Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]

Farewell, youthogura kei92rank/position

Kei Ogura “Farewell, Youth” (1976)

It’s a classic you want to listen to during graduation season, when the scent of parting hangs in the air.

Written by singer-songwriter Kei Ogura—who produced numerous hits while working as a bank employee—this song was included on the B-side of his 1971 debut single “Shiosai no Uta.” It was broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1975 and later featured in an NTT commercial in 1993, remaining beloved across generations.

The farewell words, which deliberately refrain from calling out to a youth that has already passed, convey a dignified yet profound sense of sorrow.

With the warmth of folk and a universal melody that sinks into the heart, this piece gently accompanies both adults who look back fondly on days gone by and students about to set off on new journeys in the spring of new beginnings.

Ride On TimeYamashita Tatsuro93rank/position

Ride On Time - Tatsuro Yamashita

Tatsuro Yamashita, who stands at the pinnacle of city pop, released the single “RIDE ON TIME” in 1980.

It was a lead single from the album of the same name, “RIDE ON TIME,” and it reached No.

3 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

This song marked Yamashita’s first entry on the Oricon charts.

In 2003, it was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “GOOD LUCK!!” starring Takuya Kimura, bringing it back into the spotlight.

Its fresh, fast-paced sound makes it a perfect track for summer!

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The PeopleYamashita Tatsuro94rank/position

Tatsuro Yamashita “Soubo (The Masses)” / “Odoroyo, Fish (Dance, Fish)” Music Video

Released in 1988 as a key track that closes out the album “Boku no Naka no Shonen,” this song is, as its title “Sōbō” suggests, a grand and powerful ode to life that affirms the lives of the nameless.

Many may remember it from its use in a JACCS Card commercial at the time.

A new music video was released in November 2020, and the song continues to be loved across generations.

Yamashita Tatsuro’s hallmark, richly layered choral work is breathtaking—it stirs the heart with every listen.

It’s a song that can turn anxiety into hope when you’re at life’s crossroads, such as graduation or starting a job.

A gentle yet strong push on the back for all who are moving toward the future.

Lonely Way of the WindSugiyama Kiyotaka95rank/position

Kiyotaka Sugiyama – Kazeno Lonely Way [OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO]

A masterpiece that portrays urban loneliness and hope for the future, with a crystal-clear singing voice that resonates deep in the heart.

Like a breeze sweeping through an unfamiliar street corner, this solo work by Kiyotaka Sugiyama beautifully sings of feelings for a former lover.

It carries a profound message that even after parting with someone important, past memories never fade and continue to sustain the heart.

Released in January 1988, the song captured the hearts of many viewers as the theme for “Tuesday Suspense Theater” and reached No.

1 on the Oricon chart.

Its lyrics, which express a refreshing resignation and the courage to look forward, will surely kindle a quiet light in the hearts of those seeking to overcome the pain of heartbreak.

In the Great Sky and on the Vast EarthMatsuyama Chiharu96rank/position

In the Vast Sky and Earth / Chiharu Matsuyama (with lyrics)

A signature song by Chiharu Matsuyama that sings of the resolve to seize happiness through one’s own strength amid the grandeur of nature.

Set against vast land and an endless sky, it expresses a forward-looking attitude and hope.

It was included on the June 1977 album “A Song Made for You,” and later used as an insert song in the Fuji TV drama “The Ugly Duckling.” Its heartwarming melody and lyrics resonate with many people.

It’s a track that gives you courage when you’re feeling lost in life or about to take a new step forward.

BAN BAN BANKuwata Keisuke97rank/position

Keisuke Kuwata – BAN BAN BAN [Live at Tokyo Dome, 2022]

This is the debut single by KUWATA BAND, known for its upbeat sound and bittersweet lyrics.

Used in a Shiseido commercial, the song was released in April 1986 and spent 13 consecutive weeks in the Oricon Top 20.

Showcasing Keisuke Kuwata’s outstanding songwriting and composition, it expresses the pain of heartbreak and lingering feelings for past love through a blend of English and Japanese.

Its lyrics, portraying a fleeting summer romance, resonate deeply with listeners.

In 2022, it was also featured in a UNIQLO commercial, continuing to be cherished across generations.

It’s a recommended track for moments when you want to feel the ache of a breakup or reminisce about summer memories.

youthMorita Kōichi to Toppugyaran98rank/position

Koichi Morita and Top Gallant “Youthful Days” 1976 (original audio)

This is a masterpiece that beautifully captures the unique atmosphere of the pre-graduation season and the bittersweet feelings of leaving a familiar room.

Released in August 1976 as a single by Koichi Morita and Top Gallant, the band led by composer Koichi Morita, it gradually became a major hit over time and earned a spot on the following year’s NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.

The lyrics by Yuu Aku portray not only the inner conflicts of youth in the thick of their adolescence but also the preciousness of days looked back upon in adulthood, resonating deeply with a wide audience.

In later years, the song inspired a drama and was also embraced as the theme for variety shows.

It’s a track that offers courage and a sense of kinship not only to those who fondly remember their student days, but also to anyone about to leap into a new world.