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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Popular 80s hits for karaoke. Sing kayōkyoku and pop! (31–40)
Subtly flashy (bling-bling, but nonchalant)Masahiko Kondo
A single released by Masahiko “Matchy” Kondo on September 30, 1981.
It’s no exaggeration to say this is the signature song that defines Matchy.
It was featured in commercials for House Foods’ Kukure Curry and Fujifilm’s Fujicolor.
Beyond the impactful chorus lyrics, the cool intro chorus and Matchy’s youthful vocals are irresistible.
It’s also a great song to sing at karaoke.
Why not belt it out with straightforward energy and gusto?
I'll wait.Amin
A debut single by the female duo Amin, who thrilled longtime fans by announcing their return to activity in 2007 after going on hiatus just a year after their major debut.
The song won the Grand Prix at the 23rd Yamaha Popular Song Contest during their amateur days and is widely known as Amin’s signature number.
Its lyrics, which reflect the era in which it was released, and its wistful melody still resonate with listeners today.
It’s fun to harmonize with friends and remains a popular ’80s karaoke favorite.
MasqueradeShonentai
Shonentai, the Johnny’s group that debuted with three members—Noriyuki Higashiyama (Higashi), Kazukiyo Nishikiori (Nikki), and Katsuhide Uekusa (Kacchan).
Their debut song, “Kamen Butokai,” became the group’s biggest hit, entering the Oricon chart at No.
1 right out of the gate! Their performance—singing while dancing with stand mics—is just incredibly cool, isn’t it? With its unforgettable intro, melody, and lyrics, don’t you feel like trying it at karaoke? It might be tough to handle all three parts by yourself, so it could be fun to split the parts and sing it with friends!
GraduationYuki Saito
Yuki Saito, who is active as a singer and actress, made her debut with the single “Sotsugyō” (Graduation).
As the title suggests, the song depicts the feelings of students at graduation.
There are many songs themed around graduation, but this one is especially well-loved as a representative example.
Its narrow vocal range and relaxed tempo make it easy even for karaoke beginners to sing.
If you find it hard to hit high notes, try checking out cover versions by male artists like Yutaka Ozaki.
CHA-CHA-CHAAkemi Ishii
One of the 80s songs that’s gone viral mainly on social media is “CHA-CHA-CHA.” This track is sung by Akemi Ishii.
Its unforgettable, catchy phrases are likely why it’s so widely loved.
By the way, the song originally comes from the Italian music duo I Finzi Contini, and the version familiar in Japan is actually a cover.
The melody is almost the same, but the cover is set just a bit lower in key.
80s hit songs popular at karaoke. Sing kayōkyoku and pop tunes! (41–50)
Door to ParadiseYoko Minamino
Beyond her music career, singer Yoko Minamino—who is also active as an actress, radio personality, and variety show entertainer—released this as her sixth single.
The song was chosen as the theme for the film Sukeban Deka, in which she starred, and together with the movie’s immense popularity, which became a social phenomenon, it turned into a major hit.
With a refreshing tone that contrasted with the film’s image, it likely knocked out many listeners at the time with that gap.
Brimming with the atmosphere of the 1980s, it is a gem of a classic that makes you want to imitate its clear, translucent vocals.
dragonflyTsuyoshi Nagabuchi
For those looking for songs with a mature or dandy vibe, I’d like to recommend Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s “Tonbo.” It’s a folk-rock number suited for solo acoustic performance.
The melody is a singable mid-tempo.
The lyrics depict setbacks in life, so try singing with a touch of strain and heartfelt emotion.
Also, when it comes to “Tonbo,” everyone looks forward to singing along to that intro and outro.
Be sure to have your friends and family join in.