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?
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- 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
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- Classic nostalgic summer hits from the ’80s. A roundup of summer songs.
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- 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 1980s Kayōkyoku (71–80)
Sumire September Loveippūdō
This song was released as a single in 1982, and later became known for being covered by the visual kei rock band SHAZNA.
Ippu-Do’s vocalist Masami Tsuchiya is also well known for producing acts such as BLANKEY JET CITY and Marukoshiasu Bump.
Setting Sail SASURAITerao Akira
Included on the 1981 album “Reflections.” The guitar’s tone echoes like a departing ship’s whistle, enveloping me in a kind of melancholy.
The low, restrained vocals add a wonderful flavor.
Lullaby of the Holy MothersIwasaki Hiromi
It was released in 1982 as Hiromi Iwasaki’s 28th single.
The song was used as the ending theme for Nippon TV’s two-hour drama slot, Tuesday Suspense Theater.
At the time, only one chorus was produced for broadcast over the end credits, but due to strong fan response, the remaining parts were later completed and the full version was released.
It became such a hit that it won the Grand Prize at the 13th Japan Kayō Awards.
Hold Me TonightTahara Toshihiko
It was released in 1988 as Toshihiko Tahara’s 32nd single.
It was used as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Kyōshi Binbin Monogatari,” and it reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Just hearing the intro makes you feel excited, doesn’t it?
Dancing HeroOginome Yōko
Released in 1985 as Yoko Oginome’s seventh single, it became one of her signature songs and marked her first entry into the top 10 of the Oricon Weekly Chart.
In 2017, the song enjoyed a revival hit after it was featured in the “Bubble Dance” by the dance club of Osaka Prefectural Tomioka High School, gaining popularity among younger generations as well.