[Nostalgic] A roundup of anime songs and theme songs that were hits in the 1980s
The 1980s were a time when TV anime boosted both its quality and presence alongside advances in technology.
And when it comes to anime songs from that era, the mainstream was tracks that boldly put passion front and center, often with the series title right in the song name.
I bet you’ve got a few unforgettable classics that still stick with you.
In this article, we’ll be introducing hit anime songs from the ’80s one after another.
It’s a playlist that’s perfect for rekindling your childhood spirit—or making brand-new discoveries!
- Recommended anime songs for people in their 50s. Classic and popular anime theme songs.
- Anime songs recommended for people in their 40s, from nostalgic classics to the latest hits.
- Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- Anime songs recommended for people in their 60s: from nostalgic classics to the latest hits
- [Showa Classics] A Collection of Nostalgic 70s Anime Songs
- [Nostalgic Songs] A compilation of classic anime themes that hit home for those born in the Showa and Heisei eras
- [Classic Hits] Popular Anime Songs Representing the Showa Era. Also Introducing Recommended Anime Songs!
- [Collection of Epic Songs] A compilation of cool anime songs chosen by anime fans
- [Nostalgic] Classic and Popular Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 30s
- A special feature on classic and hit songs by bands that were active in the 1980s
- 80s commercial songs. A roundup of Japanese songs from the 80s that have been used in commercials.
- Cute Anime Song Special: From the 1970s to Today!
- Get Fired Up! Anime Songs for Men – Classics and New Hits
[Nostalgic] Compilation of Anime Songs and Theme Songs That Hit in the ’80s (1–10)
Dang Dang is on my mind.Nakamura Yuma
A signature song by Yuma Nakamura, who defined an era as the middle sister of the Kazama trio in the hugely popular drama Sukeban Deka III.
This track was the theme song for the anime Oishinbo, a pioneer of gourmet manga, and just hearing its memorable intro brings to mind the characters Mr.
Nakaoka and Ms.
Kurita.
The chorus line “Dang Dang Ki ni Naru,” which is also the song’s title, really makes you want to sing along, doesn’t it? As you listen, you might start recalling all the delicious dishes that appeared in the series—and find yourself getting hungry.
STEPa-chi a-chi
A women’s music duo, a・chi-a・chi is known for their uniquely twin-born, exquisite harmonies and crystal-clear, beautiful vocals.
This song was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Mashin Hero Wataru and Mashin Hero Wataru: Seven Souls of Ryujinmaru, and it’s regarded as an unmissable fan favorite among devotees of the series.
Its refreshing ensemble and dramatic arrangement heighten the anticipation for a powerful robot-themed anime.
It’s an iconic theme song that has captivated fans from the 1980s to today.
Gale ZabungulKushida Akira
Combat Mecha Xabungle is a robot anime with a comical tone set on a future Earth that has turned into a desert.
It was also the first work to feature what is now a familiar development: the protagonist switching to a new machine during the story.
The theme song is sung by Akira Kushida.
[Nostalgic] A roundup of anime songs and theme songs that were hits in the ’80s (11–20)
Love me gentlyOta Takako
The song used for the opening of the anime “Magical Angel Creamy Mami” is Takako Ohta’s “Delicate ni Suki Shite.” Released in 1983, it was her debut single.
Ohta also voiced the anime’s main character, Yuu Morisawa.
The lyrics depict the changeable, delicate feelings of a young girl.
Its poppy, cute melody perfectly matches the vibe of the anime’s characters.
It’s a track that lets you feel both the story’s whimsical fantasy and the realistic side of a girl’s heart.
Fate of FlameTETSU
Armored Trooper VOTOMS is one of director Ryosuke Takahashi’s signature works and can be considered a pinnacle of the “real robot” genre, which portrays robots as weapons.
The opening theme, Fate of the Blaze, was also used in OVAs produced after the TV broadcast ended, making it a familiar song to fans.
Mystical, Mysterious Adventure!Takahashi Hiroki
When you think of Dragon Ball, this is the song! Hiroki Takahashi’s “Makafushigi Adventure!” instantly comes to mind for fans of every generation.
The CD for this 1986 release also includes Ushio Hashimoto’s “Romantic Ageru yo,” which was used as the ending theme.
It’s a track that has been covered by many voice actors and loved across generations.
The lyrics reference the anime’s title, character names, and story elements, making it truly a song made for the series.
It’s an anime song guaranteed to get the crowd going at karaoke!
You can do something.99Harmony
The baseball manga Captain, drawn by Akio Chiba.
Centered on members of a middle school baseball team, it was a highly relatable and stirring work.
And when it was adapted into an anime, its opening theme was Kimi wa Nani ka ga Dekiru (You Can Do Something).
The lyrics were written by Michio Yamagami, and the music composed by Toshiyuki Kimori.
Its refreshing, beautiful choral arrangement, together with the lyrics, makes it a memorable classic.
Of course, both the original manga and the anime are still thoroughly enjoyable today, so if you haven’t experienced them yet, by all means do.
