Debut song of a Japanese band from the 80s
Japan in the 1980s was in the midst of a full-blown band boom.
Many people likely started playing instruments because they admired bands like BOØWY and THE BLUE HEARTS.
This time, we’re showcasing a lineup of bands that debuted in the ’80s all at once.
It’s a roundup perfect for a nostalgic look back or for falling in love with them all over again.
- The debut song of a Japanese rock band from the 1980s
- A special feature on classic and hit songs by bands that were active in the 1980s
- Debut song of an 80s visual-kei band
- Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 80s
- Debut songs by female artists from the 1980s
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese bands from the 1990s
- Dawn of Japanese Rock: A Collection of Debut Songs by 1970s Japanese Rock Bands
- [1980s] Debut Songs and Classics by Japanese All-Girl Bands
- Debut song of a 90s visual kei band
- [Nostalgic Classics] Hit Japanese Love Songs from the 1980s
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
- Nostalgic yet fresh!? Classic masterpieces of Japanese rock from the 1970s and 1980s
- Top 1980s Female Singer-Songwriters: Popular Songs Ranking [2026]
Debut songs by Japanese bands from the 1980s (11–20)
CandyC-C-B
“Candy” is C-C-B’s debut single, released on June 1, 1983.
You can’t help but be captivated by Koji Ryo’s pink hair as he takes the lead vocal while playing electronic drums.
It’s a mid-tempo track with beautifully layered backing vocals.
You’re a TV kid.THE BOOM
“Kimi wa TV-kko” is THE BOOM’s debut single, released on May 21, 1989.
It was released simultaneously with their first original album, “A PEACETIME BOOM.” While the band is strongly associated with “Shima Uta,” their debut track is a ska tune and extremely cool.
The youthful rock ’n’ roll persona of Kazufumi Miyazawa is also very cool.
Lion of FridayTM NETWORK
“The Friday Lion (Take it to the Lucky)” is TM NETWORK’s debut single, released on April 21, 1984.
The synthesizers are striking, and I think it even connects to today’s EDM.
Tetsuya Komuro’s origins are here.
Lullaby of a Serrated HeartChekkāzu
“Gizagiza Heart no Komoriuta” (Jagged-Heart Lullaby) is The Checkers’ debut single, released on September 21, 1983.
The saxophone melody in the intro, played by Naoyuki Fujii, is especially memorable.
They are a seven-member pop band from Kurume City, Fukuoka Prefecture, and were popular mainly among young people in the 1980s.
I CAN BEkome kome CLUB
“I CAN BE” is the first single by Kome Kome Club, released on October 21, 1985.
With a horn section, dancers, and an unconventional chorus, Kome Kome Club stood out among bands of the time for its strong funk and soul influences.
Love is the work of the heart.ra mu
“Love Is the Work of the Heart” is La Mu’s debut single, released on February 24, 1988.
La Mu was a rock band with Momoko Kikuchi as the vocalist.
The song has strong funk and R&B influences.
Momoko Kikuchi was very cute when she was young.
Debut songs by Japanese bands from the 80s (21–30)
BE MY BABYCOMPLEX
“BE MY BABY” was released on April 8, 1989 as Complex’s debut single.
How incredibly star-studded a unit Kōji Kikkawa and Tomoyasu Hotei make.
The song is very well known from the intro.
The music video, with the two performing on a fixed camera against a white background, is super cool.
The guitar riff is fantastic, too.