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 (41–50)

The Ideon: Be InvokedIsao Taira

Isao Taira – Resurrection of Ideon

Resurrection Ideon Taira Isao

Space Runaway Ideon is a work directed by Yoshiyuki Tomino—famous for Mobile Suit Gundam—and can be considered a representative robot anime of the 1980s.

Under the pen name Rin Iogi, Director Tomino also wrote the lyrics for the theme song “Revival of Ideon.”

Raise the rankinglower

Sorrowful WarriorDaisuke Inoue

Sorrowful Warrior

Sorrowful Warrior Inoue Daisuke

Daisuke Inoue, a musician who also thrived as the lead vocalist of Jackie Yoshikawa and The Blue Comets, sadly passed away in 2000.

“Ai Senshi,” chosen as the theme song for the animated film Mobile Suit Gundam II: Soldiers of Sorrow, is memorable for its opening, which begins with a soulful vocal over a sprightly piano.

For those familiar with the film, just hearing it is enough to make your heart swell.

While its melody is challenging to sing at karaoke, it’s an undeniable upper tune that’s sure to hype up the crowd if you can pull it off.

Raise the rankinglower

Song of Hakushon DaimaoYuri Shimazaki

Song of Hakushon Daimao

The Song of Hakushon Daimaō by Yuri Shimazaki

Starting with adorable opening sound effects, the friendly lyrics vividly conjure the image of a great demon king emerging from a magic jar.

His character—honest, quick to tears, and full of human warmth—is wonderfully portrayed, making this a heartwarming piece that children and adults alike can enjoy.

Yuri Shimazaki’s bright, soaring vocals further enhance the comedic storytelling atmosphere.

Released by Nippon Columbia in October 1969, it gained popularity as the opening theme for a Fuji TV–broadcast anime airing at the same time.

It’s a perfect track for moments when everyone wants to have fun together—like family time on holidays or children’s events.

Raise the rankinglower

Farewell, gentle daysMamoru Asada

Farewell, Gentle Days / Gankyannons (Daisuke Kase × Haney Mark Kitamura) (January 19, 2019 (5))

Farewell, gentle days — Mamoru Asada

Fang of the Sun Dougram is a real-robot anime directed by Ryosuke Takahashi, characterized by a weighty story depicting a war of independence on a colonized planet.

The opening theme is “Saraba Yasashiki Hibi yo” sung by Mamoru Asada, with the lyrics written by Director Takahashi himself.

Raise the rankinglower

Toward the Future ~New Mighty Atom~ANKH

Toward the Future (New Astro Boy Ending Theme)

Toward the Future ~New Astro Boy~ ANKH

One of Osamu Tezuka’s signature works, the second Astro Boy anime series aired from October 1980 to December 1981.

The ending theme was ANKH’s “Toward the Future ~New Astro Boy~,” which sings about Astro Boy’s abilities.

Raise the rankinglower

Dan Dan Kokoro HikaretekuFIELD OF VIEW

[Duet with the original artist] DAN DAN Kokoro Hikareteku / FIELD OF VIEW’s Yuya Asaoka & CHIAKI

Gradually, my heart is being captivated — FIELD OF VIEW

This song is characterized by its refreshing melody and lyrics that gradually intensify the feeling of being in love.

Captivated by the other person’s smile, it conveys a positive determination to break free from the darkness and the courage to embark on a new adventure.

Released in March 1996 by FIELD OF VIEW, the track features a powerful performance by the band and emotive vocals in perfect harmony, and it also drew attention as the opening theme for the anime Dragon Ball GT.

With heartwarming lyrics by Izumi Sakai and a memorable melodic line by Tetsurō Oda, this is a highly recommended song for those who want to relate to the feelings of being in love or look back on memories of their youth.

Raise the rankinglower

I’m Sanpei the fishing fanatic.MOJO

Tsurikichi Sanpei OP & ED TV audio only

I'm Sanpei the Fishing Fool, MOJO.

Tsurikichi Sanpei is a manga by Takao Yaguchi that was serialized in Weekly Shonen Magazine, and its TV anime aired from April 1980 to June 1982.

The ending theme is “Ore wa Tsurikichi Sanpei da,” sung by singer-songwriter MoJo.

Raise the rankinglower