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]
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- 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 (31–40)
SWEET MEMORIESMatsuda Seiko
Originally treated as the B-side to the 1983 single “Glass Apple,” it gained popularity after being featured in a TV commercial and was re-released the same year as a double A-side single.
The lyrics, which evoke memories of an old romance, really tug at the heart.
The Bride SambaGō Hiromi
This is Hiromi Go’s 38th single, released in 1981.
As the title includes “Samba,” it has an up-tempo feel that makes you want to dance when you listen to it.
His sultry vocals are wonderful.
It makes me want to sing it at karaoke.
Marilyn in 1986Honda Minako
It was included on the 1986 album “LIPS.” Her midriff-baring look when performing the song became a hot topic.
The track features a rock sound that sets it apart from typical idol pop and gives it a cool edge.
It’s one of her signature songs, recognized by everyone.
I can’t stop this sadnessAnri
It’s a single released by Anri in 1983 and one of her signature songs.
It reached No.
4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Despite its sad lyrics, the rhythmic, upbeat sound resonated with listeners and became a hit.
It’s also well-known for being covered by Junichi Inagaki and Yuki Koyanagi.
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.
Masterpieces and hit songs of 80s kayōkyoku (41–50)
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.
Glass AppleMatsuda Seiko
It’s a masterpiece that seems to capture that fleeting shimmer as a girl turns into a woman.
Seiko Matsuda’s translucent voice sings of a love as delicate and precarious as glasswork.
You can almost feel the heroine’s confusion as she stands before a forbidden fruit, purity hiding something secret within.
Released as a single in August 1983, the song later became a double A-side when the original B-side, “SWEET MEMORIES,” drew huge attention from a commercial.
In November 1983, it achieved the remarkable feat of monopolizing the top two spots on the Oricon charts together with the follow-up single “Hitomi wa Diamond/Aoi Photograph.” Listen to it alone on a quiet night, and its almost sacred melody may revive the pure feelings you’d long forgotten.