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 Japanese pop (1–10)
Saddle of a Shooting StarKubota Toshinobu
Included on the 1986 album “SHAKE IT PARADISE.” It’s a song by Toshinobu Kubota, a singer-songwriter from Shizuoka Prefecture.
Above all, his overwhelmingly powerful, almost non-Japanese vocal ability is his greatest charm.
When I first heard this song, I thought an incredible artist had arrived.
His voice is truly captivating.
Goodbyeofukōsu
Released in 1979, this song was loved throughout the 1980s.
Off Course would come to be known as a leading group of the New Music movement.
This song, which poignantly conveys a man’s feelings, overflows with bittersweet emotion from the chorus, and it might have been men, more than women, who were moved to tears.
Everyone was deeply impressed by Kazumasa Oda’s talent and beautiful voice.
TOKIOsawada kenji
It’s a single that was released on New Year’s Day in 1980.
The costume with a parachute left a striking impression.
In a way, that’s very “Julie.” The song itself has a simple rock style.
Masterpieces and Hit Songs of 80s Kayōkyoku (11–20)
ONLY YOUBOØWY
Released in 1987 as BOØWY’s fifth single, this track is a single cut from their fifth album, BEAT EMOTION.
The lyrics were written by Kyosuke Himuro, with composition and arrangement by Tomoyasu Hotei.
It reached No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and remains a classic that many bands still cover today.
I want to protect youMatsutōya Yumi
It’s included on the 1981 album “Let’s Meet Last Night.” The song is by Akira Terao, a singer-songwriter from Tokyo.
It was chosen as the theme song for the 1981 film “Nerawareta Gakuen” (The Aimed School).
With an opening whisper-like phrase that sticks in your ears, it’s an easy-listening track characteristic of the New Music genre.
TATTOONakamori Akina
It’s a single released in 1988.
The sequined outfit she wears when performing this song was extremely provocative and shocking.
The jazz-tinged, mature melody line felt innovative, and the way she delivers the song so powerfully makes me think she’s truly top-tier.
FriendsRebekka
This is a track from the 1985 album REBECCA IV ~Maybe Tomorrow~.
The simple, powerful drum beat pairs perfectly with the light, lively sounds of the synthesizer and guitar, and with NOKKO’s sweet vocals layered on top, it becomes a truly rich and evocative song.