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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- An anthem for your 30s. Beloved and popular songs that are both heart-pumping and heart-fluttering.
- A classic track: a timeless anthem of youth punk that defined an era. A nostalgic youth song.
- A collection of iconic, cool Showa-era kayōkyoku classics sung by male vocalists
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- Packed with everything from friendship to romance! Youth anthems recommended for Gen Z
- Perfect for karaoke or background music! Energetic songs recommended for men of the Yutori generation
- From emotional tracks to exhilarating tunes! Heisei-era youth songs
Yankee songs. A collection of tough/delinquent/rowdy tracks (41–50)
PAIN IS BEAUTYchanmina
It’s a cool hip-hop track that sings about the importance of living true to yourself, even if society doesn’t recognize you.
The song is by Chanmina, a rapper nicknamed “Beyoncé of Nerima,” and it was released digitally in 2018.
Even if you don’t see yourself that way, people around you might call you a “delinquent” or “rowdy”…
Many of you have probably had that experience.
The lyrics carry a message that will resonate especially with someone like you.
Rock ‘n’ Roll Love Fortune-tellingreisa
This is a song by Reisa, a singer who debuted as the “kid sister” act to Yokohama Ginbae, the quintessential Showa-era tsuppari rock band.
Released as her debut single in 1982, it’s a cute track that highlights a distinctly feminine charm, breezily singing about a yankee girl in love.
The sound is pure rock ’n’ roll—irresistibly feel-good! It’s a number that inevitably brings back memories of those good old days.
Young listeners, be sure to give it a try!
Midnight AngelBLACK SATAN
It’s said that BLACK SATAN is the band the members formed after Kureisu went on hiatus.
Momotarō, who was both the drummer and a vocalist in Kureisu, delivers a husky singing voice as the vocalist of this band.
Compared to Kureisu, which had a delinquent (tsuppari) image, BLACK SATAN wasn’t quite as tsuppari, and there were times when they wore Kabuki-style makeup.
Perhaps the tsuppari style changes with age and the times.
Burikko Rock ‘n’ RollG Reivo
This band debuted as the juniors of Yokohama Ginbae, following Daisuke Shima.
The vocalist is Tetta Sugimoto, who is now active as an actor.
When he was in high school, he got into a fight with some delinquents and was helped by members of Yokohama Ginbae, which led to their connection.
It’s amusing how different he seems from the Tetta Sugimoto we know today.
This song is about the so-called “burikko”—girls who act cute or pretend to be naive, which was trendy in the 1980s—and it has a comical vibe.
Shonan BakusozokuSho
The theme song for the anime version of Shonan Bakusozoku, which gained broad popularity beyond just the delinquent subculture, is sung by Sho, the vocalist and guitarist of the band Ginbae.
He’s also a fan of the work and appears in the live-action adaptation.
It’s a track that shines with a refreshing chorus and arrangement.
crowONE OK ROCK
If you don’t want to be swept along by others and want to move forward just as you wish, give this a listen.
It’s a track by ONE OK ROCK, a popular rock band active overseas as well.
It was included as a B-side on their second single “Yume Yume,” released in 2007.
Energetic yet cool in sound—very much classic ONE OK ROCK.
It’s a fiery hard rock number that ignites the emotions sleeping deep in your chest.
High-Teen BoogieKondō Masahiko
This song, which served as the theme for the film High Teen Boogie—a story about a rebellious transfer student and a high school girl who has lost her parents—is one of Masahiko Kondo’s signature hits, released in 1982.
The lyrics were written by Takashi Matsumoto, and, surprisingly, the music was composed by Tatsuro Yamashita.
The chorus, which interplays with Kondo’s vocals, is performed by none other than Mariya Takeuchi and EPO.
It’s an incredibly lavish lineup that feels worlds apart from the “delinquent” image.
There’s also a version by Yamashita himself, so be sure to give it a listen.