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.
Playlist
| Popular Nostalgic Hits and Classics Ranking [1980s Japanese Music Ranking] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| show_chart | Title | Playlist | Review |
| 1 | ShipwreckNakamori Akina |  play_arrow | A classic song that poignantly portrays the sorrowful feelings of a woman who has lost her loved one |
| 2 | Full of memoriesH₂O |  play_arrow | H2O’s signature youth-themed song, a graduation song |
| 3 | Two People’s Summer Story – NEVER ENDING SUMMER –Sugiyama Kiyotaka & Omega Tribe |  play_arrow | A bittersweet love story by the summer seaside |
| 4 | Graduationsaitou yuki |  play_arrow | Yuki Saito’s debut song, a youth anthem |
| 5 | Dancing HeroOginome Yōko |  play_arrow | A classic of 80s disco-pop is back in the spotlight |
| 6 | MPRINCESS PRINCESS |  play_arrow | The heartrending ballad that chronicles the pain of heartbreak is abou... |
| 7 | Be kind to othersTHE BLUE HEARTS |  play_arrow | Timeless masterpieces continue to be loved across generations. |
| 8 | Roppongi HeartbreakAn Ruisu |  play_arrow | Ann Lewis's wistful love song about romance |
| 9 | The hottest summer in the worldPRINCESS PRINCESS |  play_arrow | A youthful love song, a burning passion for setting out on a new journey |
| 10 | Ruby RingTerao Akira |  play_arrow | Atsushi Terao’s signature song becomes a big hit |
| 11 | Close your eyes and come here.BARBEE BOYS |  play_arrow | When it comes to BARBEE BOYS’ signature works, it would have to be… |
| 12 | Linda LindaTHE BLUE HEARTS |  play_arrow | A soul-stirring masterpiece by THE BLUE HEARTS |
| 13 | Paradise GalaxyHikaru GENJI |  play_arrow | Hikaru GENJI’s historic hit song(s) |
| 14 | Distance of the Starry SkyTHE ALFEE |  play_arrow | Rooted in good old rock and folk songs… |
| 15 | Do whatever the hell you want.sawada kenji |  play_arrow | The appeal of Kenji Sawada’s 1977 hit song |
| 16 | I can’t stop this sadnessAnri |  play_arrow | A classic song that sings of a woman’s heart grieving the loss of her lover. |
| 17 | Limit LoversSHOW-YA |  play_arrow | Expressing women's true feelings and emotions through heavy metal |
| 18 | First loveMurashita Kōzō |  play_arrow | Kozo Murashita’s unrequited love song masterpiece |
| 19 | Chaco’s Seaside StorySazan Ōrusutāzu |  play_arrow | Since their debut, a uniquely original sound that no one can imitate... |
| 20 | TRAIN-TRAINTHE BLUE HEARTS |  play_arrow | A cheering song depicting the conflict between dreams and reality |
| 21 | Wine Red Heartanzenchitai |  play_arrow | Anzen Chitai’s adult love song |
| 22 | JUST ONE MORE KISSBUCK-TICK |  play_arrow | He drew attention with his look of hair spiked up high, and th… |
| 23 | Can’t Stop the RomanticC-C-B |  play_arrow | The quintessential hit song representing the ’80s is C-C-B’s da— |
| 24 | MissingKubota Toshinobu |  play_arrow | Toshinobu Kubota’s heartrending ballad that sings of deep love. |
| 25 | MasqueradeShonentai |  play_arrow | The emotions of Kamen Butokai and the charm of Shonentai |
| 26 | Goodbyeofukōsu |  play_arrow | Off Course’s seminal work on the theme of heartbreak |
| 27 | Christmas EveYamashita Tatsuro |  play_arrow | Christmas Eve, a bittersweet love song |
| 28 | Tears aren’t just for show.Nakamori Akina |  play_arrow | Akina Nakamori’s 1984 smash hit that expresses loneliness and heartache |
| 29 | The Last Holy NightSugiyama Kiyotaka |  play_arrow | Kiyotaka Sugiyama’s hit song used in multiple commercials |
| 30 | FriendsREBECCA |  play_arrow | A classic song that sings of REBECCA’s youth, resonating in the heart |
| 31 | Mi AmoreNakamori Akina |  play_arrow | Akina Nakamori’s carnival song becomes a big hit |
| 32 | SWEET MEMORIESMatsuda Seiko |  play_arrow | Seiko Matsuda’s classic love ballads |
