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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- A classic track: a timeless anthem of youth punk that defined an era. A nostalgic youth song.
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- 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)
drifting lifeIke Reiko
Speaking of actresses who symbolize the 1970s “zubeko” delinquent-girl films, names like Meiko Kaji, Miki Sugimoto, and Reiko Ike come to mind.
Reiko Ike, who starred in Toei’s girl-boss series and enjoyed immense popularity overseas, was also active as a singer.
She recorded many must-hear tracks for fans of Showa-era and risqué kayou pop, and in 1971 she even released an album titled “Kōkotsu no Sekai” (World of Ecstasy).
From her songs, this time I’m choosing “Fūten Gurashi.” It’s the theme song of the 1973 film “Zenka Onna: Koroshibushi,” which Ike headlined, and from the moment the flashy brass-section intro hits, it’s guaranteed to send fans of gritty Showa pop into ecstasy with its full-on yassagure vibe.
Yankee Songs: A Collection of Rebel/Delinquent/Rowdy Tracks (51–60)
Like James DeanJohnny
He made his solo debut in 1982 with this song, which he wrote and composed himself.
Until then, he had been active as the lead guitarist of Yokohama Ginbae.
Although he belonged to a tsuppari (delinquent-style) band, he himself pursued band activities while enrolled in a university engineering program.
From 1988, he moved to the production side at King Records and has produced many artists.
This song became the theme for the drama “Akane-san no Obentō” and was a hit, so many of you may find it familiar.
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.
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.
Let’s dance until morningTachi Hiroshi
Hiroshi Tachi was known as the leader of Cools, a rock band that began as a motorcycle team.
Cools included members like Koichi Iwaki and Ken Yokoyama.
Back when they were a bike team, they drew attention by serving as the honor guard at Carol’s farewell concert.
Their all-member pompadours and all-black outfits looked cool, and Tachi kept that style even after leaving Cools.
In this song of his, his higher-pitched voice from his younger days is especially appealing.
Stop it, Rock ‘n’ Roll!Mikkī
This is the debut single of Mikki, who appeared as a member of the group opposing the detectives in the drama “Detective Yoroshiku” and became popular.
Despite his small stature, his brash attitude and the distinctive voice of someone going through puberty are his trademarks.
The shout in the intro is in the Akita dialect and means “Don’t come anymore.”
You’re blindingly bright.Yabuki Kaoru
Kaoru Yabuki is a member of the Gin Gane family who debuted as a guitarist following Daisuke Shima and Tetta Sugimoto.
Unlike the other men, he was promoted with an idol-like image.
However, his pride as a guitarist comes through in the inclusion of guitar instrumental tracks on B-sides of singles and on albums.