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 (21–30)
GET WILDTM NETWORK
Included on the 1987 album “Gift for Fanks.” It was used as the ending theme for the anime City Hunter.
The meticulously crafted synthesizer melody and the chopper-style bass groove are really cool.
MonicaYoshikawa Koji
This song was released as a single in 1984 and also served as the artist’s debut.
It was chosen as the theme song for the film Sukampin Walk, in which Koji Kikkawa himself starred.
The lively rhythm pairs perfectly with his vocals.
It’s a thrilling, cool classic.
Masterpieces and Hit Songs of 80s Kayōkyoku (31–40)
A street corner where even lovers get wetNakamura Masatoshi
It was released in 1982 as Masatoshi Nakamura’s 17th single.
It’s a mood kayōkyoku song written and composed by Keisuke Kuwata.
It served as the theme song for the film “The Kamata March” and was also used as an insert song in the Fuji TV dramas “Omakase Kudasai” and “Omakase Kudasai, Ore no Nyōbō-dono.”
Distance of the Starry SkyTHE ALFEE
Included on the 1984 album “THE RENAISSANCE.” It’s the theme song for the drama “Mujaki na Kankei.” The track strongly features rock elements, with Toshihiko Takamizawa’s guitar doing excellent work throughout.
It’s hard-edged yet easy to listen to—a wonderful song.
Southern WindNakamori Akina
This song was released as a single in 1984.
The composition was done by Koji Tamaki of Anzenchitai.
Akina Nakamori’s slightly languid singing style matches the tone of the song.
It was a hit, selling over 500,000 copies.
Beloved DaysHoriuchi Takao
It’s a single released in 1986.
It was used as the theme song for the TV drama “Byakkotai.” Its sorrowful melody is striking, and the emotive vocals really hit home.
It’s a classic from the Showa era that I highly recommend listening to after watching the drama.
Tears aren’t just for show.Nakamori Akina
It was released in 1984 as Akina Nakamori’s 10th single.
The lyrics and music were written by Yosui Inoue, and the song is said to have marked a turning point for Akina Nakamori, who had been on an idol path, toward becoming an artist.
It reached number one on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
The chorus is so catchy you can’t help but hum along.