Lovely anime song

[Nostalgic] A roundup of anime songs and theme songs that were hits in the 1980s

A Vocaloid producer who is also a music writerWakachan Araki
I started playing guitar in middle school and focused on band activities during my student years. I’ve been a hobbyist Vocaloid producer for over 15 years. After entering the workforce, I gained experience in various roles, including event sound engineering and videography/photography. As a writer, I’ve contributed introduction articles for music and manga websites, and in 2022 I had the opportunity to write the bonus liner notes for IA SUPER BEST. My specialties are Japanese rock, Vocaloid, and manga.

The 1980s were a time when TV anime boosted both its quality and presence alongside advances in technology.

And when it comes to anime songs from that era, the mainstream was tracks that boldly put passion front and center, often with the series title right in the song name.

I bet you’ve got a few unforgettable classics that still stick with you.

In this article, we’ll be introducing hit anime songs from the ’80s one after another.

It’s a playlist that’s perfect for rekindling your childhood spirit—or making brand-new discoveries!

[Nostalgic] Compilation of Anime Songs and Theme Songs That Hit in the ’80s (1–10)

Aim for the Top! ~Fly High~Noriko Hidaka, Rei Sakuma

Aim for the Top ~Fly High~

Aim for the Top! ~Fly High~ Noriko Hidaka, Rei Sakuma

The sci-fi robot anime Top o Nerae! (Aim for the Top!), produced by GAINAX, is a classic OVA that represents the 1980s.

The insert song Top o Nerae! ~Fly High~ is sung by Noriko Hidaka as Noriko Takaya and Rei Sakuma as Kazumi Amano.

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Mystical, Mysterious Adventure!Hiroki Takahashi

Maka Fushigi Adventure [Maka Mysterious Adventure]

Mysterious Adventure! Hiroki Takahashi

When you think of Dragon Ball, this is the song! Hiroki Takahashi’s “Makafushigi Adventure!” instantly comes to mind for fans of every generation.

The CD for this 1986 release also includes Ushio Hashimoto’s “Romantic Ageru yo,” which was used as the ending theme.

It’s a track that has been covered by many voice actors and loved across generations.

The lyrics reference the anime’s title, character names, and story elements, making it truly a song made for the series.

It’s an anime song guaranteed to get the crowd going at karaoke!

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Love me gentlyTakako Ota

Creamy Mami OP

Delicately Loving Takako Ohta

The song used for the opening of the anime “Magical Angel Creamy Mami” is Takako Ohta’s “Delicate ni Suki Shite.” Released in 1983, it was her debut single.

Ohta also voiced the anime’s main character, Yuu Morisawa.

The lyrics depict the changeable, delicate feelings of a young girl.

Its poppy, cute melody perfectly matches the vibe of the anime’s characters.

It’s a track that lets you feel both the story’s whimsical fantasy and the realistic side of a girl’s heart.

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[Nostalgic] A roundup of anime songs and theme songs that were hits in the ’80s (11–20)

STEPa-chi a-chi

Comparative video of 'Mashin Hero Wataru'

STEPa・chi-a・chi

A women’s music duo, a・chi-a・chi is known for their uniquely twin-born, exquisite harmonies and crystal-clear, beautiful vocals.

This song was used as the opening theme for the TV anime Mashin Hero Wataru and Mashin Hero Wataru: Seven Souls of Ryujinmaru, and it’s regarded as an unmissable fan favorite among devotees of the series.

Its refreshing ensemble and dramatic arrangement heighten the anticipation for a powerful robot-themed anime.

It’s an iconic theme song that has captivated fans from the 1980s to today.

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You can do something.99Harmony

You Can Do Something “Captain” Theme Song Full

You are 99Harmony that can do something

The baseball manga Captain, drawn by Akio Chiba.

Centered on members of a middle school baseball team, it was a highly relatable and stirring work.

And when it was adapted into an anime, its opening theme was Kimi wa Nani ka ga Dekiru (You Can Do Something).

The lyrics were written by Michio Yamagami, and the music composed by Toshiyuki Kimori.

Its refreshing, beautiful choral arrangement, together with the lyrics, makes it a memorable classic.

Of course, both the original manga and the anime are still thoroughly enjoyable today, so if you haven’t experienced them yet, by all means do.

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Take back the love!!Crystal King

Take back the love!!

Take Back the Love!! - Crystal King

Many people probably feel their excitement rise just by hearing this intro! Crystal King’s 1984 release “Ai o Torimodose!!” (“Take Back the Love!!”) was used as the opening theme for the anime Fist of the North Star.

It has been covered by a variety of artists, including Akira Kamiya, who voiced the protagonist Kenshiro in the anime, and THE ALFEE.

Not only the intro but the song itself leaves a strong impression, so even people who don’t know the anime may still know the track.

Listening to this powerful song—just like the anime—you might feel a surge of strength welling up inside you, like Kenshiro!

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Come here, Perman.Katsue Miwa, Columbia Yurikago-kai

Come on, Perman — Katsue Miwa [Pāman]

Come here, Perman! Katsue Miwa, Columbia Cradle Club

Pāman is a work by Fujiko F.

Fujio, well known for Doraemon.

The story follows an ordinary elementary school student who can transform into Pāman with special abilities by putting on the Pāman Set.

It was adapted into a TV anime in 1983, featuring a striking opening theme with a charming song and a luxurious accompaniment inspired by big band music.

The composer was Yoshiaki Furuta, who also created Sugar’s smash hit “Wedding Bell.”

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