[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 (31–40)
I am Machiko.Imada Yuko
“Maicching Machiko-sensei” is an anime based on Takeshi Ebihara’s gag manga.
Its slightly risqué content had some viewers watching with a flutter of excitement.
The opening theme is sung by Yuko Imada.
Bright EyesTAKU
Giant Gorg is a sci-fi robot anime directed by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko.
One of its distinguishing features is its consistent animation quality, made possible by the schedule flexibility created when the broadcast start was postponed.
The opening theme is sung by TAKU from Yokohama Ginbae.
See, spring has come.ushirogami hikaretai
A refreshing song celebrating the arrival of spring has been delivered by Ushirogami Hikaretai.
It expresses the exhilaration and anticipation that come with the changing seasons, set to a bright and lively melody.
The lyrics leave a strong impression with their gentle sensitivity to the love and happiness overflowing in nature—spring’s buoyant warmth, the murmur of a brook, and the hope of new romance.
The track was used as the opening theme for the Fuji TV anime “Tsuideni Tonchinkan,” and after its release in February 1988, it reached No.
6 on the Oricon chart.
It’s a song you’ll want to hear at the start of a new season, a work that lingers in the heart along with fond memories.
Sorrowful WarriorInoue Daisuke
Daisuke Inoue, a musician who also thrived as the lead vocalist of Jackie Yoshikawa and The Blue Comets, sadly passed away in 2000.
“Ai Senshi,” chosen as the theme song for the animated film Mobile Suit Gundam II: Soldiers of Sorrow, is memorable for its opening, which begins with a soulful vocal over a sprightly piano.
For those familiar with the film, just hearing it is enough to make your heart swell.
While its melody is challenging to sing at karaoke, it’s an undeniable upper tune that’s sure to hype up the crowd if you can pull it off.
Farewell, gentle daysAsada Mamoru
Fang of the Sun Dougram is a real-robot anime directed by Ryosuke Takahashi, characterized by a weighty story depicting a war of independence on a colonized planet.
The opening theme is “Saraba Yasashiki Hibi yo” sung by Mamoru Asada, with the lyrics written by Director Takahashi himself.
[Nostalgic] Compilation of Anime Songs and Theme Songs That Hit in the ’80s (41–50)
The Ideon: Be Invokedtairaisao
Space Runaway Ideon is a work directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino—famous for Mobile Suit Gundam—and can be considered a representative robot anime of the 1980s.
Under the pen name Rin Iogi, Director Tomino also wrote the lyrics for the theme song “Revival of Ideon.”
Messenger of the Sun: Tetsujin 28-gogimikku
Mitsuteru Yokoyama’s manga Tetsujin 28-go has been adapted into anime many times, but the second TV anime series, which began airing in 1980, is often referred to as Tetsujin 28-go: Messenger of the Sun to distinguish it from other versions.
The theme song was sung by Junichi Kawachi, also known as Gimmick.