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.
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- 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.
A Special Feature on Classic and Hit Songs by Bands from the 1980s (1–10)
The hottest summer in the worldPRINCESS PRINCESS
A heart-throbbing love song that unleashes the imagination in the August breeze and sets off on an adventure with a lover.
First released by PRINCESS PRINCESS in July 1987, the song initially received a lukewarm response, but upon its 1989 re-release it topped the Oricon charts and even rose to No.
2 for the year.
It later became familiar as the theme song for TV Asahi’s programs “Sekai Dokkiri Watch” and “Itsuka Iku Tabi,” and in 2012 it was also used in a commercial for Sapporo Beer’s Ice Lager 7.
It’s a track that lets anyone feel as if they’re embarking on a romantic adventure straight out of a movie scene.
SUMMER DREAMTUBE
An evocative song that captures the sparkle of a summer romance.
Released in April 1987 as TUBE’s fifth single, this track was featured in a Kirin “Kirin Lemon” commercial and soon became a staple summer driving song for young people.
Its catchy riff and upbeat rhythm vividly color seaside dates and memories with a loved one.
Peaking at No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart and reaching No.
1 on TBS’s “The Best Ten,” it has long been cherished as one of TUBE’s signature youth anthems of summer.
It’s a refreshing and nostalgic tune that conjures scenes of coastal drives, favorite songs recorded onto cassette tapes, and young lovers basking in the radiant sunshine.
Shake Hipkome kome CLUB
It’s a song defined by a lively rhythm and catchy melody.
Combined with Kome Kome Club’s uniquely spirited performance, it’s sure to lift listeners’ spirits.
Released in 1986, it drew attention after being featured in a sports drink commercial.
The line “Shinchin taisha ja!” (“It’s metabolism!”) caused quite a stir at the time.
With its energetic playing and quirky worldview, this work continues to captivate many fans.
Plenty of people probably find their bodies moving on their own when they listen to it again after a while.
Greatest Tracks & Hit Songs by Bands from the 1980s (11–20)
NO. NEW YORKBOØWY
This track, taken from the 1982 debut album MORAL, is an ambitious early work by BOØWY.
Set against the backdrop of New York and themed around a forbidden love, it’s rendered with melodious guitar and a driving rhythm.
It also serves as a tribute to John Lennon, with the original version incorporating a radio broadcast announcing his death.
Balancing the poignancy of romance with the energy of rock in perfect harmony, this song is recommended for anyone looking to bask in memories of their youth.
Heartbroken over JuliaChekkāzu
The Checkers’ fifth single sets a bittersweet love story to a beautiful melody.
Released in November 1984, it vividly portrays the protagonist’s sense of loss and the faint memories of two people who met in the city.
The song reached No.
1 on the Oricon weekly chart and also topped the 1985 year-end ranking.
It was featured in the 2019 drama “Your Turn to Kill,” resonating across generations.
It’s a recommended track for soothing the pain of heartbreak or reminiscing about precious moments with a loved one.
Vixen on the RunBARBEE BOYS
This is a classic duet featuring male and female twin vocals that captures the allure of a bewitching, mysterious woman.
The urban tone of the soprano sax and the sophisticated arrangement leave a strong impression, lightly portraying the give-and-take between a man and a woman.
Released in April 1987 as BARBEE BOYS’ seventh single and used as the image song for Asahi Beverages’ Mitsuya Fruits, this track is highly recommended for those who want to feel the nuances of romance and the atmosphere of the city at night.
In my heart, thank you.Thetōnanseihoku
A gem of a love song that beautifully captures the bittersweet emotions of romance.
It portrays the protagonist’s feelings—aching and earnest, yet left unspoken—set against a gentle soundscape.
Released in April 1986 and also included on the March 1986 album “Hikō Shōnen,” the song was featured in a commercial for Kenwood’s mini component system ROXY, winning the hearts of many music fans.
For anyone who’s struggled to be honest about their feelings of love, this track continues to shine with a timeless allure.