A Taste of Life in 1980s Japan

Events and trends from 1980s Japan transformed the nation into the eye-catching, dynamic and exciting society we see today. The 80s in Japan were the last breath of the Shōwa Era, which properly ended in 1989 following Emperor Hirohito’s death. Just before the arrival of the Heisei Era, Shōwa’s swansong was the culmination of decades of reforms that forever transformed the nation. During the 80s, Japan witnessed the creation of Super Mario, the emergence of Japanese street fashion, and economic prosperity, just to name a few.

From the 1950s through the 1980s, Japan had an exceptional period of economic success. This is best shown in the Real Estate sector, where a single square foot in Tokyo fetched as much as $140,000. To put things into perspective, the whole state of California was worth less than the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. In terms of numbers, the property market in Japan was four times as valuable as that in the United States. In short, everyone knew the money was in Japan, and people wanted to be where the money was.

As for those who lived in Japan, the 1980s saw people party like there was no tomorrow. Building upon the Japanese culture and social shifts of the 1970s, the 1980s witnessed a flourishing of personal expression. As such, the Japanese discovered their dancing shoes, singing voices and intellectual prowess, as the nation was about to enter its most exciting period.

Today, we at Japan Nakama want to give you a taste of life in 1980s Japan. As we’ll explore the rise of Japanese technological advancements and the delicious spread of Westernized pop culture that paved the way for the future of the country, we aim to answer the following question: What was Japan like in the 1980s?

The Economy of Japan in the 1980s

To comprehend what living was like in 1980s Japan, one must first understand how the nation became the world’s second-largest economy.

After World War II, the Japanese economy was in disarray, which sparked a recovery effort in the country. The first step was rebuilding the economic infrastructure, which was achieved during the occupation led by the United States; the second step was a series of economic reforms issued by the Japanese government, which significantly increased Japan’s GDP; the final step, and arguably the most important one, was among the people of Japan. They were incentivized to work hard, save money, and bring together moral obligations to thrive on work ethics and community.

The Japanese Economic Miracle

Image credit: Terry Feuerborn, via Flickr

Thanks to the previously mentioned recovery efforts, the Japanese economy grew by 9% annually between 1955 and 1973. This period has been labelled as the “Japanese Economic Miracle,” as in less than thirty years it was able to rival the economic power of the United States.

The end of the miracle is often attributed to the global oil crisis of 1973, as the rising price of oil negatively impacted Japan’s industrial production. However, Japan was able to withstand the crisis by transferring their efforts from the products to the technology sector. The success of this is evident in the still impressive annual economic growth rate of 4% between 1973 and 1990.

For the average person, the increasing wealth of the nation meant higher prices, but also a higher standard of living. By this point, the Japanese family had almost doubled its consumption on consumer goods and was keen on keeping it that way, even if it meant high land prices. However, nobody would’ve expected what was about to come.

The 1980s Japan bubble economy

Due to the swift shift to the technology sector, Japanese industries produced record-breaking salaries and employment opportunities. This was especially noticeable on a global scale, as the 1979 oil crisis had less of an impact in Japan compared to other economies at the time. For this reason, the 1980s saw Japanese products selling in record numbers worldwide, as they were high quality and affordable. It was so successful, in fact, that during Ronald Reagan’s presidency, the US restricted the importation of Japanese automobiles to protect the American automobile sector.

Continuing with Reagan, his administration wanted to have the economic success Japan was experiencing. To put things into perspective, Japan was like today’s China in terms of manufacturing and output, with many products stamped ‘Made in Japan.’ This reached its logical conclusion in the signing of the Plaza Accord of 1985, where the US dollar was weakened relative to the Yen. Risking a recession, the Bank of Japan dropped interest rates to a record low of 2.5%. As a result, credit opened up like never before. Thus, everyone rushed to Japanese banks for easy loans, sparking the economic bubble.

As the 80s progressed, increased wealth led to more spending on leisure, nightlife, luxury goods, fashion, and cars. The Japanese people were getting ready to let themselves be known to the world.