| 33 | A Tearful RequestChekkāzu |  play_arrow | The Checkers’ hype tracks |
| 34 | I’ll wait.amin |  play_arrow | Amin's debut single was a big hit. |
| 35 | Lullaby of the Holy MothersIwasaki Hiromi |  play_arrow | Comparing the city to a battlefield, gently embracing the wounded warriors… |
| 36 | Embraced by the wintry windKoizumi Kyoko |  play_arrow | A wistful winter love song themed around unrequited love by Kyoko Koizumi |
| 37 | Teenage in GlassHikaru GENJI |  play_arrow | Hikaru Genji’s gemlike masterpiece of a youth theme |
| 38 | stationTakeuchi Mariya |  play_arrow | Reunion at the station, the bittersweet pain of a past love |
| 39 | GLORIAZIGGY |  play_arrow | ZIGGY’s second single, a masterpiece that conveys the allure of rock |
| 40 | Friday ChinatownYasuha |  play_arrow | A classic gem of exotic charm from the Showa-era Chinatown |
| 41 | There’s always tomorrowSakamoto Kyu |  play_arrow | A classic song that sings of the clumsiness of youth and the hope it holds |
| 42 | Ruby RingTerao Akira |  play_arrow | Atsushi Terao’s signature song, with a depiction of heartbreak that resonates deeply |
| 43 | SUMMER SUSPICIONSugiyama Kiyotaka & Omega Tribe |  play_arrow | Kiyotaka Sugiyama & ... that evoke a refreshing summer night |
| 44 | Sentimental ChristmasHamada Shogo |  play_arrow | Shogo Hamada’s winter masterpiece, a heartwarming singing voice |
| 45 | Midnight Door ~ Stay With MeMatsubara Miki |  play_arrow | A classic 80s love song by Miki Matsubara |
| 46 | Get WildTM NETWORK |  play_arrow | A sound that runs through the night, a song of adventure and challenge |
| 47 | Love Song of LumMatsutani Yūko |  play_arrow | A classic song that sings of the bittersweet feelings of first love |
| 48 | A Member of the Fire BrigadeRATS&STAR |  play_arrow | A love story that unfolds by the seaside in summer |
| 49 | Two People’s Love IslandIshikawa Yuko & Chage |  play_arrow | Yuko Ishikawa and Chage’s classic song “Futari no Airando” (Our Love Island) |
| 50 | You are in full color.Ohtaki Eiichi |  play_arrow | Eiichi Ohtaki’s classic: a bittersweet yearning for love |
| 51 | Cheer up!Takeuchi Mariya |  play_arrow | Songs provided to Hiroko Yakushimaru, popular songs by Mariya Takeuchi |
| 52 | Second LoveNakamori Akina |  play_arrow | Akina Nakamori’s classic love song is a huge hit |
| 53 | I’M GETTIN’ BLUEZIGGY |  play_arrow | A look that evokes glam rock and a… |
| 54 | MarionetteBOØWY |  play_arrow | A classic by BOØWY—a masterpiece that encapsulates the allure of rock. |
| 55 | ONLY YOUBOØWY |  play_arrow | A signature song by BOØWY, a cry of pure love and protection |
| 56 | Blue Coral ReefMatsuda Seiko |  play_arrow | Seiko Matsuda’s classic summer love song |
| 57 | SOMEDAYSano Motoharu |  play_arrow | A classic song that sings of the brilliance and hope of youth, Motoharu Sano |
| 58 | Summer HornsInagaki Junichi |  play_arrow | Released in 1983, this work is urban and so... |
| 59 | Mary AnnTHE ALFEE |  play_arrow | THE ALFEE’s first major hit: a classic youth rock anthem |
| 60 | CHA-CHA-CHAIshii Akemi |  play_arrow | Akemi Ishii's debut single was a big hit |
| 61 | Hello, Sadnesssaitou yuki |  play_arrow | Yuki Saito, who emerged from Miss Magazine, a… |
| 62 | SUMMER DREAMTUBE |  play_arrow | A summer youth, seaside driving song |
| 63 | White ChristmasJUN SKY WALKER(S) |  play_arrow | They boosted their profile through live performances on pedestrianized streets, and 19... |
| 64 | huge nuisanceUNICORN |  play_arrow | Disbanded in 1993, and achieved a reunion in 2009… |
| 65 | ambushIshikawa Hitomi |  play_arrow | A signature work by Hitomi Ishikawa that portrays the poignancy of unrequited love |
| 66 | heavy rainTHE MODS |  play_arrow | A classic that sings of burning passion, battered by the rain |
| 67 | B BLUEBOØWY |  play_arrow | A 1986 rock song by BOØWY. |
