Singer-Songwriter/Artist Rankings of the 1980s [2026]
The 1980s were an era when artists like Eiichi Ohtaki, Miyuki Nakajima, and Shinji Tanimura—names even younger people may have heard—were active.
Here, we’re introducing songs by singer-songwriters from the 1980s, including those artists.
What kind of music did singer-songwriters from the bubble era create?
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
- Top 1980s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- Masterpieces and hit songs of 80s Japanese pop (kayōkyoku)
- 1990s Male Singer-Songwriters: Popular Song Rankings [2026]
- Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 80s
- A special feature on classic and hit songs by bands that were active in the 1980s
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s [2026]
- 1970s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
- [Nostalgic Classics] Hit Japanese Love Songs from the 1980s
- Popular Nostalgic Hits and Classics Ranking [1980s Japanese Music Ranking]
- A heartbreak song that was a hit in the 1980s. A classic and popular track in Japanese music.
- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese pop idols of the 80s
Singer-Songwriter/Artist Rankings of the 1980s [2026] (61–70)
Sometimes, old storiesKatō Tokiko64rank/position
This is a ballad for adults that brings back fond memories the moment you hear it.
Created by Tokiko Kato, known as a singer-songwriter, it was included on the album “MY STORY/Toki ni wa Mukashi no Hanashi wo,” released in September 1986, and was issued as a single the following year.
You may also know it as the ending theme of the 1992 film Porco Rosso.
Set to a beautiful waltz of piano and strings, the song looks back on youthful dreams and setbacks, and conversations with friends.
If you play it at a wedding—on the day of a new beginning—during a moment of gratitude to the parents who raised you, the venue is sure to be filled with warm tears.
Why not choose this classic, which conveys both the weight of life and a sense of hope, for your most meaningful moments?
Love, my deepest apologies for troubling you when you are so busy.Harayuko65rank/position
After its original release in 1983, it was reissued as an 8cm single in 1993, made available for download in 2016, and began streaming in 2019—truly a song that has been “loved across generations.” That song is none other than “Koi wa, Gotabō Mōshiagemasu.” The yellow background with a pink caricature of Haru Yuko is catchy, and everything from the typography of the lyrics to the melody is packed with stylish inspiration.
The joyful lyric about “happy days that continue even after summer ends” also connects to the spirit of Southern All Stars, the band Haru belongs to!
Just a JokeKokubu Yurie66rank/position
The urbane, sophisticated sound and the lyrics that sing of heartbreak blend exquisitely, embodying the aesthetics of city pop with a charm that grips the listener’s heart and never lets go.
YurIE Kokubu’s transparent, crystalline vocals brilliantly convey the ache of a bittersweet love.
Released in 1983 and included on the album “Relief 72 hours,” this song was highly regarded even at the time.
In recent years, it has also drawn attention from overseas listeners, helping ignite the city pop boom.
It’s especially recommended for adults troubled by love.
When you want to soothe the pain of heartbreak, why not give this song a listen?
memory glasseshorie atsushi67rank/position
Memory Glass is the debut single by Jun Horie, released in 1981.
It sold 500,000 copies and reached No.
3 on the Oricon chart.
Horie’s androgynous looks and voice drew attention.
Although he had no other standout hits and is sometimes labeled a one-hit wonder, this song is a masterpiece.
Katsushika RhapsodyDōjima Kōhei68rank/position
The third opening theme for the anime “Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo” was “Katsushika Rhapsody,” a song by singer-songwriter Kohei Dojima.
Released in 1997 as his seventh single, it was crafted as a local song for Katsushika Ward in Tokyo.
It’s a heartwarming track with a gently soothing tone.
In 2003, it was covered by the ska band Yum!Yum!ORANGE and used as the anime’s seventh opening theme.
To each their own.Ōe Senri69rank/position
Released in 1984, it’s a pop song that hasn’t faded even after more than 30 years.
It was used in a commercial for UHA Mikakuto’s candy “DATE KISS,” and the commercial version’s arrangement was handled by Tetsuya Komuro, who had just debuted with TM NETWORK at the time.
If I can see you in my dreamsOhtaki Eiichi70rank/position
A classic by Eiichi Ohtaki, distinguished by its wistful melody and heart-wrenching lyrics.
The bittersweet feelings of longing for someone far away are conveyed through a gentle, intimate vocal delivery.
First released in 1976, the song has since been covered by many artists and continues to be loved across generations as a masterpiece in the history of Japanese pop.
It’s a recommended track for healing the pain of heartbreak or for reaffirming your feelings for someone special.