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)
Just a JokeKokubu Yurie64rank/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 atsushi65rank/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 Kōhei66rank/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 Senri67rank/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 Eiichi68rank/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.
Brave RaideenShimon Masato69rank/position
Set to a march-like midtempo that lifts the spirit, the song—paired with Masato Shimon’s expansive vocals—feels as if it portrays a radiant guardian of the skies soaring through the light.
Its friendly, accessible melody, beloved by children and adults alike, vividly depicts a righteous hero’s bravery, infused with a sense of duty to protect peace and a steadfast resolve to carry the hopes of the people.
Broadcast as the opening theme for a robot anime that began in April 1975, it earned high acclaim as a masterpiece that perfectly captured the show’s worldview.
In November 1980, a soundtrack album was released by Nippon Columbia, and it continues to captivate many fans.
It’s a track that, when played during your morning commute to work or school, makes you feel like the protagonist yourself and gives you the courage to face a brand-new day.
It’s such a buzzkill.Kozaka Tadashi70rank/position
Known as a classic of the Showa-era kayōkyoku, this song is included on the album “HORO,” released in January 1975.
With lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and music by Haruomi Hosono, it’s a track that highlights Chu Kosaka’s distinctive vocal style.
The lyrics portray cooled-off romantic feelings in a sleek, urban way, perfectly capturing the sentiments of young people at the time.
Highly regarded as a pioneering work of Japanese soul music, it became a pivotal piece that propelled Kosaka’s solo career.
It’s a song that resonates deeply after a breakup or when you’re weary of love, and it’s also recommended for anyone who wants to savor a chic, cool atmosphere.