The Strengthening of Japanese-Western Ties

Image credit: The Walt Disney Archives

In the 1980s, Japan’s relationship with the West, especially the US and Europe, involved economic rivalry, cultural exchange, and alliances. Some economists have even labelled this period a trade war, as both parties were keen on coming up victorious. In either case, Japan’s rapid economic growth during this period led to both admiration and tension in the West.

In general, the West was worried about the impact the Japanese manufacturers would have on their existing industries. Sectors such as automobiles and electronics were especially competitive, and Japan’s sudden entry into the market posed a threat. However, it wouldn’t be labelled a trade war if there weren’t some legitimate concerns, as the 1980s saw the US and Japan involved in some scandals over trade secrets and patent infringement.

Despite this, the United States admired the Japanese for their efficiency and innovation. As a matter of fact, books on how to run a business “the Japanese way” became bestsellers in the country, with a famous example being The Art of Japanese Management. This admiration led to a major cultural exchange between Japan and the West in the 1980s, especially in pop culture. Disney, for example, opened the first Disneyland outside the United States in Tokyo in 1983.

Pop Culture Fusion

As the cultural exchange developed, Japan embraced many aspects of Western culture, such as fashion, music, and cinema. Western films grew popular in Japan, thus leading to a fascination for Hollywood celebrities. Japanese ad firms were eager to partner with Hollywood faces to promote their products and brands. For a long time, Japan’s advertising sector was one of the biggest in the world. So, naturally, advertising agencies were willing to write hefty checks to hire Hollywood’s finest.

Despite how unconventional Japanese advertising was at the time, Western models and actors were more than willing to appear in these silly yet sensational commercials. Celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Tommy Lee Jones, Brooke Shields, and Claude Van Damme, to name a few, have featured in Japanese commercials while promoting all kinds of products.

As for Japan’s exports, the 1980s saw the arrival of Japanese pop culture into Western consciousness. We will properly explore this aspect in section 3 of this article.

A Shift in Japanese Work Culture

The desire for material wealth and Japan’s economic growth brought forth by the bubble had a lasting effect on Japanese work culture. In many ways, the intense corporate environment Japan is known for was a consequence of 1980s culture.

Take, for example, the economic practice known as Shūshin koyō, which translates to “permanent employment.” This system, which started during Japan’s economic miracle, enabled employees to work for their company for a long time, usually until retirement. In return, the employers would offer job security, stable wages, and other benefits that would motivate the workers to stay. Due to the bubble, demand for these kinds of jobs was at an all-time high.

Additionally, Japanese companies would implement the Nenkō Joretsu, a seniority-wage system. This, essentially, meant that employees were rewarded for their length of service rather than their individual performance. So, basically, seniority over merit.

The impact of these practices and the newly found desire for material wealth meant that the average person was willing to fully commit themselves to a company. If loyalty pays more, one is determined to show it at all costs.

The Corporate Grind

Image credit: The Wall Street Journal

As a new, and arguably material, generation entered the workforce, the previously mentioned system meant that proving one’s loyalty was a priority. In many cases, Japanese employees saw their companies as a “second family,” devoting their lives to their success. This led to many Japanese workers dedicating the majority of their time and energy at work.

As it was becoming evident that workers were sacrificing their personal lives for their companies, the term karōshi was coined. This translates to “death from overwork,” as Japanese workers had a tendency to “work themselves to death.” Although it may seem as an exaggeration, workers eventually reported severe health problems, and some have even died due to stress from overworking.

The Lost Decades

Image credit: HIGHBROW

Eventually, the Japan inflation of the 1980s became apparent, and the bubble inevitably burst. What followed is one of the worst economic disasters in Japan’s recorded history. By 1991, their years of steady economic growth had ended, marking the beginning of the Lost Decades.

According to an excellent study written by Barry Nielsen, stock market prices dropped 60% from late 1989 to August 1992. By 2001, they had fallen 70%. Japan’s economy grew at just 1.14% annually from 1991 to 2003, lagging behind other advanced nations.

The effect this had on Japanese people was also severe, as they felt encouraged to save more and spend less, lowering demand and causing deflation. Banks tried to ease the crisis by lowering interest rates, but the damage was already done. Many financial institutions collapsed, and the banking sector struggled to recover.

