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.
Greatest Tracks & Hit Songs by Bands from the 1980s (11–20)
DadPRINCESS PRINCESS
A masterpiece that captures the father–daughter relationship from a warm perspective.
Centered on the episode of a daughter introducing her new life partner to her father, it carefully depicts the bond between parent and child from birth through adolescence to the present day in adulthood.
Packed with the charm of PRINCESS PRINCESS, this work was included on the album “LOVERS,” released in November 1989, and became familiar as the song used in KDD’s “001” commercial.
With its warm vocals and melody, it has been embraced across generations and is beloved by many as a song to express gratitude to fathers at weddings.
JUST ONE MORE KISSBUCK-TICK
BUCK-TICK made their debut in 1987.
Back then, with bleached long hair spiked up, they had a very flashy look and were pioneers of the visual kei scene.
While their appearance isn’t flashy anymore, their stage performance is still incredibly cool.
FAIRYSHOW-YA
A song that paints a fantastical melody line and a mysterious female figure has become one of SHOW-YA’s signature tracks, beloved by many fans.
The lyrics vividly and emotively depict black hair swaying in the light and a woman dancing in a silk dress, capturing the spellbinding presence of someone like a fairy.
Originally included on the 1986 album “WAYS,” the song proved so popular that it was re-recorded as a self-cover on the March 2012 album “GENUINE DIAMOND.” It’s a piece that gently embraces the feelings hidden in the heart.
This is fine as it is.Kinniku Shoujo Tai
This is an unusual work that fuses the heavy metal and pop of Kinniku Shōjo Tai.
Through the story of a protagonist who spends a long 13 years in prison for a crime they didn’t commit, it sharply portrays the deep conflicts and contradictions of the human condition.
Included on the album “Neko no Tebukuro,” it was released in July 1989 and was also used as a commercial song for Shōnen Publishing’s magazine “Monthly On Stage.” Recommended as a track that speaks to the heart when you’re at a crossroads in life or facing unreasonable circumstances.
It’s an intense song, but it might prompt you to take a fresh look at your life.
Burn, you fine womanSera Masanori & Tsuisto
This group, The Twist, is the kind that makes you slap your knee and say, “Now this is the ’80s.” Their smash hit “Moero Ii Onna” also made waves in Shiseido’s “Summer Campaign: Natsuko’s Summer” commercial.
When karaoke was just starting to catch on, countless people would change the woman’s name in the song to that of their own favorite woman when they sang it.
Incidentally, the band’s name, Twist, is said to come from “twist” in the sense of being perverse or contrary.
Limit LoversSHOW-YA
In the late 1980s, SHOW-YA brought a fresh wave of female power to Japan’s rock scene.
This song is one of their signature tracks; it was also used in a Showa Shell Sekiyu commercial, which helped catapult the band to major popularity.
Released in February 1989 as their eighth single, it is also included on the album “Outerlimits.” The sound balances intensity and delicacy, highlighted by Terada’s expansive vocals.
The protagonist’s passionate yearning for love blends brilliantly with the band’s heavy metal style.
It’s a perfect track for a drive or for singing at karaoke.
Classic and Hit Songs by Bands from the 1980s (21–30)
I’M GETTIN’ BLUEZIGGY
ZIGGY debuted in 1987.
They celebrated their 30th anniversary last year and are still active today.
The only member remaining from the original lineup is vocalist Juichi Morishige.
It seems there were quite a few disputes within the band as well.