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The debut song of a Japanese rock band from the 1980s

This time, I’ll introduce debut songs by Japanese rock bands from the 1980s.

The 1980s were an exciting era when many musical styles emerged—new wave, punk, visual kei, and more—making the rock scene especially interesting.

Often called the “band boom” era, this period saw a great number of distinctive bands.

Debut songs by Japanese rock bands from the 1980s (21–30)

Weekly Tokyo ‘Girl A’bakufū suranpu

Weekly Tokyo 'Shojo A' (LIVE) – Bakufu Slump
Weekly Tokyo 'Girl A'bakufū suranpu

Released in August 1984, this is Bakufu Slump’s debut single, and it was also included on their first album, Yoi, which was released on the same day.

Bakufu Slump are known for their distinctive song titles, and the “Shōjo A” in this title comes from Akina Nakamori’s signature song Shōjo A; the title was chosen for its impact and related connotations.

ROUTE 246LINDBERG

Released in April 1989, this is LINDBERG’s debut single, and it is also included on their first album, LINDBERG I, which was released on the same day.

The band began with two members: Maki Watase, who had originally been an idol singer, and Tatsuya Hirakawa, who played in a backing band.

Eventually, two acquaintances of Hirakawa joined, completing the lineup.

The song was composed by Juei Morishige, the vocalist of ZIGGY.

Debut songs of Japanese rock bands from the 1980s (31–40)

Love is balance.PRINCESS PRINCESS

Released in April 1987, this is Princess Princess’s debut single, and it was also included on their first full-length album, Teleportation, released in May 1987.

The song was recorded at a time when the band’s musical direction had not yet been firmly established, with lyrics written by band member Kanako Nakayama.

The composition was by Kisaburo Suzuki, but due to pushback from the members, all subsequent songs were created by the band members themselves.

Friday’s Lion (Take it to the Lucky)TM NETWORK

TM NETWORK “Friday’s Lion (Take it to the lucky)” Music Video
Friday's Lion (Take it to the Lucky)TM NETWORK

Released in April 1984, this was TM NETWORK’s debut single, and it was also included on their debut album, RAINBOW RAINBOW, which was released on the same day.

They were a rock band that incorporated techno sounds—still uncommon at the time—and went on to have a major influence on artists in the 1990s.

The unusual sales strategy of releasing a debut single and a debut album on the same day also became a topic of conversation back then.

Hystery-MysteryUNICORN

Unicorn – Hystery-Mystery (LIVE 1988)
Hystery-MysteryUNICORN

Released in October 1987, this song is included on UNICORN’s debut album, “BOOM,” and is considered their debut track since it appears first on the album.

UNICORN is one of the rock bands that had a major impact on the Japanese music scene in the 1990s.

Even after their temporary breakup in 1993, vocalist Tamio Okuda continued to be active as a solo singer.

In 2009, the band officially announced their reunion.

A snap in yellow-green (moegi)anzenchitai

Released in February 1982, this was Anzen Chitai’s debut single.

Although it was not included on any original studio album, it was later featured on their second best-of compilation, Anzen Chitai Best 2: Hitoribocchi no Yell, released in August 1993.

Formed in 1973, the rock band even provided a tire manufacturer’s commercial song in 1981, despite not having officially debuted at the time.

ShakyamuniKinniku Shoujo Tai

MUSCLE GIRL BAND/Shaka (Official Music Video)
ShakyamuniKinniku Shoujo Tai

Released in June 1988, this is Kinniku Shōjo-tai’s debut single, and it is also included on their major-label first album, Shaka L, which was released on the same day.

Kinniku Shōjo-tai is also known for frequent lineup changes; this debut track was produced during the lineup referred to as the 18th generation.

From the band’s formation in 1982 up to recent years, they have gone through no fewer than 23 lineup reshuffles.