Including global hits! 80s songs popular on TikTok
In recent years, thanks to the influence of social media and subscription services, songs from the Showa and Heisei eras have been enjoying more and more revival hits.
In particular, Japanese city pop born in the Showa era has been reevaluated worldwide, becoming a movement that can’t be summed up with the term “nostalgia.”
So this time, we’re introducing popular 1980s songs on TikTok!
They’re all timeless tracks that will feel nostalgic to those who lived through the era and refreshingly new to younger listeners, so be sure to check them out.
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Including worldwide hits! 80s songs popular on TikTok (1–10)
The Door to SummerMatsuda Seiko
Seiko Matsuda’s fifth single delicately depicts summer scenery and romance.
Released in April 1981, this song captured many hearts as a quintessential idol pop track.
The lyrics convey feelings about the emotional distance between lovers and self-consciousness about others’ gaze, expressing summer’s sense of freedom and the anticipation of a new relationship.
When it was performed at the 32nd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, Matsuda’s short hairstyle became a hot topic.
It is also known as a staple finale number at her concerts, fostering a strong sense of unity with fans.
A timeless classic loved across generations, it’s especially recommended for summer drives or for those nostalgic about their youth.
Lonely Tropical FishWink
A smash hit by Wink, the quintessential female idol duo of the 1980s.
The song was used in a commercial for Panasonic’s S-TYPE headphone stereo and was released in July 1989, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
Its impression lies in the duo’s expressionless, cool performance style and lyrics that convey aching love and loneliness.
The words, which depict feelings that can’t reach the one you love and the gap between ideals and reality, surely resonated with many listeners.
Known as a signature number that cemented Wink’s image of “not smiling, not talking,” it stands as one of their defining songs.
A Member of the Fire BrigadeRATS&STAR
This song depicts beachside panic stirred up by a captivating woman against the backdrop of a summer shoreline.
Released in April 1983, it became a massive hit, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
Its lively rhythm and distinctive choreography left a strong impression, and it also won the Gold Prize at that year’s Japan Record Awards.
With lyrics by Reiji Asō and music by Daisuke Inoue, the track is known as one of Rats & Star’s signature songs.
Vividly portraying scenes of summer romance, it has remained a beloved classic in many listeners’ hearts.
It’s a perfect pick for anyone wanting to revel in beachside love and summer memories.
Including worldwide hit songs! 80s tracks popular on TikTok (11–20)
TouchIwasaki Yoshimi
Known as the theme song of a defining anime of the 1980s, this track is one of Yoshimi Iwasaki’s signature songs.
It portrays the bittersweetness of youth and the importance of human connection, resonating deeply with many listeners.
Beginning with a guitar-driven, striking intro, its melody is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Released in 1985, the song became a major hit alongside the anime.
Beloved across generations, this classic is recommended both for those seeking a touch of nostalgia and for younger listeners interested in 1980s music.
You’re 1000%1986 omega toraibu
A classic that colored Japan’s music scene in the 1980s is once again capturing the hearts of a new generation.
The debut single by 1986 Omega Tribe is marked by its urban, sophisticated sound and breezy melody.
Carlos Toshiki’s smooth vocals beautifully convey the flutter and poignancy of being in love.
Released on May 1, 1986, the track quickly drew attention as the theme song for the TV drama “Shin Netsuchu Jidai Sengen.” With lyrics that feel like snapshots of youth—summer by the sea, the courage to make a phone call—it’s sure to resonate across generations.
Blending nostalgia with freshness, this work is also a perfect entry point into city pop.
MUGO… so sexyKudō Shizuka
This song, with lyrics by Miyuki Nakajima, portrays the feelings of a woman who carries emotions she cannot put into words.
It skillfully expresses a deeply held, passionate sentiment and conveys the importance of nonverbal communication.
Released in August 1988 as Shizuka Kudo’s fifth single, it was also used as the promotional image song for Kanebo’s ’88 autumn campaign.
A significant milestone in Kudo’s career, the track is also praised for showcasing the diversity of her musical style.
It’s an emotional number that I highly recommend to anyone who resonates with the desire for connection and understanding beyond words.
I like you, I like you—I love you.Togawa Jun
A shocking work that fuses overwhelming expressions of love with violent imagery.
It’s the title track of an album released in November 1985, produced by Jun Togawa herself.
Featuring distinctive vocals and a unique world view, the title—also notable—was inspired by the works of R.
D.
Laing.
In 2021, the full music video was released, helping to attract a new audience.
Highly recommended for those drawn to intense declarations of affection.