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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- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese bands from the 1990s
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- 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.
Classics and Hit Songs by Bands from the 1980s (41–50)
Wax MuseumSeikima II
A signature song by the metal band Seikima-II, formed in 1982 with the concept of spreading Satanism through music.
Their visuals and lyrical content tend to stand out first, leading many to see them as an eccentric novelty act, but the song is actually meticulously structured—for example, using twin lead guitar riffs as accents within a heavy, ponderous rhythm.
With high-level musicianship and a carefully crafted worldbuilding, it’s one of those tracks that, despite being a metal number that rarely takes root in Japan, has nonetheless become widely recognized by many listeners.
Selfish JulietBOØWY
Back then, everyone was captivated by Hotei’s guitar and Himuro’s vocals—BOØWY, the legendary band that defined the ’80s.
Their seven-year run, packed with hits like “Marionette,” “B・BLUE,” “ONLY YOU,” and “Wagamama Juliet,” was all too short and intensely condensed.
1000 ViolinsTHE BLUE HEARTS
THE BLUE HEARTS debuted in 1987 and quickly became hugely popular.
In a word, they were like spokespeople for the kids, but in a different way from Yutaka Ozaki.
Their ROCK, POP, and PUNK melodies paired with straightforward lyrics are really cool.
Let’s walkJUN SKY WALKER(S)
JUN SKY WALKER(S) is a band that debuted by using their performances on the pedestrian-only street events—commonly known as “Hokoten,” which were a big topic at the time—as a springboard.
Their song “Aruiteikō” (“Let’s Walk”) gained attention after being featured in a commercial.
Although they disbanded once in 1997, they reunited after 10 years and are still active today.
sure dansekome kome CLUB
Kome Kome Club debuted in 1985.
They disbanded once, but reunited and are still active today.
They are a large ensemble, and their concerts feel almost like watching a musical, with singing, banter, and lively performances full of singing and dancing.
Their signature songs include “Roman Hikō” and “Kimi ga Iru Dake de.”
B BLUEBOØWY
It was released in 1986 as BOØWY’s fourth single.
Issued as the lead single from their fifth album, BEAT EMOTION, it became BOØWY’s first hit single, although they made no television appearances.
The song was used as an insert song in the film 19: Nineteen, starring Shonentai.
The future is in our hands.THE BLUE HEARTS
A song by the Japanese beat rock/beat punk band THE BLUE HEARTS, included on their major-label debut album “THE BLUE HEARTS” released in 1987.
With its high-energy, catchy punk sound, the band helped lay the groundwork for the band boom that swept Japan from the late ’80s to the early ’90s.
This track, in particular, feels like a perfect symbol of their youthful spirit at the time.
Forget the nitpicking—just enjoy it in all its simple, straightforward glory!
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.
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.