The Ultimate 80’s Japanese City Pop Playlist: A Journey of Nostalgia
Imagine a time when neon lights flickered against the backdrop of towering cityscapes, where the hum of late-night traffic mingled with the cool, electric pulse of a summer night in Tokyo. You slip into your car, windows down, the city air brushing past you, and turn on the radio. The familiar sound of synths fills the air, smooth melodies that capture the feeling of freedom, adventure, and mystery that only a night in the city can offer.
This is the world of 80s Japanese city pop, a genre born from the economic boom and the vibrant urban culture of Japan in the late 20th century. It's music that tells a story of romantic longing, carefree nights, and the urban landscape that defined an era. The city sparkles with life, and each song is an invitation to escape into that world.
From the iconic Plastic Love that still resonates today, to the lesser-known gems that will make you fall in love with the sound of the city all over again, this playlist will take you on a journey through the heart of Japan’s 80s city pop scene.
If you'd like to explore the tracks individually, here’s the full list with direct links to each song. Enjoy!
Mariya Takeuchi - Plastic Love
Akina Nakamori - Solitude
Junko Yagami - Bay City
Miho Nakayama - Witches
Cindy - Watashitachi o Shinjite Ite
Yurie Kokubu - I Wanna Be With You
AB'S - By the End of the Century
Yurie Kokubu - Just A Joke
Junko Yagami - Naturally
Miki Matsubara - Stay With Me
Tomoko Aran - Midnight Pretenders
Kaoru Akimoto - Dress Down
As the final notes of these timeless city pop tracks fade away, you might find yourself lingering in the nostalgic glow of a neon-lit Tokyo night. Each song on this playlist carries with it a piece of the era…a story, a feeling, a moment suspended in time. Whether you’re revisiting these classics or hearing them for the first time, they offer a window into the vibrant energy and romance of 80s Japan. So, let the music take you on a journey through the past, and let the city’s heartbeat echo in your soul, long after the last track has played.
