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)
NANAThe Checkers
This song passionately sings straightforward feelings for a loved one, wrapped in sexy words.
Released as a single in 1986, it drew attention for the notable point that, unlike their previous songs, the members themselves handled both the lyrics and the composition.
The sound has a striking, wild atmosphere with a powerfully resonant rhythm, evoking a sense of rawness alongside direct affection.
Its easily felt rhythm and brusque vocal delivery make it easier to sing, and by leaning into that rough edge, you can more fully bring out the song’s world and character.
ROOMThe Checkers
This song gently sings about a love that will never return, all within a calm, serene mood.
Released as a single in 1989, it was later included on the album “Seven Heaven.” It drew attention in various ways—for example, it was the first single released after the era name changed to Heisei, and it was the 100th song since The Checkers’ debut.
The soothing sound with a strong kayōkyoku (Japanese pop) feel is striking, and it really highlights the bittersweet story told in the lyrics.
Matching the sound, the vocal delivery has a composed tempo, making it a track you can sing while feeling the rhythm and staying relaxed.
Popular 80s hits for karaoke. Sing kayōkyoku and pop! (31–40)
Song for U.S.A.The Checkers
This song expresses a longing for the dazzling towns of America, sung with a grand, expansive mood.
Released as a single in 1986, it was also used as the theme song for the film “The Checkers SONG FOR U.
S.
A.
,” starring members of The Checkers.
Words evoking America are sung over a gentle sound, conjuring an image of that yearning quietly growing.
The overall calm rhythm makes it easy to sing, and the melodic lines are relaxed, making it a track that can be performed comfortably.
Street-corner TwilightShanels
Now known by the name Rats & Star, the chorus group formerly called Chanels won popularity with a musical style rooted in doo-wop and soul.
Their third single, “Machikado Twilight,” was used 11 years after its release, in 1992, as an insert song for the film Memories of Tomorrow.
Its lyrics, which depict the growing distance between lovers as the blazing summer ends, evoke a poignant sadness that pairs well with autumn’s melancholy.
Marked by their trademark soulful choral work and a lively beat, it’s a quintessential autumn song of the 1980s.
A Member of the Fire BrigadeRATS&STAR
“Megumi no Hito,” which saw a revival hit on TikTok thanks to Kumi Koda’s version, was originally a song by Rats & Star led by Masayuki Suzuki, released in 1983.
That same summer, it was used as a Shiseido campaign song and became a major hit, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon singles chart.
The highlight of the song is the signature pose in the chorus! You make a peace sign with your hand and bring it close to your eye—a unique pose that’s hugely popular with young people.
It’s guaranteed to get everyone hyped at karaoke!
RIDE ON TIMETatsuro Yamashita
When we think of the ’80s, it was the era when city pop really took off.
Many classic songs were produced, but one I especially recommend for karaoke is Tatsuro Yamashita’s “Ride On Time.” It’s one of the few tracks performed by a full band, and because of that, even as a city pop song, it has a distinctive sense of drive and speed.
The lyrics are also upbeat and refreshing, which is another highlight.
Try singing it when you want to lift your spirits or liven up the atmosphere.
MUGO... so sexyShizuka Kudo
Shizuka Kudo, known as a member of Onyanko Club.
When it comes to her solo songs, isn’t “MUGO… Uhn… Iroppoi” the one that comes to mind? It’s memorable for having been performed on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen and used in a Kanebo commercial.
Since the song makes extensive use of long tones, let’s focus on practicing that aspect.
By the way, the title was inspired by Kanebo’s product catchphrase, “Uhn… sexy.” Be sure to share that bit of trivia when you sing it.