[Nostalgic] A roundup of anime songs and theme songs that were hits in the 1980s
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!
- Recommended anime songs for people in their 50s. Classic and popular anime theme songs.
- Anime songs recommended for people in their 40s, from nostalgic classics to the latest hits.
- Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- Anime songs recommended for people in their 60s: from nostalgic classics to the latest hits
- [Showa Classics] A Collection of Nostalgic 70s Anime Songs
- [Nostalgic Songs] A compilation of classic anime themes that hit home for those born in the Showa and Heisei eras
- [Classic Hits] Popular Anime Songs Representing the Showa Era. Also Introducing Recommended Anime Songs!
- [Collection of Epic Songs] A compilation of cool anime songs chosen by anime fans
- [Nostalgic] Classic and Popular Anime Songs Recommended for People in Their 30s
- Cute Anime Song Special: From the 1970s to Today!
- Get Fired Up! Anime Songs for Men – Classics and New Hits
- Listen More! A Collection of Hidden Gems in Anime Songs
- Including global smash hits! Anime songs recommended for Gen Z
[Nostalgic] A roundup of anime songs and theme songs that were hits in the 80s (21–30)
Wai Wai WorldAdo Mizumori
Dr.
Slump Arale-chan is a television anime based on Akira Toriyama’s manga and was a long-running popular series.
Its theme song, Wai Wai World, sung by illustrator and singer Ado Mizumori, topped Oricon’s TV Anime/Children’s Songs category for two consecutive years.
Dunbine, Fly!MIO
Aura Battler Dunbine, which aired from 1983, was the work Sunrise produced after Mobile Suit Gundam.
MIO, who sang the opening theme, has performed many other anime theme songs as well.
Her husky, powerful voice feels like a perfect match for robot-themed anime tracks.
Originally from Tottori, MIO has also served as a tourism ambassador for Tottori City since 2007.
She later changed her stage name to MIQ and is currently active as a vocal coach, among other roles.
CAT’S EYEAnri
“Cat’s Eye” is an anime based on the manga by Tsukasa Hojo.
Many viewers probably felt their hearts race seeing the Kisugi sisters in their leotards.
The opening theme is “CAT’S EYE” sung by Anri, a smash hit that ranked No.
1 on the Oricon chart for five consecutive weeks.
Love Song of LumYuko Matsuya
Rumiko Takahashi’s manga Urusei Yatsura, serialized in Weekly Shonen Sunday, was adapted into a TV anime from October 1981 to March 1986.
The theme song was Yuko Matsutani’s debut single, “Lum’s Love Song,” which reached No.
50 on the Oricon charts.
The magic spell of love is ‘Sukitokimekitokisu.’Sayaka Ito
Sasuga no Sarutobi is a comedy set at the private Shin-no-Mono High School, a training institute for ninja, and the original manga was serialized in the magazine Shonen Sunday Special.
The theme song, Koi no Jumon wa Sukitokimekitokisu, is sung by Sayaka Ito, who is also active as an actress.
Full of memoriesH₂O
Miyuki is a romantic comedy manga by Mitsuru Adachi that was serialized in Shonen Big Comic, and it was adapted into a TV anime that aired from March 1983 to April 1984.
The ending theme, Omoide ga Ippai, is also well-known as a choral piece.
It's not an anime — oh ancient Earthlings who have forgotten your dreams —Masato Arai
Mobile Suit Gundam ZZ is the sequel to Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam.
While it starts off with a comedic tone, the story becomes serious from the middle onward.
The first opening theme is sung by Masahito Arai.
A classic fan quip is that “Saying ‘It’s anime but not anime’ is ridiculous.”