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.
Masterpieces and Hit Songs by Bands from the 1980s (111–120)
Stardust StageChekkāzu
At the time, The Checkers had gained idol-level popularity among junior and senior high school girls.
They had so many hit songs, and one of their appeals was having lots of tunes that both men and women could hum along to.
“Hoshikuzu no Stage” was their fourth single and was used as a TV drama theme song.
Classic and Hit Songs by Bands from the 1980s (121–130)
ShakyamuniKinniku Shoujo Tai
The major-label debut single by King-Show (Muscle Girl Band) that shocked the rock scene of the 1980s.
It’s a standout track where an absurd worldview and exceptional musicianship shine.
Through the strange encounter between a girl on a hill and a man who sells antennas, it vividly depicts the complexity of human relationships and the irony of fate.
Released in June 1988, it was also included on the album “Buddha L” released around the same time.
Loved for many years as one of the band’s signature songs, a newly recorded version titled “Daishaka” was released in 1992.
With its distinctive worldview and literary lyrics, this work is remembered as a masterpiece in the history of Japanese rock.
Chance has comeBARBEE BOYS
BARBEE BOYS debuted in 1983.
Their signature songs include “Close Your Eyes and Come Here” and “Foxy Lady ON THE RUN.” This track, “Chance Torai,” evokes the anticipation and anxiety between a man and a woman about what’s to come, conjuring up a sweet, tantalizing night—it’s a very heart‑pounding song.
Meat SongThe Pīzu
The Pees debuted in 1989.
Their signature song is “Baka ni Natta no ni.” This “Niku no Uta” is so quintessentially them that it’s beyond explanation.
Along with “Karaage” and “Debu Jersey,” these three songs are known as the three great meat songs.
You are 1000%.Karurosu Toshiki & Omega Toraibu
Carlos Toshiki & Omega Tribe formed in 1986 when Omega Tribe changed its lineup and reassembled as “1986 Omega Tribe,” bringing in Japanese-Brazilian Carlos Toshiki as the lead vocalist.
The song “You’re 1000%” was featured as a TV drama theme and drew significant attention.
A Tearful RequestChekkāzu
It was released in 1984 as The Checkers’ second single.
It became The Checkers’ first major hit, and the song’s success led to their schedules being packed, leaving them no private time, causing a shortage of recording time, and subjecting them to idol-like treatment—triggering ongoing struggles with the gap from their amateur days.
Under the Big Onion ~ Distant Feelingsbakufū suranpu
It was released in 1989 as Bakufu Slump’s 15th single.
This song is a remake of “Under the Big Onion,” which was included on Bakufu Slump’s second album, “Shiawase.” The “big onion” refers to the ornamental onion-shaped finial (shibi/giboshi) on the roof of the Nippon Budokan.