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!
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Yankee Songs: A Collection of Rebellious/Delinquent/Rowdy Tracks (21–30)
good-for-nothingTHE BLUE HEARTS
When it comes to “yankees” and delinquents, they’re often portrayed as good-for-nothings, but this is a song that says, “It’s okay to be a screw-up or an underachiever!” Even if they’re clumsy, the way they live honestly and straightforwardly as they are feels undeniably cool, doesn’t it? Speaking of THE BLUE HEARTS, it’s also well known that the manga Rokudenashi BLUES features characters modeled after the band members.
BE-BOP-HIGHSCHOOLNagayama Miho
A masterpiece of 1980s idol pop created by the ultimate Showa-era duo: lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and music by Kyohei Tsutsumi! Released in 1985 as the theme song for Be-Bop High School, in which Miho Nakayama—then 15 and known as “Miporin”—starred as the heroine, it became a hit alongside the film.
Together with JINGI: Aishite Moraimasu, the theme for the sequel Be-Bop High School: Koko Yotaro Elegy composed by Tetsuya Komuro, it’s a song that many look back on with fond nostalgia.
Nakayama’s charming performance, portraying a pure yet strong-willed girl, epitomizes the classic Showa idol style—and it’s truly wonderful.
Yankee songs: A collection of tunes about delinquents, rebels, and rascals (31–40)
Bring it onKishidan
This song weaves a title that means picking a fight with anyone into themes of a woman’s love life and way of living.
It’s a declaration of resolve from a woman who can only live straight and true—awkward but sincere—and it portrays the coolness of risking everything to stake your claim in a once-in-a-lifetime life.
Shonan GraffitiMomotarō
Momotaro made his debut as a member of Kureiiso, the junior group of Yokohama Ginbae.
He handled drums and vocals.
This song was used for Yosuke Eguchi’s first starring film, Shonan Bakusozoku, and is included on the soundtrack.
Momotaro’s voice is powerful, and it feels like it would suit anime theme songs as well.
Since 2010, he has resumed activities under the name Kurei with former Kureiiso members Mits and Leer, so be sure to check that out too.
A flawless rock ’n’ rollerarajin
It’s a hit song that won the Grand Prix at Yamaha’s Popcon and also took the Grand Prix at the World Popular Song Festival.
The lyrics are a self-deprecating take from a rock ’n’ roller left behind by the “tsuppari” (delinquent) boom.
The band’s leader, Ani Takahara, has in recent years become known for producing songs related to the variety show “Quiz! Hexagon II.”
Girl ANakamori Akina
Seiko Matsuda followed the lineage of “The Idol” typified by Candies and Pink Lady, while Akina Nakamori carried on the line of Momoe Yamaguchi’s cool, mature style.
Back then, the slightly mischievous older kids seemed overwhelmingly to favor Akina Nakamori.
Her coolness really shone in one of her early big hits, “Shōjo A” — an absolute classic! Using the term “Shōjo A,” which implies a minor, as the title of an idol song was groundbreaking at the time.
Be sure to pay attention to Akina’s vocals, which perfectly showcase the allure of her lower register!
Don’t underestimate me.Matayoshi & Namenna yo
Around the beginning of 1980, the Nameneko craze took off: photos of kittens dressed in biker gang-style outfits became wildly popular, and a flood of character merchandise was sold.
Among these, a record was released under the name Matayoshi & Namenna yo, but the vocals were actually performed by Tetsuo Nishihama, formerly of the band Trans Am.
Although Matayoshi was presented as the main character, it was in fact played by a female cat.
By today’s standards, it’s the kind of Showa-era “tough cat” record that would likely draw protests from animal welfare groups.