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!
Playlist
| Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 80s | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1east | Ruby RingTerao Akira | play_arrow | Released in February 1981, Akira Terao’s so... |
| 2east | Sailor Suit and Machine GunYakushimaru Hiroko | play_arrow | A classic song about youth and farewell. November 1981… |
| 3east | I’ll wait.amin | play_arrow | It’s Aming’s signature song, released in July 1982... |
| 4east | Dancing All Nightmonta & burazāzu | play_arrow | Here’s a classic song that represents the 80s! Monta &… |
| 5east | Wine Red Heartanzenchitai | play_arrow | The name of Anzen Chitai in this “Wine Red no Kokoro”... |
| 6east | foreignerKUBOTA Saki | play_arrow | Debut released in October 1979… |
| 7east | Life won’t give (it) to me / Unyielding lifeSegawa Eiko | play_arrow | An enka melody released in March 1986... |
| 8east | The Camellia Sasanqua InnŌkawa Eisaku | play_arrow | A heartrending love that depicts winter flowers as a metaphor for love... |
| 9east | MarionetteBOØWY | play_arrow | A quintessential hit of the 1980s, in July 1987... |
| 10east | CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi | play_arrow | “Kanpai” is a 1980 release by Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi… |
| 11east | DiamondsPRINCESS PRINCESS | play_arrow | The sm… that dominated the hit charts in 1989, |
| 12east | CHA-CHA-CHAIshii Akemi | play_arrow | It’s a classic that defined the ’80s. In the chorus, the s… |
| 13east | DESIRE -Passion-Nakamori Akina | play_arrow | It dramatically changed Akina Nakamori’s image at the time... |
| 14east | Heartbroken over JuliaChekkāzu | play_arrow | A song released in November 1984, ... |
| 15east | Paradise GalaxyHikaru GENJI | play_arrow | The iconic hit by Hikaru Genji that colored the 1980s is... |
| 16east | If tomorrow were to…warabe | play_arrow | A gem of a ballad that portrays everyday happiness and hope... |
| 17east | Cat’s EyeAnri | play_arrow | Released in August 1983 as the 13th single… |
| 18east | MUGO… so sexyKudō Shizuka | play_arrow | An early hallmark released in August 1988… |
| 19east | SWEET MEMORIESMatsuda Seiko | play_arrow | A buoyant, bouncy intro that lifts the heart—pure pop... |
| 20east | My RevolutionWatanabe Misato | play_arrow | This song was released in 1986, and... |
| 21east | GLORIAZIGGY | play_arrow | ZIGGY's 'GLORIA' is actually from 198... |
| 22east | Dancing HeroOginome Yōko | play_arrow | “Dance…” which became one of Yoko Oginome’s signature songs |
| 23east | TRAIN-TRAINTHE BLUE HEARTS | play_arrow | The Blue Hearts’ “TRAIN-TRAIN” is 1… |
| 24east | huge nuisanceUNICORN | play_arrow | Normally, when making a debut, you first release a single… |
| 25east | Cherry blossomMatsuda Seiko | play_arrow | That super-popular Seiko Matsuda presents the Cherry Bra... |
| 26east | Blue StasieonKawai Sonoko | play_arrow | Sonoko Kawai’s “Aoi Stasyon (Blue Station)” is from 1986… |
| 27east | Kiss me with your eyesZa Vīnasu | play_arrow | "Kiss wa Me ni Shite" was released in 1981... |
| 28east | stationTakeuchi Mariya | play_arrow | A movie about unexpectedly running into an old lover at a train station at twilight... |
| 29east | Mary AnnTHE ALFEE | play_arrow | Originally, it started out in the form of a band that was mainly folk, and… |
| 30east | FriendsRebekka | play_arrow | A classic synth-driven dance-rock track, an anthem of youth |
| 31east | MasqueradeShonentai | play_arrow | I didn’t know the group Shonentai at all, and then… |
| 32east | Opera Glasses in WinterEri Nitta | play_arrow | AKB48 members sometimes do solo activities and such... |
| 33east | GET WILDTM NETWORK | play_arrow | This song was released in 1987... |
| 34east | ANGELHimuro Kyosuke | play_arrow | Kyosuke Himuro’s Angel was re… in July 1988. |
| 35east | The Door to SummerMatsuda Seiko | play_arrow | The sparkling arrival of summer and the beginning of love... |
| 36east | Heavenly KissMatsuda Seiko | play_arrow | A spark of love, a heart-thrilling tune |
| 37east | Lapis-Lazuli EarthMatsuda Seiko | play_arrow | A warm message that finds hope in the darkness... |
| 38east | Blue Coral ReefMatsuda Seiko | play_arrow | It brings the sparkle of the sun and the scent of the sea breeze... |
