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] (11–20)
SOMEDAYSano Motoharu15rank/position
A classic by Motoharu Sano that sings of the radiance of youth and hope for the future.
Its poetic lyrics capture the struggles of being young and a nostalgic longing for days gone by.
Released as a single in June 1981 and included on an album of the same name the following year, it gained renewed attention in 1989 when it was featured in a JR Tokai commercial.
Characterized by a Phil Spector–style Wall of Sound, it has been covered by many artists.
A recommended track for those stepping into a new environment or looking back on their past selves.
You are in full color.Ohtaki Eiichi16rank/position
It’s a classic that blends nostalgia with freshness.
Showcasing Eiichi Ohtaki’s delicate musicality, this work was released in March 1981 and included on the album “A LONG VACATION.” It paints the ache of a lost love with vividly colorful expressions.
The unusual twist of lowering the key only in the chorus is also captivating.
After 40 years, a music video was produced for the first time in March 2021, and it has garnered over 6 million views.
While evoking the Showa era, the piece has a timeless appeal that resonates today.
It’s perfect for when you want to bask in nostalgia or reflect on someone dear.
Use it as BGM for your Instagram Reels, and your post will have a wonderful atmosphere.
Summer HornsInagaki Junichi17rank/position
Released in 1983, this work brims with an urban, stylish allure.
The lyrics, which look back nostalgically on lost summer memories and the end of a romance, resonate deeply with listeners.
Junichi Inagaki’s rich vocals blend beautifully with the pop melody to create a superb track.
It was also used in a commercial for Fujifilm’s car-stereo-only audio cassette tape “GT-I,” making it popular across generations.
It’s said that the chorus was completed after more than 100 takes.
Give it a listen when you want to revisit bittersweet summer memories, as a companion on a drive, or when you’re trying to move past a farewell with someone precious.
My lover is Santa ClausMatsutōya Yumi18rank/position
How about a catchy winter song that heightens the festive Christmas spirit? It’s a track by the singer Yumi Matsutoya, known for numerous hits like “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Spring, Come,” included on her 1980 album “SURF & SNOW.” The song was also featured in the film “Take Me Out to the Snow.” Just as the title suggests, the cute lyrics likening a lover to Santa will grab your heart.
If you’re spending this Christmas with someone special, be sure to listen to this song together.
Merry Christmas Mr. LawrenceSakamoto Ryuichi19rank/position
This song is the theme for the film Merry Christmas, Mr.
Lawrence, released in Japan in 1983.
The film is a co-production between Japan, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand, and Ryuichi Sakamoto also appears in it.
English musician David Bowie is among the cast as well, and the film has earned a reputation as a masterpiece passed down through the generations.
Its piano-driven melody exudes an indescribable nostalgia, making it a profoundly captivating piece.
Make it a slow boogie (I want you)Minami Yoshitaka20rank/position
Released in 1981, Yoshitaka Minami’s “Suro na Boogie ni Shite Kure (I want you)” is a song distinguished by lyrics characteristic of Japanese kayōkyoku.
The content—“I want you”—has a straightforward, kayōkyoku-style line that gives it a slightly nostalgic feel.
On top of that, the whole track has a bluesy tone, which pairs perfectly with Minami’s sultry vocals to create a sweet atmosphere.
You don’t hear many blues-tinged songs like this these days, so it should feel very fresh even to listeners of the younger generation!
Singer-Songwriter Artist Rankings of the 1980s [2026] (21–30)
CheersNagabuchi Tsuyoshi21rank/position
This is a song often performed at major life events such as weddings and graduation ceremonies.
It was created as the title track of the third album released in September 1980, and has since become a staple that Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi always sings at his live concerts.
In 1988, a re-recorded single version became a major hit.
It has continued to be loved by many, being showcased with special staging on music programs such as the Kōhaku Uta Gassen and the FNS Music Festival.
Characterized by a relaxed tempo and a simple melody, it’s a song that anyone can sing comfortably.
The lyrics, imbued with support and congratulations for those stepping onto a new stage in life, resonate deeply with listeners.
If everyone joins in a grand sing-along at karaoke after the event, it’s sure to create a moving moment that brings the whole venue together.