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 Rebel/Delinquent/Rowdy Tracks (51–60)
On the Machine (Shō and Momoko’s Rock ’n’ Roll)Sugimoto Tetta & LONELY-RIDERS
Sugimoto Tetta & LONELY-RIDERS, who performed this song, were a project band formed specifically for it—a lavish lineup that included members of Yokohama Ginbae and Kureisu.
The lyrics were written by Kazuko Makino, the artist who draws the manga High Teen Boogie, and the cover art is also by Kazuko Makino.
Many people may recognize the opening chant of this song from a Kishidan track, but this is the original source.
It’s a number that could be called a fusion of a “tsuppari” (delinquent) manga and a “tsuppari” band.
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.
Top-speed Rock ‘n’ RollYokohama Ginbae
As a symbol of the ‘tsuppari’ (delinquent youth) culture, this is a signature song by Yokohama Ginbae, the rock band that took the 1980s by storm.
It was included on their debut album Buttigiri, released in September 1980.
Riding on a driving rock ’n’ roll sound, it sings of the youthful energy that blazes through Saturday night at full throttle.
You can feel the recklessness of youth and that headlong momentum of not caring about tomorrow.
It’s recommended not only for adults nostalgic for their younger days, but also for young people who want to live fully in the present.
Leave Saturday night to me.Johnny
Johnny, who was the lead guitarist for TCR Yokohama Ginbae RS, had a sweet singing voice different from Sho, Yokohama Ginbae’s lead vocalist, which made him popular.
He made his solo debut in 1982 with the self-produced “Like James Dean.” He also wrote many songs for artists such as Daisuke Shima and Kureiiso.
From 1988, he moved to the production side at King Records and was active as a director.
This track has a sense of speed that brings back memories of the yankee (delinquent) culture of the time.
Yankee Songs: A Collection of Rebel/Delinquent/Rowdy Tracks (61–70)
Smokin’ BoogieDaun Taun Bugiugi Bando
Here is a single released in 1974 by the Down Town Boogie-Woogie Band.
It’s also known as one of the band’s signature songs.
The lyrics were written by Takeshi Arai, the band’s bassist, and the music was composed by Ryudo Uzaki.
It’s a fun song with humorous lyrics about cigarettes.
Perhaps thanks to its playful vibe, it has been covered by many artists and has inspired numerous parody versions, earning lots of love.
Musically, it’s a simple yet powerful piece built on a three-chord blues progression.
One-on-One FantasyKishidan
This song conveys the tense atmosphere of a one-on-one showdown.
It was included on Kishidan’s original album “THE YANK ROCK HEROES,” their first in about seven years, released in January 2023.
The track was chosen as the theme song for the TV Tokyo drama “Metropolitan Police Department Deliberation Division.” With provocative lyrics, it’s a mid-tempo dance-rock number brimming with rebellious spirit.
Its straightforward sound is a major draw, making it a great recommendation when you want to feel positive or psych yourself up.
Majijo Teppen BluesAKB48
The nationally popular idol group AKB48 has also released a “tsuppari” song themed around yankees (delinquent youth).
With a sound and guitar riffs that consciously evoke ’80s tsuppari tracks, it gives off a strangely nostalgic vibe.
Keywords like “maji” (seriously) and “teppen” (the top) enhance the atmosphere.
The music video features a well-crafted drama, so be sure to enjoy that as well.