| 68 | Midnight Flight – A Lonely Christmas EveHamada Shogo |  play_arrow | The loneliness of airports and the ache of a broken heart |
| 69 | Wax MuseumSeikima II |  play_arrow | Demon Kogure and Seikima-II’s terrifying classic, perfect for Halloween |
| 70 | TouchIwasaki Yoshimi |  play_arrow | Showa-era classic hits are trending again on Instagram. |
| 71 | foreignerKUBOTA Saki |  play_arrow | The allure of Saki Kubota’s classic song “Ihōjin” (Stranger) |
| 72 | A street corner where even lovers get wetNakamura Masatoshi |  play_arrow | An adult love song set in Yokohama |
| 73 | MUGO… so sexyKudō Shizuka |  play_arrow | Shizuka Kudo’s single that expresses feelings beyond words |
| 74 | Sha-la-laSazan Ōrusutāzu |  play_arrow | Southern’s classic song: lyrics of deep love and moving emotion |
| 75 | SHOW MEMorikawa Yukari |  play_arrow | “Tanabata,” the classic song that changed the Showa era’s view of romance |
| 76 | LOVELAND, ISLANDYamashita Tatsuro |  play_arrow | The appeal of summer songs and the vibe of the ’80s |
| 77 | DAY BREAKotoko |  play_arrow | The passionate debut song by Otokogumi sings of hope. |
| 78 | Merry Christmas Mr. LawrenceSakamoto Ryuichi |  play_arrow | Theme song of the film 'Merry Christmas, Mr. Lawrence' |
| 79 | Love is overŌyō Fifi |  play_arrow | Ouyang Fei Fei’s signature song, a heartbreaking love song about farewell |
| 80 | Boat SongYashiro Aki |  play_arrow | Aki Yashiro's classic Showa-era ballads |
| 81 | You’re 1000%1986 omega toraibu |  play_arrow | Omega Tribe's nostalgic classic songs are popular with a new generation |
| 82 | loveMatsuyama Chiharu |  play_arrow | This piece, known as one of Chiharu Matsuyama’s signature songs, is... |
| 83 | High-Teen BoogieKondō Masahiko |  play_arrow | A 1982 smash-hit classic that captures the brilliance of youth |
| 84 | The Door to SummerMatsuda Seiko |  play_arrow | Seiko Matsuda’s classic summer love song |
| 85 | Your heart is marine blue.Sugiyama Kiyotaka & Omega Tribe |  play_arrow | Kyotaka Sugiyama’s classic that sings of summer love in the ’80s |
| 86 | My RevolutionWatanabe Misato |  play_arrow | Song of Courage to Take a New Step Forward |
| 87 | SPARKLEYamashita Tatsuro |  play_arrow | A classic song distinguished by guitar sounds that distill the essence of summer in the ’80s. |
| 88 | BE MY BABYCOMPLEX |  play_arrow | COMPLEX's hit song, Digital Rock |
| 89 | Dancing All Nightmonta & burazāzu |  play_arrow | A classic hit from the ’80s, with a poignant melody and lyrics that linger in the heart. |
| 90 | I LOVE YOUOzaki Yutaka |  play_arrow | In 1991, with Yutaka Ozaki’s 11th single... |
| 91 | You are more beautiful than a rose.Fuse Akira |  play_arrow | A classic by Akira Fuse that praises the beauty of women |
| 92 | Goodbye to sorrowanzenchitai |  play_arrow | A song about overcoming the pain of heartbreak and finding hope for new love |
| 93 | TIME ZONEotoko |  play_arrow | Passionate feelings of love and friendship that continue after graduation |
| 94 | DEAR FRIENDSPERSONZ |  play_arrow | An indispensable part of the history of Showa-era rock in Japan is... |
| 95 | Only for youShonentai |  play_arrow | The heart-wrenching romantic ballad by Shonentai |
| 96 | My lover is Santa ClausMatsutōya Yumi |  play_arrow | Spend time with a loved one with Christmas songs |
| 97 | Return To MyselfHamada Mari |  play_arrow | Mari Hamada's love-encouragement song |
| 98 | Subtly flashy (bling-bling, but nonchalant)Kondō Masahiko |  play_arrow | An idol song representing the 1980s by Masahiko Kondo |
| 99 | Lullaby of a Serrated HeartChekkāzu |  play_arrow | The Checkers’ debut song is popular right now. |
| 100 | Journey of the Heartchūrippu |  play_arrow | Tulip’s classic song that portrays the conflict of setting off on a journey |