[Nostalgic] A roundup of popular anime series broadcast in the 1980s

Sherlock Holmes

[Episode 1] Great Detective Holmes “Sherlock Hound” (1984) — A bold adaptation of “Sherlock Holmes”! Directed by Hayao Miyazaki and Kyosuke Mikuriya | TMS 60th Anniversary

This work is based on Arthur Conan Doyle’s detective stories, Sherlock Holmes.

It aired from 1984 to 1985.

While the character names and setting follow the original, it’s memorable for depicting the characters as anthropomorphic dogs.

For those who watched the anime, many probably think “this is what Holmes looks like” first and foremost.

Its appeal lies in a catchy storyline where Holmes and his companions foil Professor Moriarty’s misdeeds.

Mashin Hero Wataru

Comparative video of 'Mashin Hero Wataru'

This is the first installment in the long-running series Mashin Hero Wataru, a story that portrays the battles of the fourth-grade protagonist, Wataru Ikusabe.

It incorporates a variety of elements, including isekai fantasy and robot anime, and went on to have a major influence on later animation.

Created under the concept of “an anime that children can purely enjoy,” its narrative structure was modeled after RPG games.

It’s an anime packed with charm—from snappy gags to the protagonist’s growth through adventure.

Armored Trooper VOTOMS

Armored Trooper VOTOMS: Brilliant Heresy – Trailer Unofficially Remade

This work depicts the protagonist, Chirico Cuvie, who is drawn into the various motives and conspiracies within a century-long war that splits the galaxy in two.

Its hard-edged, war-focused setting is striking, and a major point is that the robots that appear are consistently portrayed as nothing more than weapons.

The story of a protagonist who serves as a soldier gradually reclaiming his humanity is also a crucial element that draws you into the world.

It’s a hard-boiled anime that differs greatly from robot anime up to that point.

Cat's Eye

[Episodes 1–3 Pack] Cat’s Eye: “You’re a Sexy Thief,” “Welcome to the Police,” “Beware the Noisy Little Devil”

Cat’s Eye is one of Tsukasa Hojo’s signature works.

It was adapted into an anime in 1983, and I imagine those who watched it at the time were captivated by its sexy characters.

As the success of Lupin the Third Part III from the same era shows, works themed around phantom thieves were very popular then, which may be why the anime became such a big hit.

But even more impactful, I think, was the music.

That catchy theme song that sticks in your ears perfectly reflects the spirit of the times.

Kinnikuman

[Official] Kinnikuman Episode 1: “Messenger from Planet Kinniku” / “The Man Who Came from America”

Kinnikuman, a professional wrestling manga that represents Japan.

Back then, many people probably collected Kinkeshi figures.

The anime adaptation of Kinnikuman in 1983 rode the manga’s momentum, seized the hearts of children at the time, and sparked a huge boom.

Kinnikuman might have been a bit goofy at times, but when it came down to it, he always delivered—he was so cool.

There were plenty of special move names that just made you want to say them out loud.

Which Superhuman would be your oshi, as we’d say these days?

Pro Golfer Saru

Pro Golfer Saru Episode 1: “A Magnificent Monkey of the World” [Official Channel, Digital Remastered Version]

The sports manga Pro Golfer Saru by Fujiko Fujio A, which gained popularity for its off-the-wall ideas.

These days, it’s common for sports manga to feature almost supernatural developments, but back then that wasn’t really a thing—and this work is said to have greatly broadened the scope of the genre.

The anime was also very popular, and many people still have the distinctive world of the animated Pro Golfer Saru burned into their memories.

If you like unconventional sports series like Inazuma Eleven or The Prince of Tennis, this is a must-see!

Kiteretsu Encyclopedia

Kiteretsu Encyclopedia OP/ED Song Collection

Based on a manga by Fujiko F.

Fujio, this work had a special broadcast in 1987 and began airing on television in 1988.

Like Doraemon, another signature work by Fujiko F.

Fujio, it features a mascot-like character and handy gadgets; however, a major difference is that in this series those gadgets are inventions by a figure from the Edo period.

Another noteworthy point is that the relationship between the protagonist, Kiteretsu, and the robot he created, Korosuke, stands in stark contrast to the relationship between Nobita and Doraemon in Doraemon.

Drawing on the Edo-period invention motif, many of the device names are distinctly Japanese, and the touch of period-drama elements is one of the series’ charms.