The economic crisis signaled the end of Japan’s 1980s boom. The Lost Decades, which stretched into the early 2000s, left a lasting mark on Japan’s economy and society. As the Heisei Era began, most people could only look back angrily, nostalgically, and surprisingly tenderly at what the Shōwa Era had left behind.

Japan as a Global Technology Leader

Thus far, we’ve been mentioning Japan’s shift to the technological sector as a decisive move in their economic upbringing. However, what we haven’t mentioned is that their technological prowess wasn’t properly recognized until the Tsukuba International Expo of 1985. Held as a World Expo focused on science and technology, this was a key event in showcasing Japan’s technological advancement. And, after what was, by all recorded evidence, a great performance, the world started paying attention.

What followed was a streak of technological dominance that remained persistent until the end of the decade. One may even argue that 1980s Japan was a decisive moment for technology in general, as the world would be completely different without their output during this period. With the world’s consumer market well-stocked with Japanese vehicles, tools, and every device imaginable, the whole human race wanted to see what Japan was going to do next.

The Innovations of the Japanese Electronics Industry

One of the key advancements in Japanese technology during the 1980s was the growth of the Japanese electronics industry. The innovations from Japanese electronics companies like Sony, Panasonic, and Toshiba forever changed the broader technology world. This is, perhaps, best shown with some examples:

The Sony Walkman

Image credit: Nippon

Starting off with one of the most popular devices of all time, the Sony Walkman was the first ever portable cassette player. Although it was created in 1979, by the 1980s the Sony Walkman became one of the most imitated and sought after products of the decade. However, few were able to truly replicate Japan’s audio engineering prowess, as evidenced by the record-breaking 200 million cassette players that were sold.

With the release of the Sony Walkman, music was no longer confined to a specific setting. Sounds could now be enjoyed anywhere at any time, forever changing our relationship with music.

The Compact Disk

Equally as groundbreaking, the CD (Compact Disc) was also a Japanese invention. Developed in 1982 through a collaboration between Sony and Philips, the CD forever changed how we experience music.

The CD and the CD Player are often celebrated as a revolution in the music industry. The superior sound quality and easy-to-use technology it offered, proved to be an excellent entry point into the hobby. This being said, the CD should also be recognized for laying the groundwork for the DVD, another Japanese invention. In short, the CD was one of the first entryways into the immense and untapped potential of the digital world, one we are still exploring today.

Handheld Video Camera

Image credit: SONY

Yet another technology we may take for granted due to its abundance in today’s world, Japan created the first handheld camcorders. Another Sony invention, the Betamovie was released in 1983 and brought people’s memories closer to reality. The digital world became a window into one’s past.

The Betamovie set a new standard for personal video recording, one that 1980s Japan seemed keen on constantly surpassing. The decade saw an arms race between Sony and JVC, which culminated in the creation of S-VHS handheld camcorders. This was a technology so advanced for the time, it wouldn’t be surpassed until 1996 when they finally implemented digital video.

And all of these are but a fraction of the innovations 1980s Japan brought into the electronic industry. For whatever they didn’t invent, they perfected it.

The Rise of Japanese Automobiles

Image credit: Nissan

One of the most noticeable phenomena in the technology sector in the 1980s was the production of Japanese automobiles. During this period, Japanese automobile companies such as Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and Mazda established themselves as global manufacturing leaders. This was due to their innovative, efficient, and affordable approach to car manufacturing.

Japan excelled at producing cars that were affordable and reliable compared to many American and European models. 1980s Japanese Car manufacturers always conducted extensive research before setting for a model, as they prioritized technological innovation in their design. Additionally, Japanese cars were known to be fuel-efficient, a crucial factor during an era that followed the oil crises of the 1970s. Models like the Honda Accord, the Toyota Camry or the Nissan Maxima are some examples of their commitment to excellence.

With the help of the Japanese government, the Japanese automobile sector expanded into many foreign markets, particularly North America and Europe. This being said, the staying power of these brands is a testament to their exceptional engineering and management. Even as the decade of economic prosperity is long behind us, Japanese Car Brands have learned to adapt and persevere. Up to this day, they remain giants of the automobile industry.

The Era of Japanese Robotics

Although not as well known as the technological advancement discussed in previous segments, 1980s Japan ushered a new Era of Robotics. As a nation with the resources to invest in this technology, and the manufacturing infrastructure to properly develop them, Japan began experimenting in the field like no one else could.

