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A must-see for those born in the 1980s! | A nostalgic anime special

From the 1980s through the 1990s, Japanese anime experienced an unprecedented boom.

It was still the era of cel animation, but starting in the 1980s, Japan’s anime industry saw rapid growth.

With Weekly Shonen Jump entering its golden age, many anime from this period are still cherished today as landmark works that changed the times.

Here, we’ve picked out classic anime that especially resonate with people born in the 1980s.

You’ll find everything from major hits to slightly more niche titles, so take a trip down memory lane and check them out!

A must-see for those born in the 1980s! | Nostalgic Anime Special (11–20)

The third eye sees through

[Official] The Three-Eyed One — Episode 1: 'The Three-Eyed Appears: I'm Sharaku'
The third eye sees through

This is an anime broadcast starting in 1990, based on a manga by Osamu Tezuka.

The fact that it was produced after Tezuka’s death also speaks to the work’s enduring popularity.

It follows the exploits of Hosuke Sharaku, a protagonist from the Three-Eyed tribe, and notably incorporates words and themes reflecting the occult boom of the 1970s throughout.

A major appeal is the character gap: although Sharaku is usually innocent and carefree, the moment his third eye is unleashed he becomes arrogant and highly capable.

It’s a work that may also deepen interest in various urban legends, including those about ancient civilizations.

Fushigi Yûgi

For My Beloved (TV SIZE)
Fushigi Yûgi

The anime Fushigi Yûgi tells the story of Miaka Yūki, the protagonist who is drawn into a book set in ancient China called The Universe of the Four Gods, where she carves out her destiny as the Priestess of Suzaku.

Its unique world, reminiscent of ancient China, and the plot that sweeps her up in the duties of a priestess are especially compelling.

The interactions with a cast of distinctive characters are another highlight, and viewers are drawn in by the romances that unfold.

While featuring themes like the Four Symbols and the Twenty-Eight Mansions of ancient China, it also incorporates elements of the Five Phases theory and Nansō Satomi Hakkenden, so many people may have learned these terms through the series.

Magic Knight Rayearth

[Episodes 1–3 Pack] Magic Knight Rayearth: “Legendary Magic Knights Activate,” “Presea, Creator of the Silent Forest,” and “The Mysterious Handsome Swordsman, Ferio” (1994)
Magic Knight Rayearth

The anime Magic Knight Rayearth is a fantasy series based on CLAMP’s manga.

It depicts three girls who are summoned to an alternate world called Cephiro and set out on a journey as Magic Knights to save it from crisis.

Set in a realm of swords and sorcery, the story’s appeal lies in how the girls fight and grow.

Another highlight is the beautiful artwork characteristic of CLAMP’s works; the delicate designs further accentuate the worldbuilding.

Along with its theme song, “Yuzurenai Negai” (Unyielding Wish), it’s a title that has surely left its mark on anime history.

China’s Number One!

[Episodes 1–3] True Cooking Master Boy Limited-Time Streaming [Official Anime]
China's Number One!

Cooking Master Boy depicts Mao, a young chef and the protagonist, as he travels across China, growing through a series of culinary duels with his rivals.

As a cooking anime focused specifically on Chinese cuisine, it offered viewers the joy of discovering new dishes.

Its appeal lies not only in its inventive culinary ideas but also in its distinctive cast of characters—like martial artist–type figures who create delicate dishes, a contrast that adds excitement to the story.

The blend of passion for cooking and action-like cooking scenes draws you deeply into its unique world.

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story

TV anime Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story - First Teaser PV
Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story

Rurouni Kenshin: Meiji Swordsman Romantic Story is a work that portrays how a swordsman said to be the strongest at the end of the Edo period lived on in the Meiji era.

It depicts the protagonist, Kenshin Himura—once feared as the manslayer Battōsai—taking a vow never to kill and helping those in need.

The story is compelling, from Kenshin’s past and inner turmoil to his interactions with a cast of fascinating allies and his ferocious battles with arch-enemies.

The intense action set in a world like a period drama stirred the hearts of viewers.

It is a long‑loved series that helped support Shonen Jump’s golden age.

Pocket Monsters

[Official] Anime “Pokémon” Episode 1: “Pokémon! I Choose You!” (Anipoke Selection)
Pocket Monsters

It feels like the Pokémon franchise, which began as a Nintendo game, became a social phenomenon in large part thanks to the anime that started airing in 1997.

The story of the protagonist, Satoshi (Ash), journeying with his partner Pikachu to become a Pokémon Master sparked a spirit of adventure in many children.

The encounters with unique Pokémon, the heated battles, and the bonds with friends are the kind of elements that stir the heart no matter the era.

With each new game release, the anime weaves in fresh elements, and at times looks back on the past—storytelling made possible by its long-running history, which is a big part of its appeal.

A Must-See for Those Born in the 1980s! | Nostalgic Anime Special (21–30)

Detective Conan

[Official] Detective Conan “Roller Coaster Murder Case” | Season 1, Episode 1
Detective Conan

Detective Conan is a mystery anime about Shinichi Kudo, a high school detective who is forced into a child’s body by a mysterious organization and solves numerous difficult cases as elementary schooler Conan Edogawa.

Since its debut in 1996, it has been loved by audiences of all ages as a nationally beloved series.

In addition to its authentic mystery elements with intricate tricks, its distinctive characters are a major draw, and the story’s shifts from comedic to serious keep viewers engrossed.

Not only the TV anime but also the feature films attract attention, giving the impression of a franchise whose momentum shows no sign of slowing.