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Yankee Songs: A Collection of Tracks about Delinquents, Rebels, and Mischief

When you think of “yankees” and “tsuppari” (delinquent youth), a lot of images come to mind—motorbikes, fights, tokkofuku (special long jackets), and more.

From the past to the present, it’s a theme that often appears in dramas, movies, and manga, packed with cool elements like friendship, manly spirit, and clumsy kindness.

In this article, we’ll be introducing plenty of songs themed around these yankees and tsuppari! We’ll be featuring not only Showa-era tracks but also more recent releases.

Now, let’s dive in and start listening!

Yankee Songs: A Collection of Punk/Delinquent/Mischievous Tracks (71–80)

Because / Fall in Love / SuddenlyMihara Junko

Junko Mihara, who is now active as a politician, once appeared in the TV drama ‘Mr.

Kinpachi in Class 3B’ as a delinquent high school girl, gaining popularity with her bad-student image.

In 1982, she also had a hit by singing this song written by members of Yokohama Ginbae, and she even performed at the 33rd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen.

Looking at the way she has lived her life up to now is quite fascinating.

Listening to it, I can’t help but wonder if the comedy duo Fall in Love took their name from this song.

Song of the Delinquent Big BrotherKamon Tatsuo

[Tatsuo Kamon] Song that won the New Artist Award at the Wired Broadcasting Awards: 'Yankee no Niichan no Uta' (The Delinquent Big Brother’s Song)
Song of the Delinquent Big BrotherKamon Tatsuo

This is the song said to have popularized the word “yankii” at a time when “tsuppari” was still the dominant term.

Its lyrics brilliantly and realistically depict the lives of yankii youths, and there’s a sequel titled “Zetsumetsu: Yankii no Niichan no Uta” (Extinction: Song of the Yankii Big Brother).

Manga HANKHO-KI!SHINSUKE-BAND

The debut single of the SHINSUKE-BAND led by Shinsuke Shimada, who rose to fame with tough-guy-style manzai comedy.

Written by Shimada himself, the lyrics depict everyday life tinged with loneliness beneath a brash exterior, connecting thematically to the film Gaki Teikoku.

The lineup also included Mr.

Okure and Shoji Murakami.

You look sad.asuka gumi

[80s J-POP] You Look Sad – Asuka-gumi
You look sad.asuka gumi

While many films and dramas featuring delinquents are born from popular manga, this unit, Asuka-gumi, follows that classic pattern as well.

In this song, they give voice to bittersweet maidenly feelings budding deep in the heart, each member expressing it through her own distinct character.

whoosh whooshgedō

The rock band Gedō’s second single.

They were a band popular with biker gangs thanks to performances featuring kimono as stage costumes, torii gate stage sets, and leading the audience in banzai cheers.

They disbanded in 1976, but later reunited and continued activity with various lineup changes.

The 3-3-7 clapping rhythm is unforgettable once you hear it.