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.
Classic and Hit Songs by Bands from the 1980s (21–30)
VIRGINITYREBECCA
REBECCA debuted in 1984.
Their signature songs include “Friends” and “MOON.” In their early years, REBECCA had many tracks with very bittersweet lyrics and melodies, and “VIRGINITY” was one of them.
The lyrics were written by an external writer, not NOKKO.
Among fans, it’s known as a song based on a true story.
The meaning of the lyrics is quite suggestive.
In the night sky after the rainRC sakuseshon
A quintessential anthem of the ’80s, etched into people’s hearts.
RC Succession’s rock ’n’ roll sound pairs perfectly with Kiyoshiro Imawano’s distinctive vocals.
Released in January 1981, this track became the catalyst for the band’s breakthrough.
Marked by youthful impulse and lyrics rich in metaphor, it overflows with energetic appeal.
Through the relationship between a car and a person, the lyrics express love and emotion, inviting a variety of interpretations from listeners.
Like a night sky after the rain, it’s a song that feels both refreshing and powerful.
Perfect for a driving soundtrack or for lifting your spirits!
Featured Classics & Hit Songs by Bands from the 1980s (31–40)
I am a storm.SHOW-YA
A rock number that shatters false comfort with powerful vocals and a galloping guitar sound, singing a vow to live true to oneself.
Guided by a wind that symbolizes limitless possibilities, it carries a passionate message of chasing dreams and a caution to those who tend to suppress their true selves within society.
Released in June 1989 as the lead single from the landmark album “Outerlimits,” it was selected for a Showa Shell Sekiyu commercial tie-in and helped drive album sales past 600,000 copies.
A song that transcends time, it stirs the listener’s heart and gives the courage to stand by one’s convictions.
Tsuppari High School Rock’n Roll (Going-to-School Version)Yokohama Ginbae
Here’s a song that vividly reflects youth culture in the early 1980s.
Depicting the daily lives of rebellious “tsuppari” teens, it brings to life their fashion—like pompadours and school-issue long coats—and their defiant yet somehow endearing attitude.
Although originally released in January 1981, it has continued to be loved across generations, thanks to cover versions in commercials by Anna Tsuchiya and Yui Aragaki, as well as appearances in anime and films.
Even those who didn’t live through the era are sure to feel the spirit of ’80s youth culture when they listen to this track.
heavy rainTHE MODS
A song that expresses passionate feelings hidden in the heart while being battered by heavy rain.
Known as one of THE MODS’ signature tracks, it was released as a single in September 1983.
Its exhilarating, fast-paced melody and powerful vocals are deeply moving.
Chosen for a Maxell commercial, it became a memorable tune for many.
The lyrics convey a desire to escape everyday life and a yearning for change.
Perfect for anyone wanting to feel the exhilaration of racing through the rain.
It might even give you a cleansing sensation when you listen to it while driving.
crimsonX JAPAN
This is the third single overall by the five-member rock band X Japan, who took the J-pop scene by storm in the 1980s—when the hard rock genre was not widely recognized in Japan—with their flamboyant visuals and aggressive metal sound.
Even as their major-label debut single, its sound boldly foregrounded the intense musicality of their indie days, stunning many listeners.
More than just fast or heavy, its flowing, beautiful melodies—reminiscent of classical music—are truly one-of-a-kind, making it an indispensable signature song when talking about X Japan.
It’s a timeless track that helped broadly introduce the metal genre, which has never fully taken root in Japan, to a wider audience.
I can’t even become a stray dog.THE STREET SLIDERS
THE STREET SLIDERS debuted in 1983.
In a sense, they’re a single-minded band whose unwavering, bluesy stance is really cool.
“Taciturn” is the perfect word for them.
Their signature songs include “Arittake no Coin” and “Norainu ni Sae Narenai.”