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
1980s Singer-Songwriter/Artist Rankings [2026] (81–90)
youthMorita Kōichi to Toppugyaran85rank/position
This is a masterpiece that beautifully captures the unique atmosphere of the pre-graduation season and the bittersweet feelings of leaving a familiar room.
Released in August 1976 as a single by Koichi Morita and Top Gallant, the band led by composer Koichi Morita, it gradually became a major hit over time and earned a spot on the following year’s NHK Kouhaku Uta Gassen.
The lyrics by Yuu Aku portray not only the inner conflicts of youth in the thick of their adolescence but also the preciousness of days looked back upon in adulthood, resonating deeply with a wide audience.
In later years, the song inspired a drama and was also embraced as the theme for variety shows.
It’s a track that offers courage and a sense of kinship not only to those who fondly remember their student days, but also to anyone about to leap into a new world.
Our FailureMorita Doji86rank/position
Starting with a scene bathed in spring sunlight, Morita Doji’s classic masterfully portrays the delicate feelings and subtle shifts of a young person’s heart.
Many will be moved by the protagonist, who acknowledges their fragility yet strives to move forward.
Featured on the album Mother Sky, the song initially garnered support for its unique worldview upon its November 1976 release.
Later, in 1993, it was chosen as the theme song for the TBS drama High School Teacher, becoming a major hit with over 900,000 copies sold.
Its melody—woven from a softly spoken, intimate vocal and the gentle timbre of an acoustic guitar—is the perfect companion when you’re carrying something in your heart or want to immerse yourself in memories of someone dear.
They are lovers.Moritaka Chisato87rank/position
She entered the entertainment industry after winning the Grand Prix at the 1st Pocari Sweat Image Girl Contest.
Her seventh single, “17-sai,” drew attention as a remake of Saori Minami’s song.
She also wrote lyrics herself, and her distinctive words were well received.
Her cosplay-style outfits also became famous.
Her husband is the actor Yosuke Eguchi.
“Futari wa Koibito” is her top-selling single.
Merry Christmas SnowKusunose Seishiro88rank/position
Beloved by many listeners as a Christmas song whose gentle voice seeps into the heart, it features Seishiro Kusunose’s soft vocals and melody that beautifully paint a winter scene.
The lyrics intertwine a snow-covered townscape with feelings of love, leaving a warm afterglow in the listener’s heart.
Among Kusunose’s solo works, it stands out as an especially memorable track, earning high praise from fans.
Released after Flipper’s Guitar disbanded, this piece showcases the breadth of his musicality.
It’s perfect for a quiet night of relaxed listening or as BGM for spending Christmas with someone special.
Lonely ChristmasMariko Nagai89rank/position
“Lonely Christmas” is a Christmas song by Mariko Nagai, who hails from Gotemba City in Shizuoka Prefecture.
The song is included on an omnibus album released under the title “MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU,” featuring four artists: Akiko Kobayashi, Mariko Nagai, Remi, and Midori Karashima.
Graduationsawada shouko90rank/position
“Sotsugyo” (Graduation), a song by singer-songwriter Shoko Sawada that expresses the bittersweet feeling of moving on after graduation.
Released in 1983, it became Sawada’s most successful single.
Her vocals are calm and understated, not overtly conveying the loneliness of graduation, but if you listen closely to the lyrics, you can feel the inner conflict about graduating and the heartfelt wish for that day not to come.
It sounds as if she’s putting on a brave face, yet you can sense that she’s actually very lonely and frustrated by something she can’t change.
For those who face their graduation ceremony while hiding the same kind of sadness, this song will likely resonate especially deeply.
Singer-Songwriter/Artist Rankings of the 1980s [2026] (91–100)
Sake, Tears, Men, and WomenKawashima Eigo91rank/position
This is a socially conscious masterpiece that portrays the subtle miscommunications between men and women and the nuances of emotional expression with deep insight.
It warmly observes how men open up through drinking and women through tears, each revealing their inner feelings.
Born from impressions Eigo Kawashima had at age 18 during a family memorial gathering, the song was included on the November 1975 album “Jinrui” (Humanity) and released as a single in June 1976.
Also known as the jingle for the sake brand Kizakura, it became a major hit, reaching No.
9 on the Oricon weekly chart.
It is a gem I recommend to anyone who wants to face their heart honestly when confronted with life’s sorrow and poignancy.