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
- Best City Pop Classics: Recommended Popular Songs [Timeless & Modern]
- 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 Japanese Pop from the ’80s (31–40)
Mary AnnTHE ALFEE
Originally, they were more of a folk-centered band, but later they changed into something like the rock band they are now.
(Sakazaki still has strong folk elements, though.) They have been in charge of the theme song for the Osaka International Women’s Marathon since 1987, and it has continued for 29 years.
ANGELHimuro Kyosuke
Kyosuke Himuro’s “Angel” was released in July 1988, reached No.
1 on the weekly Oricon chart, and placed eighth on the Oricon year-end chart.
It was a song strong enough to rank 11th on the Best Ten year-end ranking, and it reached No.
1 as Himuro’s debut single after serving as the vocalist of the former band BOØWY.
MasqueradeShonentai
I didn’t know the group Shonentai at all, but on the music show The Best Ten that was on at the time, they suddenly jumped from outside the rankings to number one, and from there their name and image spread throughout the country.
They sparkled, all of them were great dancers, they were cool, and they instantly became popular.
Opera Glasses in WinterEri Nitta
Just like AKB48 members do solo activities, the same thing happened with Onyanko Club.
As the second solo act to be promoted was Eri Nitta.
(The first was Sonoko Kawai.) She was very popular, but it seems her singing ability didn’t quite measure up.
Blue StasieonKawai Sonoko
Sonoko Kawai’s “Aoi Stasion” (Blue Station) was released in March 1986 under Yasushi Akimoto.
It topped the Oricon weekly chart for two consecutive weeks and reached 10th place on the Oricon year-end rankings.
The song became familiar to many through its appearance in the well-known Morinaga Hi-Soft commercial.
Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic ’80s (41–50)
Close your eyes and come here.BARBEE BOYS
The male-and-female vocals—and the slightly mature, back-and-forth, dialogue-like lyrics—made my heart race.
Their music started gaining popularity in the late ’80s, and even before releasing this song, the vocalist KONTA was appearing in TV dramas and actively working outside of music.
Thanks to those efforts, “Me o Tojite Oide yo,” released after the drama ended, became a huge hit.
Single AgainTakeuchi Mariya
Mariya Takeuchi’s “Single Again” was released in September 1989, reached No.
2 on the weekly Oricon chart, and ranked No.
22 on the Oricon year-end chart.
It placed No.
8 on The Best Ten, and the following year, in 1990, it ranked No.
50 on the Oricon chart.