Popular 80s hits for karaoke. Sing kayōkyoku and pop songs!
What kind of songs do you sing when you go to karaoke?
Some people like to sing the latest hits, but 80s Japanese pop still enjoys strong popularity at karaoke.
Songs from that era are often either easy to sing or really satisfying to belt out, so they’re popular even among younger generations.
In this article, we’ll introduce a selection of recommended karaoke tracks from the biggest hits of the 80s.
We’ve focused on timeless classics that almost everyone has heard before and gathered songs perfect for karaoke, so use this as a guide when choosing what to sing.
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Hit songs from the ’80s popular at karaoke. Sing kayōkyoku and pop! (21–30)
ONLY YOUBOØWY
Some people say they go for rock when they want to heat up the karaoke party—so let me introduce “Only You.” It’s performed by BOØWY, a rock band that defined the 1980s.
Though they formed and disbanded within that decade, their impact is still talked about today.
Among their tracks, “Only You” is especially beloved by fans.
Ride the edgy sound and sing it out with confidence.
Also, aim to peak the excitement at the end, where the same phrase is repeated over and over.
It's nothing good.Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi
Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi, whose songs about burning manly passion are supported by men of his generation.
His track “Rokuna Mon Ja Nee,” released in 1987, became a major hit as the theme song for the drama Oyako Zigzag, in which Nagabuchi himself starred.
It’s a well-known song that many people have heard, not only those who remember the era but also thanks to its huge success.
It creates a rugged, cool vibe yet also gets everyone fired up as a karaoke song—by the chorus it turns into a big sing-along.
It’s a number I highly recommend to anyone who’s been feeling stressed out lately.
Embraced by the wintry windKyoko Koizumi
“Kogarashi ni Dakarete” is a song that portrays the feelings of a woman with an unrequited crush.
Even if the title doesn’t ring a bell, I’m sure you’ll recognize it once you hear the chorus.
It’s sung by Kyoko Koizumi, who is both an actress and a singer.
The lyrics and music were written by Toshihiko Takamizawa of THE ALFEE, and he’s also done a self-cover.
Because of that, his version also leaves a strong impression.
In any case, it’s a song that’s sung mostly in a high register.
When singing it, try setting the key higher than usual.
Graduation -GRADUATION-Momoko Kikuchi
Momoko Kikuchi is strongly associated with a soft, gentle image as an actress, but she actually debuted as an idol.
“Sotsugyo – GRADUATION -” is her fourth single, released in February 1985.
The lyrics were written by Yasushi Akimoto, who still produces idols today.
Its relaxed melody seems easy to sing at karaoke.
It’s a perfect song for graduation season—why not perform it at an appreciation party or similar event?
Two People's Love IslandYuko Ishikawa & Chage
A male-female duet song that shines as dazzlingly as the summer sun.
Its melody overflows with a sense of openness that evokes Okinawa’s blue sea and white sandy beaches, and the lyrics charmingly portray the sweet, bittersweet thrill of love.
The interplay of harmonies between Yuko Ishikawa and Chage is light and pleasant, resonating like a conversation between lovers.
Released in April 1984, the song was used for JAL’s Okinawa campaign and became a hit, peaking at No.
3 on the Oricon weekly chart.
It also captivated many listeners, ranking No.
10 on the annual chart of the music program “The Best Ten.” If you duet it at karaoke with close friends or someone special, you’re sure to create fun memories while basking in a cheerful, tropical mood.
Paradise GalaxyHikaru Genji
This is the third single released in 1988 by Hikaru Genji, the Johnny’s group that established a singing-and-dancing style on roller skates.
The lyrics and music were written by Ryo Asuka.
At the time, the song was so popular that the record kept selling out, and it swept major awards such as the Japan Record Award and the Gold Disc Award, becoming the group’s biggest hit.
With its catchy lyrics and easy-to-listen-to melody, it’s the kind of song that could make you a hit at karaoke!
Lonely Tropical FishWink
This is the fifth single by Wink, the two-member idol unit consisting of Sachiko “Sacchin” Suzuki and Shoko Aida, who’s also well-known from variety shows.
In 1989, it was featured in a Panasonic headphone stereo commercial, which the duo appeared in, and it became a huge hit as a result.
Their unusually melancholic, unsmiling, expressionless style for idols is striking, isn’t it? The choreography in the chorus is cool and makes you want to imitate it.
How about singing it as a duet with a friend at karaoke?