Lovely anime song

[Nostalgic] A roundup of anime songs and theme songs that were hits in the 1980s

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I started playing guitar in middle school and focused on band activities during my student years. I’ve been a hobbyist Vocaloid producer for over 15 years. After entering the workforce, I gained experience in various roles, including event sound engineering and videography/photography. As a writer, I’ve contributed introduction articles for music and manga websites, and in 2022 I had the opportunity to write the bonus liner notes for IA SUPER BEST. My specialties are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

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!

[Nostalgic] A roundup of anime songs and theme songs that were hits in the ’80s (11–20)

Ninja Hattori-kunJunko Hori

Ninja Hatori Opening [JAPANESE]

Ninja Hattori-kun Junko Hori

One of Fujiko Fujio (A)’s representative works, Ninja Hattori-kun, began airing as a TV anime in 1981 and became a long-running series with a total of 694 episodes.

The opening theme was sung by Junko Hori, who played Hattori-kun, and was later covered by Shingo Katori.

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You can do something.99Harmony

You Can Do Something “Captain” Theme Song Full

You are 99Harmony that can do something

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.

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Ganmō Doki!Suzy Matsubara

GU-GU Ganmo OP

Ganmo Doki! Suzy Matsubara

The TV anime Gu-Gu Ganmo began airing in 1984.

The protagonist is Ganmo, a creature that resembles a chicken, and the series depicts his everyday life after he ends up boarding with a human family.

The original work is a manga by Fujihiko Hosono, who is also known as the creator of Sasuga no Sarutobi.

The theme song was sung by Miki Matsubara, under the name “Suzy Matsubara.” Perhaps that stage name was chosen as a playful nod to oden ingredients like “ganmo”? Enjoy, as you reminisce about those days.

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STEPa-chi a-chi

Comparative video of 'Mashin Hero Wataru'

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.

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Ro-Ro-Ro-Russian RouletteMeiko Nakahara

Ro Ro Ro Russian Roulette

Ro-Ro-Ro-Russian Roulette Meiko Nakahara

Dirty Pair, which began airing in 1985, is an anime set in a futuristic world.

It follows Kei and Yuri, a pair of beautiful trouble consultants with the codename “Lovely Angels,” as they solve a variety of problems.

The opening theme, sung by Meiko Nakahara—who also scored a big hit with “Kimitachi Kiwi Papaya Mango da ne”—is a track richly infused with late-1980s pop sensibilities that really captures the spirit of the era.

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Dunbine, Fly!MIO

Dunbine Takes Off (Live Version)

Dunbine Flies MIO

Aura Battler Dunbine, which aired from 1983, was the work Sunrise produced after Mobile Suit Gundam.

MIO, who sang the opening theme, has performed many other anime theme songs as well.

Her husky, powerful voice feels like a perfect match for robot-themed anime tracks.

Originally from Tottori, MIO has also served as a tourism ambassador for Tottori City since 2007.

She later changed her stage name to MIQ and is currently active as a vocal coach, among other roles.

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[Nostalgic] A roundup of anime songs and theme songs that were hits in the 80s (21–30)

It's not an anime — oh ancient Earthlings who have forgotten your dreams —Masato Arai

Masato Arai / It’s Not Anime ~ You Old Earthlings Who Forgot Your Dreams @ Kashiwa Studio WUU

Not an anime ~ O old Earthling who forgot your dreams ~ Masato Arai

Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ is the sequel to Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam.

While it starts off with a comedic tone, the story becomes serious from the middle onward.

The first opening theme is sung by Masahito Arai.

A classic fan quip is that “Saying ‘It’s anime but not anime’ is ridiculous.”

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