| 39east | A Scandal with That GirlChekkāzu | play_arrow | The Checkers present: a scandal with that girl... |
| 40east | Second LoveNakamori Akina | play_arrow | As the third single, in November 1982... |
| 41east | BohemianKatsuragi Yuki | play_arrow | “Bohemian” was released in 1983 “... |
| 42east | TATTOONakamori Akina | play_arrow | Akina Nakamori’s signature 80s dance tune |
| 43east | Close your eyes and come here.BARBEE BOYS | play_arrow | Male and female vocals, and with slightly more mature/risqué lyrics... |
| 44east | High School LullabyImokin Torio | play_arrow | This Imo Kin Trio, Yoshio Waruo Futsuo, uh... |
| 45east | Stardust StageChekkāzu | play_arrow | The title track is the theme song for the TBS serial drama “Uchi no Ko ni Ka….” |
| 46east | Street-corner TwilightShaneruzu | play_arrow | The third single, released in February 1981… |
| 47east | Only for youShonentai | play_arrow | Their 6th single, released in June 1987… |
| 48east | Glass AppleMatsuda Seiko | play_arrow | The fourteenth single, released in August 1983… |
| 49east | Tears aren’t just for show.Nakamori Akina | play_arrow | As their tenth single, in November 1984... |
| 50east | Riverside HotelInoue Yosui | play_arrow | “Riverside Hotel” was released in 1982… |
| 51east | Goodbye to sorrowanzenchitai | play_arrow | The ninth single, released in June 1985... |
| 52east | Equator Girl: Dokki!Yamashita Kumiko | play_arrow | “Equator Girl Doki” was released in 1982… |
| 53east | Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro | play_arrow | "Christmas Eve" was released in 1983... |
| 54east | white parasolMatsuda Seiko | play_arrow | The seventh single, released in July 1981… |
| 55east | Red Sweet PeaMatsuda Seiko | play_arrow | When you think of THE idol, it’s gotta be this person, right? |
| 56east | Single AgainTakeuchi Mariya | play_arrow | Mariya Takeuchi’s “Single Again” is 1989… |
| 57east | MonicaYoshikawa Koji | play_arrow | It became Mr. Koji Kikkawa’s debut single and his own… |
| 58east | My loverGorin Mayumi | play_arrow | The 18th single, released in August 1980, sh… |
| 59east | memory glasseshorie atsushi | play_arrow | "Memory Glass" was released in 1981 and... |
| 60east | After all, I’m an idolKoizumi Kyoko | play_arrow | I was surprised when I first saw the title of this song… |
| 61east | DadPRINCESS PRINCESS | play_arrow | A heartwarming classic portraying the bond between father and daughter, loved across generations. |
| 62east | Limit LoversSHOW-YA | play_arrow | Expressing women's true feelings and emotions through heavy metal |
| 63east | Ah, heartlessAn Ruisu | play_arrow | A passionate, heartrending love story set to powerful rock so… |
| 64east | Goodbyeofukōsu | play_arrow | The seventeenth single, released in December 1979... |
| 65east | Night of 15Ozaki Yutaka | play_arrow | This song is actually something Mr. Yutaka Ozaki experienced when he was 14 years old... |
| 66east | A Tearful RequestChekkāzu | ![]() | This song really gave the impression that the Checkers burst onto the scene. |
| 67east | Teenage in GlassHikaru GENJI | play_arrow | This song is Hikaru Genji’s second single and... |
| 68east | Longing for AndalusiaKondō Masahiko | play_arrow | At the time, Masahiko Kondo, who was an idol, cho... |
| 69east | So let go of that hand.B’z | play_arrow | The Allure of B’z’s 80s Debut Song and Youth |
| 70east | ONLY YOUBOØWY | play_arrow | A signature song by BOØWY, a cry of pure love and protection |
| 71east | The hottest summer in the worldPRINCESS PRINCESS | play_arrow | A youthful love song, a burning passion for setting out on a new journey |
| 72east | I am a storm.SHOW-YA | play_arrow | Rock of determination to live true to oneself |
| 73east | In my heart, thank you.Thetōnanseihoku | play_arrow | A masterpiece that portrays heartrending emotions, a song that resonates with the heart |
| 74east | A flawless rock ’n’ rollerarajin | ![]() | Love and Rebellion of a Self-Proclaimed Rockstar |
| 75east | Green poinsettiaKawai Sonoko | play_arrow | Sonoko Kawai’s Christmas song, Green Poinsettia |
| 76east | Chaco’s Seaside StorySazan Ōrusutāzu | play_arrow | The fourteenth single, released in January 1982… |
| 77east | Mysterious Peach PieTakeuchi Mariya | play_arrow | “Mysterious Peach Pie” was released in 1980… |
