A special feature on classic and hit songs by bands that were active in the 1980s
Speaking of the 1980s—especially the latter half—it was a time when many rock bands that would later rise to prominence made their debuts, laying the groundwork for the band boom that swept the early ’90s.
This time, we’ll introduce some classic songs by bands that were active in the ’80s.
If you watch footage of them from back then without having experienced it in real time, you might be surprised by their fashion and hairstyles.
But including their flamboyant “rock fashion,” please enjoy the sounds of the 1980s that led to the golden age of Japanese rock.
- Nostalgic yet fresh!? Classic masterpieces of Japanese rock from the 1970s and 1980s
- Debut song of a Japanese band from the 80s
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese bands from the 1990s
- 1980s: Legendary Western Rock Bands’ Classic and Hit Songs
- Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 80s
- [Nostalgic Classics] Hit Japanese Love Songs from the 1980s
- Debut song of an 80s visual-kei band
- Masterpieces and hit songs of 80s Japanese pop (kayōkyoku)
- A collection of nostalgic Japanese hit songs from the 1980s that still linger in our ears
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
- Cool band: A rock band that represents Japan
- Cool songs from the Showa era. Masterpieces from Showa that shine with sensuality, passion, and rugged charm.
- Classic nostalgic summer hits from the ’80s. A roundup of summer songs.
Featured Classics & Hit Songs by Bands from the 1980s (61–70)
RASPBERRY DREAMREBECCA
REBECCA is a band that defined the ’80s, with NOKKO’s sexy, distinctive vocals and addictive sound.
In 1986, they released Raspberry Dream, which became a massive hit following their signature song Friends.
The sultry lyrics, which seem to bring out the best of REBECCA’s captivating sound, will make your heart race.
Listening to the track feels like time-traveling straight back to the 1980s.
If you want to fully immerse yourself in REBECCA’s one-of-a-kind sound—something you won’t find in the Heisei era and beyond—be sure to give it a listen!
Fallin’ Angel ~The Lamenting Angel~PERSONZ
As one of the quintessential songs of the late 1980s, this PERSONZ track is indispensable.
JILL’s powerful vocals and the band’s dynamic sound are a must-hear.
Released in December 1989, the song was included on the album “DREAMERS ONLY” and was also used in a commercial for Panasonic’s Dreamers headphone stereo.
For those who carry a sense of melancholy over days gone by and painful experiences, this work offers comfort and hope.
I want everyone who longs for peace to listen to it.
huge nuisanceUNICORN
Unicorn, the legendary band led by Tamio Okuda.
Their debut single “Dai Meiwaku” (“Major Nuisance”) made a powerful impact.
For a debut single, it’s easy to see how their later success followed.
And wow, Tamio Okuda looks so young! Unicorn disbanded once and later reunited, and they’ve been active ever since.
Daydream BelieverZa Taimāzu
The song by The Timers, led by Kiyoshiro Imawano, was released in October 1989.
The original is a track by The Monkees, but Kiyoshiro wrote new Japanese lyrics and added his own interpretation.
In contrast to its bright melody, the lyrics reflect Imawano’s feelings for his late mother.
It was a major hit, reaching No.
2 on the Oricon charts.
It was also chosen as the first song played when Space Shower TV launched, showing how beloved it was by many.
Filled with deep affection and a touch of melancholy, it’s a piece you may find yourself wanting to listen to when thinking of someone dear.
Season in the SunTUBE
This song is widely known as one of TUBE’s signature tracks.
Released on April 21, 1986, it was also featured in a Kirin Beer commercial, making it beloved by many.
The lyrics capture the bittersweetness and sweetness of summer romance, evoking poignant moments of youth.
It feels as if you’re standing right in front of the Shonan sea, making it perfect for creating summer memories.
Highly recommended as background music for a drive or for relaxing by the seaside.
ff (fortissimo)HOUND DOG
Led by vocalist Yasuhira Otomo, HOUND DOG is a rock band formed in 1976, but their most active period began in the 1980s.
Their signature song “ff (Fortissimo)” is their 10th single, released in 1985.
It’s a song that has continued to be sung widely for many years.
Crazy NightLOUDNESS
A song by the metal band LOUDNESS, the first Japanese artist to stand on America’s Madison Square Garden, a stage coveted by musicians around the world.
With palm-muted guitar riffs reminiscent of Western metal numbers and a rhythm section that delivers a heavy beat, it was unusual in Japan at the time yet won wide support from listeners.
Each member of the band possesses outstanding musicianship, but guitarist Akira Takasaki’s virtuosic playing is especially famous—many overseas guitarists have publicly cited him as an influence—and this track showcases his guitar work to the fullest.
