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] (41–50)
bullfighterChar43rank/position
This is a 1978 single released by Char, one of Japan’s leading guitarists.
It’s a sultry, adult-tinged number that pulls you in with its gripping intro guitar comping.
Back when kayō-rock made him as popular as an idol, Char’s sexy vocals perfectly matched lyricist Yū Aku’s world, which likens the push-and-pull between a man and a woman to a matador’s duel—sure to stir a man’s heart.
The Spanish-flavored guitar solos, especially in the interlude, are must-hear, and the track keeps you hooked with its cool swagger from start to finish!
DOWN TOWNEPO44rank/position
EPO’s debut single, which was also used as the theme song for Waratte Iitomo’s spin-off Oretachi Hyōkin-zoku.
It’s a well-known Sugar Babe song, but when sung in her voice it really gives off an ’80s vibe.
She had many other signature tracks as well and was gifted with enough songwriting talent to even provide songs for others.
The winter townSION45rank/position
This is a song included on SION’s third original album, “SIREN.” “SIREN” is his first full-length album, created in collaboration with his backing band, THE NOIS.
A live version of this track is also included on PSY・S’s live best album, “TWO SPILITS.”
Mary Janetsunoda☆hiro46rank/position
This is one of Hiro Tsunoda’s signature songs, depicting someone looking back on and mourning an unforgettable beloved.
The gentle, soulful sound strongly underscores the song’s lyrical worldview and the power of the vocals.
Since the title “Mary Jane” is sung powerfully right at the beginning, how compellingly you deliver that part is a crucial point for drawing listeners in.
Sing while vividly envisioning that unforgettable love, and cherish the mood and airy floating feel of the sound.
Sachikobanba hirofumi47rank/position
Hirofumi Banba is the vocalist of the folk group Banban, which had hits in 1975 including “Ichigo Hakusho o Mou Ichido” (Let’s Read the Strawberry Statement Again).
After disbanding the group in 1978, he made his solo debut, and his fourth single, “Sachiko,” released in September 1979, reached No.
2 on the Oricon chart and sold 750,000 copies.
White Winterfuki no tō48rank/position
This is a lyrical piece that poignantly sings of the transition from autumn to winter.
Carried by the gentle tones of an acoustic guitar, it overlays the sorrow of a bygone love and shifting emotions onto the changing of the seasons.
The transparent harmonies of Fukinotou weave a delicate world that resonates deeply in the heart.
Released as a debut single in September 1974, the song gradually gained popularity after being featured on Takuro Yoshida’s All Night Nippon, eventually reaching No.
14 on the Oricon charts.
As the duo’s signature song, it has since been covered by numerous artists.
It is a track that gently accompanies the resolve to quietly accept the end of a romance—one to listen to when you wish to heal the wounds of heartbreak or to put your feelings in order.
I knew it—I love you.yashiki takajin49rank/position
Sung in the Kansai dialect, this song has a charm that resonates with listeners.
The lyrics, which vividly portray the complex emotions of a woman unable to move on from a broken heart, are striking, and Takajin Yashiki’s emotionally rich vocals enhance its appeal.
Released in September 1986, the track was also included on the album “For You ~Yappa Sukiyanen~,” and it became one of Yashiki Takajin’s signature songs.
Since May 2014, it has been used as the departure melody at Osaka Station on the Osaka Loop Line, making it a well-loved, community-rooted tune.
With its catchy phrases and melody, using it in an Instagram Story can create a heartwarming atmosphere tinged with nostalgia.