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 (41–50)
Lapis-Lazuli EarthMatsuda Seiko
A warm message that finds hope in the darkness makes this one of Seiko Matsuda’s signature songs, capturing countless hearts and never letting go.
The piece unfolds from an image of two people, who have supported each other through hardship, being wrapped in the morning sun, into a grand theme in which they become travelers aboard the ship called Earth, wishing to protect this irreplaceable planet.
Released on the album “SUPREME” in June 1986, it was famously used in 2010 as wake-up music on the International Space Station.
Featured in high school music textbooks as well, the song has been passed down across generations.
It’s perfect when you need hope for tomorrow or want to feel a gentle warmth.
Blue Coral ReefMatsuda Seiko
It’s a classic with a striking intro that seems to carry the sparkle of the sun and the scent of the sea breeze.
You can picture a summer day by the ocean with someone you love—the racing heartbeat and the little burst of boldness that comes with it.
It evokes scenes of a sweet and dazzling romance.
This song, which propelled Seiko Matsuda to the status of “eternal idol,” was released in July 1980 as her second single and is also included on her debut album, SQUALL.
As the theme for Glico’s ice cream commercial, it brightened living rooms across the nation and topped The Best Ten for three consecutive weeks.
It’s a refreshing track that instantly paints listeners’ hearts in summer hues.
Detective StoryYakushimaru Hiroko
This song was released as a single in 1983 and was used as the theme song for the film Detective Story, starring Hiroko Yakushimaru.
The clear, translucent vocals match the wistful melody beautifully.
You should definitely watch the movie, too.
If tomorrow were to come…warabe
This song is a single released in 1983.
Its relaxed rhythm is soothing.
Warabe is a unit that originated from the TV show “Kin-chan no Dokomade Yaruno!?” and is also known for the hit song “Medaka no Kyōdai.”
CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
This is the title track from the 1980 album “Kanpai.” Perhaps because it was written to celebrate a friend’s wedding, it’s still often sung at weddings in karaoke today.
The lyrics gently bless the big day and the start of a new chapter in life—they really hit home.
Ah, heartlessAn Ruisu
This song was released as a single in 1986.
It’s a karaoke staple, and also a go-to for parody versions.
Ann Lewis retired from show business in 2013 to much regret, but thanks to her cool style and many hit songs, she remains a beloved and popular singer.
You’re My Only Shinin’ StarNagayama Miho
It was released in 1988 as Miho Nakayama’s 12th single.
Toshiki Kadomatsu wrote and composed the song.
At the 30th Japan Record Awards, it won the Gold Award.
Miho Nakayama herself is said to be very fond of this song.
The version included on her third album, “SUMMER BREEZE,” was used as an insert song in the TBS drama “Mama wa Idol,” in which she starred.