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] (91–100)
The Summer That Vanished Beyond the GlassSuzuki Masayuki96rank/position
This is the first single released under Masayuki Suzuki’s solo name, who had been active as a member of Rats & Star.
Composed and produced by Yoshiyuki Ohsawa, with Tomoyasu Hotei on guitar, the song features an impressively gentle, floating sound.
While the lyrics express the pain of looking back on a sorrowful summer breakup, the expansive sound also conveys a sense of brightness.
With Suzuki’s powerfully resonant vocals leaving a strong impression, it’s a song that carries the strength to overcome a sad summer.
Saravah!Takahashi Yukihiro97rank/position
One of the singer-songwriters who epitomize Japan’s new wave, Yukihiro Takahashi.
In his later years, beyond being a singer-songwriter and drummer, he was also active as a fashion designer and actor.
One of his signature tracks is “Saravah!” Centered on an ennui-tinged melody, it’s an incredibly cool piece even just as a track.
To sing it in an even cooler way, avoid pushing your voice too hard and aim for a downbeat, subdued feel.
Looking to R&B-influenced artists like Fujii Kaze for reference could be helpful.
She and TIP ON DUOImai Miki98rank/position
Miki Imai’s fourth single, “Kanojo to TIP ON DUO.” Released in 1988, this track was used as the Shiseido autumn campaign song that year, so those familiar with the ’80s probably heard it often in TV commercials.
While the melody is pop, the lyrics are moving: beneath the tough front of “I won’t think about him anymore!” you can feel the powerful sentiment of “I still love him.” It’s a quintessential ’80s song that people will want to revisit from their youth—and one that younger listeners should hear as well.
If the spring wind is blowingyoshida takurou/ yoshida keiko99rank/position
A duet by Takuro Yoshida and Keiko Yoshida featured as the sixth track on the original album “Kusazoshi,” released in June 1973.
With guitar tones that feel like welcoming the arrival of spring, this 1970s folk song and its refreshingly pleasant duet melody evoke warm, sunlit days.
Let yourself be intoxicated by this piece, as if carried on a spring breeze.
Not For SaleTanimura Yumi100rank/position
This person is also a long-running singer-songwriter who has continued their musical activities for many years.
I always thought their natural, down-to-earth way of speaking on the radio was distinctive, but it turns out that in the ’80s they were decked out in full-on bubble-era fashion.
It reminds me of the saying, “Every person has a history.”