Masterpieces and hit songs of 80s Japanese pop (kayōkyoku)
The ’80s were full of hit songs, weren’t they?
Here are some especially recommended classics and hits from the era’s signature kayōkyoku tunes.
It’s a timeless, legendary playlist that rewrote the history of Japanese music—one we want both those who spent their youth back then and those who didn’t to listen to.
We feature a wide range of artists, from bands and singer-songwriters to idols.
A karaoke contest limited to this decade would be a blast, wouldn’t it?
- Popular Nostalgic Hits and Classics Ranking [1980s Japanese Music Ranking]
- A collection of nostalgic Japanese hit songs from the 1980s that still linger in our ears
- Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 80s
- [Songs from the Showa Era] Introducing classic tracks that are easy to sing at karaoke.
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese pop idols of the 80s
- Top 1980s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Recommended youth songs for people in their 80s: A collection of nostalgic classics
- A special feature on classic and hit songs by bands that were active in the 1980s
- Nostalgic yet fresh!? Classic masterpieces of Japanese rock from the 1970s and 1980s
- Classic nostalgic summer hits from the ’80s. A roundup of summer songs.
- [1980s J-Pop] Popular winter songs: from chart-toppers to hidden gems!
- Including global hits! 80s songs popular on TikTok
- Thrilling to Cool Showa-Era Tunes! Classic Songs from Female Singers and Artists of the Showa Period
Masterpieces and Hit Songs of 80s Kayōkyoku (51–60)
Goodbye to sorrowanzenchitai
It was released in 1985 as Anzen Chitai’s ninth single.
The song was used in a commercial for Kirin Beer’s “Aki Aji” and reached No.
1 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It won the Gold Prize at the 27th Japan Record Awards, the Best Vocal Performance at the 14th FNS Music Festival, and marked the group’s first appearance at the 36th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen with the same song.
Rainy NishiazabuTonneruzu
It’s a sad breakup song that makes you feel as if you’re being drenched by cold rain.
It was released in 1985.
Although it was a hit, Tunnels’ goal of appearing on the NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen was not achieved.
They finally made their long-awaited first appearance with “Nasakenee,” released in 1991.
Detective StoryYakushimaru Hiroko
This song was released as a single in 1983 and was used as the theme song for the film Detective Story, starring Hiroko Yakushimaru.
The clear, translucent vocals match the wistful melody beautifully.
You should definitely watch the movie, too.
If tomorrow were to come…warabe
This song is a single released in 1983.
Its relaxed rhythm is soothing.
Warabe is a unit that originated from the TV show “Kin-chan no Dokomade Yaruno!?” and is also known for the hit song “Medaka no Kyōdai.”
CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
This is the title track from the 1980 album “Kanpai.” Perhaps because it was written to celebrate a friend’s wedding, it’s still often sung at weddings in karaoke today.
The lyrics gently bless the big day and the start of a new chapter in life—they really hit home.