This was an endeavour that concerned both giant companies and academic minds. Honda, for example, began creating the Honda E Series robots, which were aimed to simulate the lower body of a human. In universities, professors like Shigeo Hirose were developing things like the ELASTOR manipulator, a cable-driven continuum robot; and Takeo Kanade was building the first ever “direct-drive arm.” However, the most popular robot of this decade was undoubtedly Waseda University’s WABOT-2, whose primary function was to play the piano.

As the 1980s ended, the economic resources that allowed for Robotics research and development stopped flowing. It’s difficult to say what would’ve been of the robotics sector in Japan if it weren’t for the financial crisis. It’s perfectly possible it would’ve flourished or perished as time passed, but one thing is for certain, while it lasted, it was an impressive showing.

The Shift and Boom of Japanese Pop Culture

As stated in the first section of this article, Japanese media started making its way into Western consciousness during the decade. 1980s Japan was a vibrant and significant period for Japanese pop culture, especially when it comes to music, fashion, film and video games.

With hints of Western influences and undeniable Japanese charm, Japan’s 1980s cultural output carved its name in pop culture history. Decades later, it continues to resonate with global audiences.

The Era of Japanese City Pop Music

With the steady flow of resources the economy was generating, and the new lifestyle brought forth by technological advancements, Japan needed a soundtrack. Eventually, the country stumbled upon an exciting, fresh sound tailor-made to the nation’s economic success story: City Pop. Although it’s labelled pop, this new genre was a Japanese-style approach to various western sounds. The realms of Funk, Soft-Rock, Jazz, Boogie and R&B all laid the foundation for City Pop to emerge.

Among the leading figures in the 1980s Japanese City Pop scene were artists like Tatsuro Yamashita, Mariya Takeuchi, and Anri. Albums like Tatsuro’s Ride on Time, and Anri’s Timely! are considered landmarks of the genre, and continue to inspire artists from around the world. This being said, the real trendsetter was Mariya Takeuchi, as her single “Plastic Love” became 1980s Japan’s unofficial anthem. The grooving instrumental, combined with Mariya’s inviting vocals, makes the track a musical portal into 1980s Japan. In many ways, the song feels like an invitation to dance on a nostalgia-made dance floor, one that feels real as long as Mariya is singing.

Image credit: YokoGao Magazine

This is a great time to mention that most City Pop tracks revolved around city romance, summer love, and the exciting nightlife. Eventually, form and content became one and the same, as urban Japan adopted the genre. Bars, radios, and nightclubs were suddenly dancing to their own unique rhythm.

For the average Japanese citizen, City Pop and the economic boom were the perfect combination to celebrate the extravagances of Tokyo’s nightlife. Districts like Ginza and Shinjuku became the entertainment giants we know today. The youth were especially fascinated by this, as many of them discovered their own identity through the disco lights and City Pop beats. However, the aesthetic isn’t complete without the proper outfit.

The Iconic 80s Japanese Fashion

Following the social and cultural shifts of 1970s Japan, the youth entered the 1980s with a renowned sense of agency and openness to social change. The Western influence of the 70s early movement is undeniable, as evidenced by the decade’s fashion craze; best showcased throughout hubs like Shibuya, Harajuku and Shinjuku.

As we entered the 1980s, the Japanese fully interiorized the free-thinking approach the 1970s set up. As such, new looks that went well with city nightlife started to emerge. This new style ran parallel, and eventually became synonymous, with the 1980s Japanese fashion trend known as BODIKON (ボディコン) – Body Conscious. The term emphasized women’s clothing as a well-fitted style that showcases the natural curves of the female figure.

This, however, wasn’t the only 80s Japanese fashion style, as the country experimented with various different aesthetics. As showcased by an article written for Google’s Arts and Culture department, the 1980s was the birth of Japanese street fashion. Here, young people explored bold and outlandish clothing as a way of rejecting traditional norms in favour of individuality and self-expression. This isn’t to say they didn’t show allegiance to groups, as the punk aesthetic of Visual Kei, or the rebellious Gals of Gyaru, began to rise during the decade.

