari.” It seems the song missed debuting at number one, but even as an elementary schooler, it became one of the songs I can still sing today.
Can’t Stop the RomanticC-C-B
It’s their third single, released in January 1985, and is known as their breakout work.
Among all the singles the band released before they disbanded, this song is said to have achieved the highest sales.
The title track was used as the theme song for the TBS drama series “Maido Osawagase Shimasu.”
fortissimoHOUND DOG
“ff (Fortissimo)” is the 10th single by HOUND DOG, released in 1985.
It reached No.
11 on the Oricon chart.
The song was featured in a Nissin Cup Noodles commercial and became a hit.
It is considered one of HOUND DOG’s signature works.
Flashy!!!Nagayama Miho
“Hade!!!” was a major hit as the theme song for the TBS drama “Mama wa Idol,” in which Miho Nakayama herself appeared.
In this drama, “Miho Nakayama” plays the lead role and also appears as the idol “Miho Nakayama” within the story.
With this unprecedented premise, it became a smash-hit drama.
Masterpieces and Hit Songs of Nostalgic 80s Japanese Pop (111–120)
A Love Game Between a Man and a WomanHino Mika, Aoi Shiro
“Otoko to Onna no Love Game” is the 13th single by Mika Hino, released in 1986.
It is a duet with Shiro Aoi.
In a TV commercial for Takeda gastrointestinal medicine, Tetsuya Takeda and Yoshimi Ashikawa sang the song.
It remains a popular duet choice for karaoke today.
Lonely ChaplinSuzuki Kiyomi with Rats & Star
“Lonely Chaplin” is the second single released in 1987 by “Kiyomi Suzuki with Rats & Star.” It features a duet between Kiyomi Suzuki and Masayuki Suzuki, the vocalist of Rats & Star (formerly the Chanels).
It has become a karaoke staple for duets.