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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- 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]
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- 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)
DEAR FRIENDSPERSONZ
PERSONZ was formed in 1983 and debuted in 1987.
They have never disbanded and have continued their activities to this day.
Their signature songs include ‘Dear Friends’ and ‘7COLORS.’ ‘Dear Friends’ in particular was a big hit.
Time BombUP-BEAT
Released in September 1987 on the album “inner ocean,” this track drew particular attention as one of its most striking songs.
It’s an energetic rock number whose lyrics channel a spirit of defiance against the times and a strong will for self-expression.
With distinctive turns of phrase, it conveys the importance of holding on to dreams and ambition.
Showcasing UP-BEAT’s musicality that brought a fresh breeze to Japan’s rock scene of the era, it’s a perfect recommendation for those who want to stand by their convictions or make a bold statement to the world.
DON’T STOP BELIEVINGZIGGY
ZIGGY debuted in 1987.
Their signature songs are “GLORIA” and “I’M GETTING BLUE.” Those are very easy to listen to, and I think “DON’T STOP BELIEVING” is also an equally accessible rock song and a classic.
A ballad for youTHE MODS
THE MODS debuted in 1981.
Their signature songs include “Hageshii Ame ga,” among others.
They’re still active today and have a tough, cool image, but among their work, “Ballad wo Omae ni” is a true masterpiece among masterpieces.
It’s precisely because of their hard-edged style that they can sing this love song, and it really makes your heart skip a beat.
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.
MOREEARTHSHAKER
This is the first single by EARTHSHAKER, a Japanese HM/HR band active out of the Kansai region, released on June 5, 1984.
It’s included on their second album, FUGITIVE.
For reference, the album itself was released on March 1, 1984.
This is another classic kayō-rock track that makes the most of Japanese lyrics.
It’s a song where you can fully enjoy the passionate vocals of Marcy (Masashi Nishida).
On a personal note, the first song I ever covered with a band was this one (and I was the vocalist back then!).
Perhaps because they were categorized in the somewhat niche HM/HR genre, it unfortunately didn’t become a major hit on the charts at the time, but it remains one of those unforgettable classics I want to keep listening to forever.
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.