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.
Masterpieces and Hit Songs by Bands from the 1980s (51–60)
Wine Red Heartanzenchitai
A deeply evocative ballad that conjures the image of wine red.
This signature song by Anzen Chitai wraps you in a bittersweet, beautiful afterglow.
Its lyrics, portraying the complexities of adult romance, resonate deeply with listeners.
Released in 1983, it marked a pivotal turning point in Anzen Chitai’s musical career.
The song was also featured in a Suntory “Akadama Punch” commercial and as the opening theme for Fuji TV’s National Thursday Theater drama “Machigaidarake no Otto Erabi” (Choosing the Wrong Husband).
Koji Tamaki’s soul-stirring vocals blend perfectly with the unforgettable melody.
It’s a song that stands by those troubled by love—truly a piece for grown-ups.
Don’t Stop Loveofukōsu
Off Course was active from 1970 to 1989.
Their signature songs “Sayonara” and “Kotoba ni Dekinai” were hits in the 1980s.
They truly have a wealth of masterpieces.
Unlike Oda’s solo work, the unique world view that only Off Course could create was incredibly captivating.
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.
Featured Classics & Hit Songs by Bands from the 1980s (61–70)
Roses and WineRED WARRIORS
RED WARRIORS debuted in 1986.
They disbanded abruptly after just three years.
However, they’ve continued their activities to this day with a pattern of reunions followed by hiatuses.
The vocalist is DIAMOND YUKAI, and the guitarist, Mr.
Kogure, is the father of actress Hana Sugisaki.
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.
Get WildTM NETWORK
Released in April 1987, this song is known as one of TM NETWORK’s signature tracks.
It’s a dance number distinguished by its synthesizer-driven sound and was also used as the ending theme for the anime City Hunter.
The lyrics, which evoke images of racing through the city at night and a resolve to solve the puzzle of love, are particularly striking.
The track is infused with the glamorous sound unique to the 1980s, yet it still feels fresh today.
Electronic tones dart about as the upbeat rhythm lifts your spirits.
Listening to this song can stir a longing for that glittering era and even inspire motivation to live fully in the present.