[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] A roundup of anime songs and theme songs that were hits in the ’80s (11–20)
Take back the love!!kurisutaru kingu
Many people probably feel their excitement rise just by hearing this intro! Crystal King’s 1984 release “Ai o Torimodose!!” (“Take Back the Love!!”) was used as the opening theme for the anime Fist of the North Star.
It has been covered by a variety of artists, including Akira Kamiya, who voiced the protagonist Kenshiro in the anime, and THE ALFEE.
Not only the intro but the song itself leaves a strong impression, so even people who don’t know the anime may still know the track.
Listening to this powerful song—just like the anime—you might feel a surge of strength welling up inside you, like Kenshiro!
Come here, Perman.Miwa Katsue, Koromubia Yurikago-kai
Pāman is a work by Fujiko F.
Fujio, well known for Doraemon.
The story follows an ordinary elementary school student who can transform into Pāman with special abilities by putting on the Pāman Set.
It was adapted into a TV anime in 1983, featuring a striking opening theme with a charming song and a luxurious accompaniment inspired by big band music.
The composer was Yoshiaki Furuta, who also created Sugar’s smash hit “Wedding Bell.”
Ganmō Doki!Sūjī 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.
Ro-Ro-Ro-Russian RouletteNakahara Meiko
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.
Ninja Hattori-kunHori Ayako
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.
Dunbine, Fly!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.
[Nostalgic] A roundup of anime songs and theme songs that were hits in the 80s (21–30)
Glory Covered in Scarsobotakeshi
Speaking of the theme songs for Ashita no Joe, the one sung by Isao Bito that aired from 1970 is famous, but this is the opening theme from the second series, which aired starting in 1980.
It’s a cool, fast-paced track, isn’t it? The saxophone in the interlude is memorable, too.
The singer, Takeshi Obō, also performed songs for the classic Star of the Giants.
An American film with the same title, depicting a professional boxer, was released in 1956, so the song’s title may have been inspired by that.