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

Fate of FlameTETSU

Fate of Flames / TETSU

Flame of Fate TETSU

Armored Trooper VOTOMS is one of director Ryosuke Takahashi’s signature works and can be considered a pinnacle of the “real robot” genre, which portrays robots as weapons.

The opening theme, Fate of the Blaze, was also used in OVAs produced after the TV broadcast ended, making it a familiar song to fans.

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Burning HeroHiroyuki Okita

Burning Hero

Moete Hero Okita Hiroyuki

It’s a quintessential 80s anime song! The vocals blend a boyish sweetness with a husky strength, powerfully conveying pure passion for victory and the unbreakable bonds of friendship.

Sung by Hiroyuki Okita—who was also popular as an actor—this track was the B-side of a single released in November 1983.

As the first opening theme for the national hit soccer anime Captain Tsubasa, it sent Japan into a frenzy.

You could say it’s the perfect song for that peak moment when anticipation of a big win reaches its highest point.

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Gale ZabungulAkira Kushida

Gale Zabungul

Shippū Zabunguru Akira Kushida

Combat Mecha Xabungle is a robot anime with a comical tone set on a future Earth that has turned into a desert.

It was also the first work to feature what is now a familiar development: the protagonist switching to a new machine during the story.

The theme song is sung by Akira Kushida.

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Ninja Hattori-kunJunko Hori

Ninja Hatori Opening [JAPANESE]

Ninja Hattori-kun Junko Hori

One of Fujiko Fujio (A)’s representative works, Ninja Hattori-kun, began airing as a TV anime in 1981 and became a long-running series with a total of 694 episodes.

The opening theme was sung by Junko Hori, who played Hattori-kun, and was later covered by Shingo Katori.

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Ganmō Doki!Suzy Matsubara

GU-GU Ganmo OP

Ganmo Doki! Suzy Matsubara

The TV anime Gu-Gu Ganmo began airing in 1984.

The protagonist is Ganmo, a creature that resembles a chicken, and the series depicts his everyday life after he ends up boarding with a human family.

The original work is a manga by Fujihiko Hosono, who is also known as the creator of Sasuga no Sarutobi.

The theme song was sung by Miki Matsubara, under the name “Suzy Matsubara.” Perhaps that stage name was chosen as a playful nod to oden ingredients like “ganmo”? Enjoy, as you reminisce about those days.

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Ro-Ro-Ro-Russian RouletteMeiko Nakahara

Ro Ro Ro Russian Roulette

Ro-Ro-Ro-Russian Roulette Meiko Nakahara

Dirty Pair, which began airing in 1985, is an anime set in a futuristic world.

It follows Kei and Yuri, a pair of beautiful trouble consultants with the codename “Lovely Angels,” as they solve a variety of problems.

The opening theme, sung by Meiko Nakahara—who also scored a big hit with “Kimitachi Kiwi Papaya Mango da ne”—is a track richly infused with late-1980s pop sensibilities that really captures the spirit of the era.

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[Nostalgic] A roundup of anime songs and theme songs that were hits in the 80s (21–30)

Glory Covered in ScarsObo Takeshi

Glory Covered in Scars — Song: Takeshi Obo [TV Anime “Ashita no Joe 2” Opening Theme] (Episodes 1–25)

Glory Covered in Scars — Obo Takeshi

Speaking of the theme songs for Ashita no Joe, the one sung by Isao Bito that aired from 1970 is famous, but this is the opening theme from the second series, which aired starting in 1980.

It’s a cool, fast-paced track, isn’t it? The saxophone in the interlude is memorable, too.

The singer, Takeshi Obō, also performed songs for the classic Star of the Giants.

An American film with the same title, depicting a professional boxer, was released in 1956, so the song’s title may have been inspired by that.

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