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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1980s hit songs popular at karaoke. Sing kayōkyoku and pop songs! (1–10)
DiamondsPrincess Princess
This is the seventh single by Princess Princess, affectionately known as “Puri Puri,” a pioneering girls’ rock band that enlivened the 1980s.
With this song, Puri Puri entered the top 10 of the Oricon charts for the first time, and it ultimately became a huge hit, reaching No.
1! Vocalist Kaori Kishitani’s lively singing and the upbeat melody are delightful, making it a karaoke favorite.
If you want to sing a fun song and get everyone energized and excited, this one is highly recommended.
Heartbroken over JuliaThe Checkers
This is the fifth single by The Checkers, a seven-member rock band that enjoyed idol-like popularity with songs incorporating doo-wop and rock ’n’ roll, centered around Fumiya Fujii, who is now active as a singer-songwriter.
Known as one of the band’s signature tracks that cemented their popularity, it features a breezy, sax-driven intro and rich, resonant choral work that feels great to listen to.
Its dramatic arrangement captures The Checkers’ enduring appeal that hasn’t faded with time.
With its catchy melody that’s a pleasure to sing at karaoke, it stands as a classic representative of the 1980s J-pop scene.
Can't Stop the RomanticC-C-B
C-C-B is a pop-rock band that debuted in the 1980s.
When they first formed, their name was Coconut Boys, but around 1985 they standardized it to the current abbreviated form.
Many people have probably heard Romantic ga Tomaranai, as it’s often played on variety shows that feature nostalgic hits.
The digital-sounding intro is striking, and the chorus lyrics are catchy! Since falsetto is a key feature of the song, master it and give it a go at karaoke!
Don't take off my sailor uniformOnyanko Club
This is the debut single by Onyanko Club, an idol group that was born from the variety show “Yūyake Nyan Nyan” yet went on to gain such popularity that it became a social phenomenon.
With lyrics that are shockingly bold for an idol song—unthinkable in today’s J-pop scene—contrasted against cute vocals and a poppy arrangement, it strikes a perfect balance.
You still hear it in many settings today, so it’s guaranteed to get any karaoke session going, no matter the generation.
It’s a signature track that symbolizes the idol group which defined an era in the 1980s J-pop scene.
My RevolutionMisato Watanabe
It was Misato Watanabe’s fourth single, released on January 22, 1986.
The composer was Tetsuya Komuro, who had just debuted with TM Network at the time.
Listening back to the song now, you can catch glimpses here and there of the melodic traits that would later be known as the “Komuro style,” which makes it fascinating from that perspective as well.
The song itself is built on a very catchy, easy-to-hum melody, making it an ideal choice to sing and enjoy at karaoke.
I can't put it into wordsOf course
Kazumasa Oda, with his uniquely transparent and one-of-a-kind voice, never fails to captivate.
“Kotoba ni Dekinai” (“Can’t Put It Into Words”) is a classic released in February 1982 by Off Course, the band led by Oda.
It’s been used in commercials and anime, so many younger listeners may have heard it somewhere.
The Japanese lyrics come through beautifully, making it a song you can really savor as you sing—another of its great qualities.
It’s perfect not only for middle-aged and older listeners, but also for younger people who feel, “I can’t keep up with today’s fast-tempo songs!” Give it a try at karaoke.
Season in the SunTUBE
TUBE’s “Season in the Sun” has a sparkling, nostalgically fresh melody.
Known for their strong summer image, TUBE released this as their third single in April 1986.
This song really catapulted their recognition, didn’t it? It oozes vacation vibes and is a classic you can’t help but want to listen to when summer comes around.
With its uptempo groove, it’s perfect for getting everyone hyped when you sing it at karaoke.
If you’re a younger listener curious about ’80s music, you can’t go wrong picking this track!