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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Masterpieces and Hit Songs of 80s Kayōkyoku (11–20)
A Man’s Badge of HonorShima Daisuke
This song was released as a single in 1982.
Daisuke Shima debuted as a junior member of the rock band Yokohama Ginbae.
“Otokono Kunsho” was his second single and became a huge hit.
It’s also frequently used as background music on variety shows.
Incidentally, in 2005 he also released a song called “Otona no Kunsho.”
I’ll wait.amin
It was released in 1981 as Amina’s debut single.
The fact that it was a song by an active female college student duo also drew attention, and it ranked first in Oricon’s annual sales for 1982.
At the end of 1982, they made their first appearance on the 33rd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Although it was their debut song, it remains a beloved classic to this day.
Lullaby of a Serrated HeartChekkāzu
It’s a single by The Checkers released in 1983.
They were explosively popular at the time, and among boys of the same generation, hairstyles imitating Fumiya Fujii’s hair became a trend.
It’s a classic with a simple rock flavor, featuring an impressive saxophone tone.
Can’t Stop the RomanticC-C-B
Included on the 1985 album “Suteki na Beat.” It was chosen as the theme song for the drama “Maido Osawagase Shimasu.” It’s an uptempo track with a light digital drum beat that pairs well with the high-tone vocals, making it easy to listen to.
Blue Sky Only YouHikaru Ippei
A landmark debut single marking the long-awaited start of singer activities by Ippei Hikaru, who broke out playing a student on “Mr.
Kinpachi in Class 3-B” and was gaining attention as an actor.
Released in May 1981, the single features lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and music by Kunihiko Kase—a quintessential 80s idol pop track.
Its breathless melody carries the impatience and single-mindedness of young love, while the rhythmic call-and-response in the chorus creates a live-concert feel—packed with elements that capture listeners’ hearts.
It even peaked at No.
19 on the Oricon charts, reflecting the fervor of the time.
Try humming it under a clear blue sky on a sunny day!
DJ in My LifeShibugakitai
Released in April 1985 as a single by Shibugakitai, this song features poignant lyrics about music on the radio awakening memories of a summer romance, paired with period-typical synthesizer tones.
It became widely known as the commercial song for Honda’s scooter “DJ-1,” and was also used as the theme song for the group’s starring film, “Barrow Gang BC.” It peaked at No.
4 on the Oricon charts and became a hit, selling about 178,000 copies.
Though it is a dazzling idol pop number, its heart-wrenching melody likely resonates deeply with the generation that spent their youth in the ’80s.
Masterpieces and hit songs of 80s kayōkyoku (21–30)
KILLShibugakitai
A three-member group that took the 1980s by storm by making the most of their individual personalities and have continued to thrive on their own paths after disbanding, Shibugakitai’s 16th single.
Released in October 1985, this track features lyrics by Masao Urino and composition by Tetsuji Hayashi, and is notable for its urbane sound.
Riding on a driving, synth-powered beat, the lyrics depict a man who resolves to part ways at a harbor at night, revealing a more mature allure that differs from their usual lively image.
It left a strong mark on fans at the time, even reaching as high as No.
8 on the chart show “The Best Ten.” Why not give it a listen on a night when you want to feel the end of a slightly grown-up romance?