To finish off this section, we must address the concept of Kawaii, as it became more mainstream in Japan. Defined as “cute” or “adorable,” Kawaii emphasizes clothes that embrace cuteness and femininity. As a fashion trend, it became of significant cultural importance in the 1980s, becoming an essential part of Japanese pop culture.

The Golden Age of Anime

The likes of Dragon Ball (1986), Akira (1988), and Mobile Suit Gundam (1979/1980), are but a few examples of groundbreaking shows that came out in 1980s Japan. Considering their impact, influence, and global appeal, it’s easy to see why this decade is labelled the Golden Age of Anime. As a period of significant creative expansion and innovation, this was the time that launched anime as a global phenomenon.

Due to the technological advancement of this decade, Japanese animators had a new set of tools to work with. As dynamic colours, lighting and camera angles became possible, Japanese animation grew smoother and vibrant as the decade progressed. Eventually, the 80s anime style grew into what we know today, a striking and visually appealing aesthetic that many have tried to replicate since.

The 1980s was also the time when Studio Ghibli was formally created. After the success of Hayao Miyazaki’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (1984), the director saw fit to create his own studio. What came of this was Ghibli’s presentation to the world, which included classics like Castle in the Sky (1986), My neighbor Totoro (1988), Grave of the fireflies (1988), and Kiki’s delivery service (1989).

With the Japanese booming economy came increased investment for the entertainment industry. Due to the immense quality Anime was showcasing, it quickly became one of Japan’s most dominant cultural forces. The 1980s was a transformative period in anime history, laying the foundation for modern Japanese animation.

The 1980s Japanese films

As anime was gaining notoriety in popular culture, Japanese films were being praised by cinephiles and film critics from across the world. In spite of the nation’s economic boom, film studios during this decade started a steady decline. The exact reasons for this remains a debate among film historians, but Japan’s fascination for western media is often cited as a possible explanation. In any case, Japanese film studios felt a sense of urgency, one that ensured every movie produced mattered.

The results speak for themselves, as the 1980s saw the release of some of the best Japanese films of all time. To start with some familiar names, Akira Kurosawa released Kagemusha (1980), the Palme d’Or winner of that year; and Ran (1985), his poetic reimagining of Shakespeare’s King Lear. This was also the decade Shohei Imamura created The Ballad of Narayama, his moving interpretation of Ubasute, becoming a Palme d’Or winner as well. Additionally, Seijun Suzuki and Yoshishige Yoshida released films this decade, making it a great one for Japanese cinema enthusiasts.

Typhoon Club, directed by Shinji Sōmai

As for directors that started out, the 1980s brought the likes of Juzo Itami, Shinji Sōmai and Takeshi Kitano. Itami, the first of the group, made waves in both Japan and the western world, as his films The Funeral (1980) and Tampopo (1985) were critical and commercial successes. The second, Sōmai, was able to capture Japan’s psyche with his youth-centered film Typhoon Club (1985), being awarded many prizes at Japanese festivals. The last one, Kitano, was a comedian turned director, who surprised the world with his neo-noir flick Violent Cop (1989).

Despite the challenges faced by the industry, the 1980s produced remarkable films, showcasing the immense talent of Japanese filmmakers. A feat that was recognized both domestically, and internationally.

The Japanese Video Game Industry of the 1980s

Image credit: The Guardian

The evolution of the Japanese gaming industry of the 1980s was, like many things featured in this article, a complete revolution. To start things chronologically, the decade began with arcades gaining popularity worldwide, launching the Golden Age of Arcades. This was fuelled by Japanese hits like Pac-Man (1980), Donkey Kong (1981), and Dig Dug (1982), as well as American arcade games. According to Mark J. P. Wolf, the arcade industry was so profitable it was generating 5 billion dollars annually by 1981.

However, just as the arcades began to thrive, home consoles were about to enter one of their worst periods ever. If you know your gaming history, you know this is about the 1983 American video game crash, where many console developers went bankrupt. Japan, however, wasn’t affected by this phenomenon, as a legacy Hanafuda Cards company was about to release their first video game console.

