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 (21–30)

Wai Wai WorldAdo Mizumori

Dr. Slump: Wai Wai World

Wai Wai World Ado Mizumori

Dr.

Slump Arale-chan is a television anime based on Akira Toriyama’s manga and was a long-running popular series.

Its theme song, Wai Wai World, sung by illustrator and singer Ado Mizumori, topped Oricon’s TV Anime/Children’s Songs category for two consecutive years.

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Glory Covered in ScarsObo Takeshi

Glory Covered in Scars — Song: Takeshi Obo [TV Anime “Ashita no Joe 2” Opening Theme] (Episodes 1–25)

Glory Covered in Scars — Obo Takeshi

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.

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The magic spell of love is ‘Sukitokimekitokisu.’Sayaka Ito

Sarutobi

The magic spell of love is Sukitokimekitokisu (Skitokimekitokisu) — Sayaka Ito

Sasuga no Sarutobi is a comedy set at the private Shin-no-Mono High School, a training institute for ninja, and the original manga was serialized in the magazine Shonen Sunday Special.

The theme song, Koi no Jumon wa Sukitokimekitokisu, is sung by Sayaka Ito, who is also active as an actress.

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From the depths of the heart to the water planetHiroko Moriguchi

From the depths of the heart to the water planet

With Love to the Star of Water - Hiroko Moriguchi

‘Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam’ is the second installment in the Gundam series, set seven years after the One Year War, depicting the conflict between the AEUG and the Titans.

‘From the Aqueous Star with Love’ is the later opening theme, which reached No.

16 on the Oricon charts.

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Love Song of LumYuko Matsuya

Urusei Yatsura New Remastered HD Opening 1 – Lum no Love Song

Lum's Love Song by Yuko Matsutani

Rumiko Takahashi’s manga Urusei Yatsura, serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday, was adapted into a TV anime from October 1981 to March 1986.

The theme song was Yuko Matsutani’s debut single, “Lum’s Love Song,” which reached No.

50 on the Oricon charts.

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CAT’S EYEAnri

CATS EYE MAX

CAT'S EYE Anri

“Cat’s Eye” is an anime based on the manga by Tsukasa Hojo.

Many viewers probably felt their hearts race seeing the Kisugi sisters in their leotards.

The opening theme is “CAT’S EYE” sung by Anri, a smash hit that ranked No.

1 on the Oricon chart for five consecutive weeks.

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Burning HeroHiroyuki Okita

Burning Hero

Moete Hero Okita Hiroyuki

It’s a quintessential 80s anime song! The vocals blend a boyish sweetness with a husky strength, powerfully conveying pure passion for victory and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.

Sung by Hiroyuki Okita—who was also popular as an actor—this track was the B-side of a single released in November 1983.

As the first opening theme for the national hit soccer anime Captain Tsubasa, it sent Japan into a frenzy.

You could say it’s the perfect song for that peak moment when anticipation of a big win reaches its highest point.

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