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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Popular Nostalgic Oldies and Classic Songs Ranking [1980s Japanese Music Ranking] (41–50)
Second LoveNakamori Akina50rank/position
As a masterpiece of 80s idols, today we’re introducing a certain classic song.
Sung by Akina Nakamori, this work expresses the bittersweet feelings of love through delicate lyrics and melody, making it truly a timeless anthem of youth.
Released in November 1982, the song became Nakamori’s first number one on the Oricon charts and was a huge hit, selling approximately 770,000 copies.
Written and composed by the Kisugi siblings, it brings out Nakamori’s charm to the fullest and remains one of her signature songs, loved by many to this day.
The lyrics, which brilliantly portray the feelings of a woman troubled by love, will deeply resonate with listeners.
It’s recommended for times when you want to heal the pain of heartbreak or when you find yourself touched by a wistful longing for love.
Popular Oldies and Classic Songs Ranking [1980s Japanese Music Ranking] (51–60)
You are in full color.Ohtaki Eiichi51rank/position
It’s a classic that blends nostalgia with freshness.
Showcasing Eiichi Ohtaki’s delicate musicality, this work was released in March 1981 and included on the album “A LONG VACATION.” It paints the ache of a lost love with vividly colorful expressions.
The unusual twist of lowering the key only in the chorus is also captivating.
After 40 years, a music video was produced for the first time in March 2021, and it has garnered over 6 million views.
While evoking the Showa era, the piece has a timeless appeal that resonates today.
It’s perfect for when you want to bask in nostalgia or reflect on someone dear.
Use it as BGM for your Instagram Reels, and your post will have a wonderful atmosphere.
I’M GETTIN’ BLUEZIGGY52rank/position
ZIGGY is a rock band that has continued to captivate fans for many years with a glam rock-inspired look and a musical style that changes color with each album.
Their debut single, “I’M GETTIN’ BLUE,” which was used as the ending theme for the talk-variety show ‘Dō-suru!? TV Tackle,’ is known as one of ZIGGY’s signature songs alongside their simultaneously released second single, “GLORIA.” Its straightforward rock ensemble and catchy melodies offer an unfading charm that could be called the epitome of classic Japanese rock.
For those of that generation, it’s a cool rock tune you’ve probably sung many times at karaoke.
MarionetteBOØWY53rank/position
This track is packed with an overwhelming rock sound and razor-sharp messages.
Released in July 1987 as a single by BOØWY, it was an ambitious work that topped the Oricon charts.
As the lead single from the album “PSYCHOPATH,” it stirred up the music scene at the time alongside a music video animated by Gainax.
Although BOØWY scarcely appeared in the media, the song is also known as the entrance theme for “Dynamite Shikoku,” a character played by Shozo Endo on Nippon TV’s Downtown no Gaki no Tsukai ya Arahende!!.
This masterpiece fuses the beat-driven feel of the ’80s with a melodious sound, incorporating danceable elements to distill the essence of rock music into a single track.
It’s a song that evokes nostalgia for those who lived through the era and sounds fresh to younger listeners—please enjoy.
ONLY YOUBOØWY54rank/position
A gem of a love song from BOØWY, released in April 1987 as their fifth single.
Taken from the album “BEAT EMOTION,” it became the band’s first track to break into the top five of the Oricon charts and is cherished by many fans as one of their signature songs.
It conveys a pure, heartrending confession of love and a powerful desire to protect the one you love, highlighted by the strong male vocals and sharp guitar sound.
It’s a love song that resonates with anyone who wants to spend precious time with someone they cherish—why not take a moment to listen closely once again?
Blue Coral ReefMatsuda Seiko55rank/position
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.
SOMEDAYSano Motoharu56rank/position
A classic by Motoharu Sano that sings of the radiance of youth and hope for the future.
Its poetic lyrics capture the struggles of being young and a nostalgic longing for days gone by.
Released as a single in June 1981 and included on an album of the same name the following year, it gained renewed attention in 1989 when it was featured in a JR Tokai commercial.
Characterized by a Phil Spector–style Wall of Sound, it has been covered by many artists.
A recommended track for those stepping into a new environment or looking back on their past selves.