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 hit songs! 80s tracks popular on TikTok (11–20)
Purple Town ・You Oughta Know By NowYagami Junko
A signature song by Junko Yagami that had a major impact on the 1980s music scene.
Inspired by her time studying in the United States, this piece powerfully celebrates the streets of New York and was also featured in a JAL commercial.
It became a huge hit, peaking at No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and selling about 600,000 copies.
After debuting at No.
9 on TBS’s “The Best Ten” on September 4, 1980, it claimed the top spot for two consecutive weeks in October.
It is also known as the song with which Yagami made her first appearance at the 31st NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen that same year.
With its crystalline vocals and sophisticated melody, this track leaves a deep impression on listeners.
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.
Dancing Hero (Eat You Up)Oginome Yōko
A signature song by Yoko Oginome that evokes the disco scene of the ’80s.
Set to a glamorous sound, it portrays dancing the night away in the city.
Released in November 1985, the track became her first top-10 hit on the Oricon weekly chart and sold a total of 700,000 copies, turning into a massive success.
Its choreography incorporates distinctive steps inspired by Madonna, and it’s also beloved as a Bon Odori staple.
A perfect pop tune for anyone who wants to shine on the dance floor.