This company, Nintendo, knew video games were the way forward after the success of their handheld device the Game & Watch (1980). For this reason, they created the Famicom (1983), better known by its international name: The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Often cited as the console that single-handedly revitalized America’s video games market, the NES success changed pop culture. With releases like Super Mario Bros, The Legend of Zelda, Metroid and much more, the NES laid the foundation for modern gaming.

Although the decade was dominated by the NES, it wasn’t the only Japanese console of the 1980s. SEGA, for example, released the Mega Drive, also known as the Genesis, in 1988; and Nintendo released the Game Boy in 1989. Admittedly, both of these consoles’ true impact wouldn’t be felt until the 1990s, with the releases of Sonic and Pokémon respectively.

The Signs of Decadence of 1980s Japan

Out of the many words one could use to describe 1980s Japan, perhaps one of the most appropriate ones would be care-free. As we’ve explored, this has positive connotations, since personal expression flourished during this decade. However, this also means a lot of pressing issues were neglected during this period, showing early signs of its inevitable demise.

The Yakuza, for example, started gaining power during the 1980s. The Japanese Stock market was, in many ways, unregulated, which meant it was an easy way for organized crime to extend its reach. Eventually, they were able to infiltrate many parts of Japanese life, including Real Estate, Banking, and Nightlife. This led to a myriad of problems, but one of the most noticeable was the Yama-Ichi War, which resulted in 39 deaths. It wouldn’t be until the 1990s that the Japanese government issued reforms to limit their influence.

Another example of the early decadence of the 1980s has to do with the idea of waste. As explored by a paper for Stanford University’s Center of East Asian Studies, waste became a symbol of affluence. Additionally, the very concept of waste was muted during this period so as not to interfere with the new consumerist practices the 1980s brought forth. By the end of the decade, the issue of waste was apparent, and the 1990s had to promptly fix it, which they accomplished with a series of waste management reforms.

What was Japan like in the 1980s?

After all that has been discussed, let us return to the initial question of this article: What was Japan like in the 1980s? Well, like many complex questions, the answer is: it depends. Maybe you were a kid coming home from elementary school, eager to play Super Mario Bros on your newly bought Famicom. Perhaps you were a teen, experimenting for the first time with outlandish clothes and finding community in fashion. You could’ve been a young adult, drawn by the neon lights of Tokyo’s nightlife and City Pop beats. For all of these examples, 1980s Japan provided awesome tools for self-understanding.

However, as we examine adult lives, the answers become complex. Perspective here is the key, as one could label the average Japanese adult as either an overworked employee, or a rejoiced husband and homeowner; a group of people finding solace in a post-work beer, or talented minds making technological breakthroughs and following their passions. Reality, as we know, is a spectrum of experiences.

I would like to end this segment with a rather well-known real-life example, that of Ron Mcfarland. Ron moved to Japan after graduating from college, and in the 1980s he decided to show the world a glimpse of his life. Through the lens of his camera, we’re shown some of the things we would associate with 1980s Japan: crowded stations, a competitive work environment, high home prices, etc. However, most of the time, Ron’s camera captures an often unmentioned side of the 80s. We see a quiet, relaxing culture whose beautiful infrastructure was at the service of easing people’s lives. This just comes to show that, for every Japanese partygoer of the 1980s, there was someone like Ron, a man who found content in what was a prosperous era.

The Eternal Decade

Image credit: Japan Today

As the disco lights dimmed, the good times of 1980s Japan ended like a City Pop song abruptly paused in the middle of the chorus. The Shōwa Era was officially over, and the country now had to face its economic woes. Of course, the memories were still there, and they provided individuals with a source of resilience as they grappled with the challenges of the coming decades.

Nevertheless, the 1980s left a lasting impact on the country’s identity, one that continues to be felt in Japanese culture. The 80s witnessed everything from technological miracles and musical icons, to a revolution in social change and pop culture. As the Lost Decades came and went, it’s easy to see why Japan looks back fondly on what the 1980s brought.

We, at Japan Nakama, share that feeling. As lovers of Japanese culture, the influence the 1980s had on the country still resonates with us. The iconic decade was filled with memorable experiences for those lucky enough to enjoy such a fruitful period. For this reason, we hope this glimpse into 1980s Japan has provided our readers with a deeper understanding of this fascinating and influential era.