[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 (21–30)
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.
Love Song of LumMatsutani Yūko
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.
The magic spell of love is ‘Sukitokimekitokisu.’Itō Sayaka
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.
CAT’S EYEAnri
“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.
My boyfriend is a pilot.Rin Minmei (CV:Iijima Mari)
First aired in 1982, The Super Dimension Fortress Macross is the landmark first entry in the Macross series, already containing all the elements later works would inherit: “Valkyries,” “songs,” and “love triangles.” “My Boyfriend is a Pilot” is the debut song of Lynn Minmay, one of the heroines.
The Back-Finger-Pointed Groupushiroyubi-sasaregumi
High School! Kimengumi is a gag anime centered on a five-member group known as the “Kimengumi.” The unit Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi, consisting of Masako Takai and Yukiko Iwai, performs the theme and insert songs.
This debut single reached No.
5 on the Oricon chart.
From the depths of the heart to the water planetMoriguchi Hiroko
‘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.