However, in 1986, Nagayama had her first big hit with a cover version of British girl group Bananarama's dance-pop take on Shocking Blue's Venus.

Five of her songs (Venus, You're My Love, Kanashiki Koibitotachi, Heart ni Hi o Tsukete, and Hangyaku no Hero) were all Oricon top 10 hits.

During this time, Nagayama also performed in various dramas, such as the jidaigeki Sanbiki ga Kiru!, Minipato yori Ai o Komete, and Yūwaku.

In 1993, she made her first appearance on the NHK New Year's Eve spectacular Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Since 1995, she has performed at "Kōhaku" for 13 consecutive years, making a total of 14 appearances to date.