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] (71–80)
Memory PillowKosaka Kyoko71rank/position
This classic song of aching love is brought back to life by Kyoko Kosaka’s translucent voice.
Released in May 1975, it became a massive hit, selling over 1.3 million copies.
It delicately portrays a woman’s feelings as she recalls memories of her lover alongside the pain of heartbreak.
Scenes of her singing the song he loved or drinking alone convey emotions that anyone can relate to.
It’s a song that gently stays with you on nights when you feel like remembering someone dear.
youKozaka Akiko72rank/position
A masterpiece that sings of wistful, pure love, its lyrics and melody seep deeply into the listener’s heart.
When it was released in 1973, it instantly became a social phenomenon.
Remarkably, she was only 16 years old when this massive hit came out.
It’s said that the song was written with thoughts for her future spouse.
The way it charmingly depicts a dream of a happy family life in a small home is truly endearing.
It’s a song that brings back memories of that bittersweet first love almost everyone has experienced.
It’s great for karaoke, and also highly recommended to listen to with someone special.
Farewell, youthogura kei73rank/position
It’s a classic you want to listen to during graduation season, when the scent of parting hangs in the air.
Written by singer-songwriter Kei Ogura—who produced numerous hits while working as a bank employee—this song was included on the B-side of his 1971 debut single “Shiosai no Uta.” It was broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta” in 1975 and later featured in an NTT commercial in 1993, remaining beloved across generations.
The farewell words, which deliberately refrain from calling out to a youth that has already passed, convey a dignified yet profound sense of sorrow.
With the warmth of folk and a universal melody that sinks into the heart, this piece gently accompanies both adults who look back fondly on days gone by and students about to set off on new journeys in the spring of new beginnings.
Azure NocturneOzaki Ami74rank/position
Amii Ozaki, who is active as a singer-songwriter, is also well known for her work as a lyricist and composer, including providing the song “Listening to Olivia” for Anri.
Centered on the timbre of the piano, the song and vocals leave a strong impression, conveying both heartrending emotion and burning passion, and it is sometimes performed live as a piano-and-vocal piece.
The lyrics depict the pain of heartbreak and lingering attachment to someone who is leaving, conveying a sense of momentum as if unleashing pent-up anguish.
It is a sorrowful song whose resonant vocals communicate the intensity of its emotions.
Orie’s SongYamazaki Hako75rank/position
Another song I recommend for savoring a profound drama is Orie no Uta.
It’s a piece Hiroyuki Itsuki wrote specifically, inspired by the film The Gate of Youth.
It’s sung by Hako Yamazaki.
The story is set in 1970s Fukuoka, and the lyrics are written in the local dialect.
Another notable feature is the frequent appearance of personal and place names.
Simply knowing the place names will surely deepen your understanding of the lyrics.
And if you’re interested, check out the original film—the characters with the same names as in the song appear in it.
The morning I had forgottenYamamoto Junko76rank/position
The July 1971 single by the folk group Akai Tori is like a mental landscape that gently reflects the youth of those days.
Skillfully blending the essences of folk and pop, Junko Yamamoto’s clear, translucent vocals and the beautiful harmonies soothe the listener’s heart.
Rofu Yamagami’s poetic lyrics quietly evoke memories of days gone by, while Kunihiko Murai’s melody tenderly accompanies them.
Included on the album Akai Tori II, this piece features a calm arrangement that conveys the freshness of a morning breeze.
It’s a recommended song for moments when you want to pause amid a busy life to reflect on yourself, or when you feel like immersing yourself in cherished memories.
X’ mas in the BlueYamamoto Emi77rank/position
When you hear the name “Hidemi Yamamoto,” did you imagine a woman? He’s actually a male singer who had hits in the ’80s.
This song, “X’mas in the Blue,” was released in 1987 as his third single.
It features that distinctly ’80s straight 8-beat, and his gentle vocals evoke the era—listening again brings back memories from those days.
It’s not just for couples; if you listen with your spouse or family, it might spark some lively conversation.
Highly recommended.
