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 Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 1980s (21–30)
GLORIAZIGGY
ZIGGY’s “GLORIA” was actually released once in 1988, then re-released in 1989 when it became the theme song for a TV drama, and it became a big hit.
It was also ZIGGY’s biggest hit.
Although it’s rock, I think it has a very accessible melody.
Kiss me with your eyesZa Vīnasu
“Kiss wa Me ni Shite” is a single by The Venus released in 1981.
It won the All Japan Cable Broadcasting Awards’ Excellent Star Award.
The song is an arrangement of Beethoven’s “Für Elise” and was also used as a campaign song for Kanebo Cosmetics.
Masterpieces and Hit Songs of Nostalgic Japanese Pop from the ’80s (31–40)
Dancing HeroOginome Yōko
Dancing Hero, which became one of Yoko Oginome’s signature songs, is a cover of Angie Gold’s Eat You Up.
Its disco sound and Oginome’s easy-to-learn dance moves became popular.
In some areas of Gifu Prefecture, the song is used for Bon Odori and seems to be a big hit.
TRAIN-TRAINTHE BLUE HEARTS
The Blue Hearts’ “TRAIN-TRAIN” was released in November 1988, reached No.
5 on the weekly Oricon chart, and placed No.
29 on the year-end Oricon chart.
It peaked at No.
3 on The Best Ten and ranked No.
11 on The Best Ten’s mid-year chart.
huge nuisanceUNICORN
Normally, it’s standard to release a single when making a debut, but in UNICORN’s case, they took an unusual approach: instead of a single, they first released two albums, and then made their single debut with “Dai Meiwaku.” Although they weren’t singles, music videos were made for “Maybe Blue” and “Peke Peke,” which had been included on the albums prior to “Dai Meiwaku.”
Cherry blossomMatsuda Seiko
That hugely popular Seiko Matsuda brings you “Cherry Blossom.” Released in January 1981, it proudly took the No.
1 spot on The Best Ten.
It also topped the weekly Oricon chart and ranked No.
9 on the year-end chart, making it a major hit.
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This song was released in 1987.
It was chosen as the ending theme for the anime City Hunter and quickly became a huge hit.
City Hunter used various songs and all of them were successful, but this one was the biggest hit.
The song has been used repeatedly in later installments of the series as well.