Popular Nostalgic Hits and Classics Ranking [1980s Japanese Music Ranking]
We’re excited to present the latest Top 100 ranking of classic Japanese pop songs, all in one go, ordered by most views!
We’ve picked out nostalgic hits from the 1980s!
Listening back, you’ll notice many of these tracks are still enjoying a revival today.
Be sure to check them out.
The playlist is updated weekly.
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- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
- Thrilling to Cool Showa-Era Tunes! Classic Songs from Female Singers and Artists of the Showa Period
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese pop idols of the 80s
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- A collection of nostalgic hits from the Heisei era: Let’s look back at iconic songs from the 1990s and 2000s.
Popular Oldies and Classic Songs Ranking [1980s Japanese Music Ranking] (1–10)
Roppongi HeartbreakAn Ruisu8rank/position
A masterpiece that portrays the aching feelings of love, delivered by one of Japan’s iconic divas of the 1980s.
Set against the nightlife of Roppongi, it vividly depicts a passionate romance.
Ann Lewis’s powerful vocals and the rock-infused sound leave a strong impression.
Released in October 1984, it gained popularity after being selected as the opening theme for the TV Asahi drama “Triangle Blue” starting in May the following year.
It’s also a karaoke staple—perfect when you want to sing out the emotions of an adult woman troubled by love.
A gem of a love song that epitomizes Showa-era retro, brimming with Ann Lewis’s charm.
The hottest summer in the worldPRINCESS PRINCESS9rank/position
A heart-throbbing love song that unleashes the imagination in the August breeze and sets off on an adventure with a lover.
First released by PRINCESS PRINCESS in July 1987, the song initially received a lukewarm response, but upon its 1989 re-release it topped the Oricon charts and even rose to No.
2 for the year.
It later became familiar as the theme song for TV Asahi’s programs “Sekai Dokkiri Watch” and “Itsuka Iku Tabi,” and in 2012 it was also used in a commercial for Sapporo Beer’s Ice Lager 7.
It’s a track that lets anyone feel as if they’re embarking on a romantic adventure straight out of a movie scene.
Close your eyes and come here.BARBEE BOYS10rank/position
When it comes to BARBEE BOYS’ signature works, this song stands out.
The sensual world created by the male-female twin vocals is striking.
It boldly portrays the passion and desire of romance, along with inner conflict, resonating powerfully with listeners.
Released in January 1989, the song was also used in a Shiseido commercial for the men’s hair product “TREND·Y,” reached No.
8 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, and became a major hit with sales of about 168,000 copies.
Featuring an unforgettable melody and provocative lyrics, it’s a perfect track for those struggling with love or looking to reminisce about their youth.
Popular Oldies & Classic Hits Rankings [1980s Japanese Music Rankings] (11–20)
Ruby RingTerao Akira11rank/position
Released in February 1981, this is Akira Terao’s signature song.
Its lyrics portray the bittersweet emotions of adult love, and Terao’s distinctive low vocals make it especially compelling.
Although it initially struggled, its popularity grew over time, spending 10 consecutive weeks at No.
1 on the Oricon chart.
It also held the top spot on “The Best Ten” for 12 straight weeks, becoming a nationwide phenomenon.
The song was featured in a Yokohama Tires commercial and even selected as the entrance march for Japan’s high school baseball tournament, earning affection across a wide audience.
It’s a perfect choice when you want to heal the pain of heartbreak or savor the feeling of a mature romance.
Linda LindaTHE BLUE HEARTS12rank/position
THE BLUE HEARTS, the legendary band that shook Japan’s punk rock scene.
Their landmark major-label debut single bursts with a driving beat and lyrics that question true beauty, continuing to stir listeners’ souls.
Released in May 1987, it has a different version included on the album “THE BLUE HEARTS.” Beyond being performed in the film “Linda Linda Linda,” it was also featured in an Airbnb commercial in 2024, proving its timeless appeal.
Many people have probably played it as a staple at school festivals or graduation gigs.
Belt it out like a shout, and the fiery feelings of your youth will come vividly rushing back.
Paradise GalaxyHikaru GENJI13rank/position
A signature work by Hikaru GENJI that colored the golden era of 1980s idols.
Centered on themes of dreams and imagination, this fantastical piece—released in March 1988—became a major hit, spending an impressive 25 weeks on the Oricon charts.
Composed by ASKA, the song, paired with Hikaru GENJI’s quintessential roller-skate performance, captured the hearts of young people at the time.
Its acclaim extended across the music industry, earning the 30th Japan Record Award, and it remains beloved by many to this day.
It’s the perfect song to play when you want to escape reality and feel free, or when you want to recall the “island of dreams” sleeping in your heart—truly a classic that represents the 1980s.
Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji14rank/position
This was Kenji Sawada’s (Julie’s) 19th single, released in May 1977 (Showa 52).
If you lived through the Showa 50s era in real time, it’s probably a hit song everyone knows.
For many men, there are likely fond memories of singing this at elementary school parties back then and tossing a hat just like he did.
I was one of those elementary school kids myself (lol).
I’m listening to the song again now as I write this, and I’m once more moved by the excellence of the melody and arrangement, and by Kenji Sawada’s outstanding vocal ability!
