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.
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.
Masterpieces and Hit Songs by Bands from the 1980s (51–60)
DiamondsPRINCESS PRINCESS
The seventh single by the five-member band PRINCESS PRINCESS—affectionately known as “Puri-Puri” and celebrated as pioneers of the all-female band scene in J-POP.
Although released in 1989, it has transcended eras to be featured in numerous commercials and remains one of their signature songs.
Its fresh, fast-paced sound captivated many listeners and showcased a charm distinct from male bands to the wider public.
The coupling track includes the classic “M,” further affirming the band’s exceptional pop sensibility and high level of musicianship.
It’s a must-know song for fans of girl bands, passed down from the 1980s to the present.
The Never-Ending SongTHE BLUE HEARTS
THE BLUE HEARTS debuted in 1987.
They have many signature songs such as “TRAIN-TRAIN” and “Kisushite Hoshii,” but this “Owaranai Uta” is exhilarating and feels great to listen to.
There’s a banned word that appears in the lyrics; it isn’t written in the lyric booklet and such, but you can tell when you listen.
ONE WAY HEARTSHOW-YA
This is the third single by SHOW-YA, a five-member, all-female rock band that has led Japan’s rock scene since the 1980s as pioneers among women-only groups.
The song was used as the ending theme for the TV drama “Bunpuku Chagama.” Compared to signature tracks like “Genkai LOVERS” and “Watashi wa Arashi,” it leans more pop, but the palm-muted, bridge-style riff that evokes the British metal band Iron Maiden really amps up the energy.
Still active and dynamic today, SHOW-YA reigns as a legend among girls’ bands, and this melodious rock tune stands as a quintessential piece from their early era.
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.
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.
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.