| 78east | High-Teen BoogieKondō Masahiko | play_arrow | The seventh single, released in June 1982… |
| 79east | Detective Story / Just a Little GentleYakushimaru Hiroko | play_arrow | The second overall single, released in May 1983, ... |
| 80east | A long nightMatsuyama Chiharu | play_arrow | “The Long Night” is Matsuyama’s [song/album] released in 1981… |
| 81east | Let’s start from ‘I Love You’anzenchitai | play_arrow | Safety Zone, a group of true musicians |
| 82east | Full of ChristmasKudō Shizuka | play_arrow | A heartwarming Christmas song by the multi-talented Shizuka Kudo |
| 83east | Surf Paradise, Ski ParadiseMatsutōya Yumi | play_arrow | Yuming’s classic winter song, heartwarming music |
| 84east | River of Ten Thousand MilesCHAGE and ASKA | play_arrow | “Banri no Kawa” was released in 1980 as “C… |
| 85east | Love Can’t Stop ~Turn It Into Love~Wink | play_arrow | Wink was in a certain magazine’s beauty contest, in both the first and second terms… |
| 86east | metropoliskurisutaru kingu | play_arrow | This great metropolis of the Crystal King is actually Lily… |
| 87east | When I turn around, it’s YokohamaMarushia | play_arrow | "If You Turn Around, Yokohama" was released in 1989... |
| 88east | Falling in LoveKobayashi Akiko | play_arrow | This song is from the TBS drama series “Friday Wives…” |
| 89east | The True Face of the StormKudō Shizuka | play_arrow | Even before joining Onyanko Club, she had been active as a singer and more... |
| 90east | C-GirlAsaka Yui | play_arrow | She became hugely popular as the third Saki Asamiya in Sukeban Deka... |
| 91east | Sneaker BluesKondō Masahiko | play_arrow | Released in December 1980 as the debut single... |
| 92east | RunawayShaneruzu | play_arrow | Debut single released in February 1980... |
| 93east | Strawberry TimeMatsuda Seiko | play_arrow | Seiko Matsuda’s 23rd single, released for the first time in 1 year and 10 months. |
| 94east | Sentimental and DearTahara Toshihiko | play_arrow | It went on sale in June 1980 (Showa 55)... |
| 95east | dragonflyNagabuchi Tsuyoshi | play_arrow | Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi's song Tonbo was relea... |
| 96east | Runnerbakufū suranpu | play_arrow | Originally it was a somewhat more radical song, and in performance it would... |
| 97east | FUNK FUJIYAMAkome kome CLUB | Kome Kome Club’s “FUNK FUJIYAMA” is... | |
| 98east | Happy! Fun! I love it!DREAMS COME TRUE | play_arrow | Chosen as the song for Ezaki Glico’s “Pocky” commercial… |
| 99east | Future Projection IIDREAMS COME TRUE | play_arrow | It’s an album that was released in November 1989… |
| 100east | Don’t take off my sailor uniformo nyanko kurabu | play_arrow | At the time, amateurish-looking female college students were active on television, becoming a social phenomenon. |
| 101east | Medaka Siblingswarabe | play_arrow | Warabe (Tomoko Takabe, Atsumi Kurasawa, Mami Takahashi) 1… |
| 102east | atonementTeresa Ten | play_arrow | “Tsugunai” is a track from the 1984 release “Te… |
| 103east | A Member of the Fire BrigadeRATS&STAR | play_arrow | In April 1983, the group changed its name to “Chanels… |
| 104east | Broken-winged angelNakamura Ayumi | play_arrow | “Tsubasa no Oreta Angel” began to be re— |
| 105east | You were mineKubota Toshinobu | play_arrow | Toshinobu Kubota's 'You were mine' is... |
| 106east | KOME KOME WARkome kome CLUB | play_arrow | It became Kome Kome Club’s seventh single, and… |
| 107east | Passion, Hot Wind, SerenadeKondō Masahiko | play_arrow | The fifth single, released in January 1982… |
| 108east | Can’t Stop the RomanticC-C-B | play_arrow | The third single, released in January 1985… |
| 109east | fortissimoHOUND DOG | play_arrow | "ff (fortissimo)" was in 1985... |
| 110east | Flashy!!!Nagayama Miho | play_arrow | “Flashy!!!” features Miho Nakayama herself, and… |
| 111east | A Love Game Between a Man and a WomanHino Mika, Aoi Shiro | play_arrow | “Otoko to Onna no Love Game” was released in 1986… |
| 112east | Lonely ChaplinSuzuki Kiyomi with Rats & Star | play_arrow | "Lonely Chaplin" was in 1987... |
| 113east | First loveMurashita Kōzō | play_arrow | "Hatsukoi" is a song by Takao Murashita that was released in 1983... |
| 114east | Season in the SunTUBE | ![]() | “Season in the Sun” is from 1986… |


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