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)
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- A collection of nostalgic hit songs and classics from the 70s
- Popular Showa-era pop. Timeless hit songs.
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- [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)
Heavenly KissMatsuda Seiko
This song is filled with the sparkling thrills that make your heart flutter at the moment love begins.
Composed by Haruomi Hosono, its boldly shifting key changes are innovative, guiding listeners into a dreamy world.
Takashi Matsumoto’s lyrics depict the genuine feelings of a young woman, her heart racing as she imagines a future with the one she loves.
Released in April 1983, the track was featured as the theme song for the film “Legend of Plumeria,” among others, and became the artist’s 11th consecutive No.
1 hit.
It is also included on the album “Utopia.” It might be the perfect song to accompany that blissful moment when you feel your relationship with someone special is about to take a step forward.
Lapis-Lazuli EarthMatsuda Seiko
A warm message that finds hope in the darkness makes this one of Seiko Matsuda’s signature songs, capturing countless hearts and never letting go.
The piece unfolds from an image of two people, who have supported each other through hardship, being wrapped in the morning sun, into a grand theme in which they become travelers aboard the ship called Earth, wishing to protect this irreplaceable planet.
Released on the album “SUPREME” in June 1986, it was famously used in 2010 as wake-up music on the International Space Station.
Featured in high school music textbooks as well, the song has been passed down across generations.
It’s perfect when you need hope for tomorrow or want to feel a gentle warmth.
Blue Coral ReefMatsuda Seiko
It’s a classic with a striking intro that seems to carry the sparkle of the sun and the scent of the sea breeze.
You can picture a summer day by the ocean with someone you love—the racing heartbeat and the little burst of boldness that comes with it.
It evokes scenes of a sweet and dazzling romance.
This song, which propelled Seiko Matsuda to the status of “eternal idol,” was released in July 1980 as her second single and is also included on her debut album, SQUALL.
As the theme for Glico’s ice cream commercial, it brightened living rooms across the nation and topped The Best Ten for three consecutive weeks.
It’s a refreshing track that instantly paints listeners’ hearts in summer hues.
A Scandal with That GirlChekkāzu
The Checkers’ “Ano Ko to Scandal” is the group’s sixth single, released in March 1985.
It reached No.
1 on the weekly Oricon chart and ranked No.
5 on the year-end Oricon chart.
It also took the No.
1 spot on The Best Ten, making it an outstanding song.
Second LoveNakamori Akina
It was released in November 1982 as the third single.
Nakamori was deeply moved by the song; the delicate lyrics and melody shook her so much that she wondered whether she should be the one to sing it.
She was convinced that even if another singer performed it, it would become a major hit, and she reportedly felt she would be doing the song a disservice if it didn’t become a success.
Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic ’80s (41–50)
BohemianKatsuragi Yuki
“Bohemian” is the 8th single by Yuki Katsuragi, released in 1983.
It reached No.
3 on the Oricon chart.
The song is a cover of “Bohemian,” originally sung by Yuko Otomo.
It became a hit and her signature song because Katsuragi’s powerful, husky voice suited it well.
TATTOONakamori Akina
A dance tune emblematic of the ’80s, this was Akina Nakamori’s single released in May 1988.
Packed with the allure of bubble-era dance music, its sound fully embraces Eurobeat elements.
Known for its choreographed routine, the song made a powerful impact with Nakamori’s groundbreaking performance in a mini-skirt outfit.
It left a vivid impression on fans of the time and became widely familiar as the theme for Orient Watch commercials.
It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and achieved a brilliant 9th place in the year-end rankings.
It’s a must-listen not only for those who remember the golden age of dance music, but also for music fans awakening to disco sounds.