A must-see for those born in the 1980s! | A nostalgic anime special

Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam

Episode 1 | Zeta Gundam [Gundam Channel]

This work centers on Kamille Bidan and depicts the conflict between the Titans—an offshoot of the Earth Federation Forces—and the AEUG.

As a sequel to the anime Mobile Suit Gundam, it builds on the history of the previous series, and the continued appearances of certain characters are key points of interest.

This installment features many transforming mobile suits, offering fresh appeal while also hinting at plans for toy tie-ins.

It’s a work whose strategy becomes clear: retaining the loyalty of existing fans of the previous series while attracting new audiences through the expansion of mobile suits and the introduction of distinctive new characters.

By inheriting the prior storyline, it also captivates with the intensity and grandeur of its battles.

Kiteretsu Encyclopedia

Kiteretsu Encyclopedia OP/ED Song Collection

Based on a manga by Fujiko F.

Fujio, this work had a special broadcast in 1987 and began airing on television in 1988.

Like Doraemon, another signature work by Fujiko F.

Fujio, it features a mascot-like character and handy gadgets; however, a major difference is that in this series those gadgets are inventions by a figure from the Edo period.

Another noteworthy point is that the relationship between the protagonist, Kiteretsu, and the robot he created, Korosuke, stands in stark contrast to the relationship between Nobita and Doraemon in Doraemon.

Drawing on the Edo-period invention motif, many of the device names are distinctly Japanese, and the touch of period-drama elements is one of the series’ charms.

Touch

touch opening 2

Based on a manga by Mitsuru Adachi, this work has long been loved as a baseball-themed story.

Alongside the dedication to baseball, the inclusion of romantic comedy elements is a key point, giving the impression that the reasons for facing baseball are emphasized even more.

As the story progresses and the relationships among the twins and their childhood friend change, you get drawn into the narrative, and your interest in baseball grows as well.

Another distinctive feature is that it stands in stark contrast to hot-blooded, hard-core sports dramas; the characters may come across as cool or detached, which instead conveys a sense of hidden fighting spirit and adds realism.

It portrays various forms of youth through baseball and is a work that likely had a major influence on later baseball manga.

Dragon Ball

[Official] Dragon Ball Episode 1: “Bulma and Son Goku”

Dragon Ball is a television anime that enjoyed immense popularity not only in Japan but also overseas, representing the 1980s—often called the golden age of Jump.

While it’s now renowned as a monumental battle manga, did you know that at first it was an adventure story about searching for the Dragon Balls, as the title suggests? Even amid serious developments, it featured plenty of gags and sexy elements, and many fans love that original style.

It’s a masterpiece anime that we hope not only those of that generation, but also people unfamiliar with that era, will watch.

Tropical Boy Papuwa-kun

Tropical Boy Papuwa-kun OP “N’baba Love Song”

Nangoku Shōnen Papuwa-kun, which began serialization in Monthly Shōnen Gangan in 1991 and started airing as an anime in 1992.

The characters are so emblematic of that era—Papuwa-kun, the dog Chappi, and the friends living on the island are adorably chibi-styled.

While the story follows a classic shōnen pattern, with the assassin organization Gamma Squad showing up one after another to fight, it leans heavily into comedy, making it popular not just with boys but with girls as well.

The theme song—and the ‘Nbaba Dance’—really captured kids’ hearts!

DRAGON QUEST - The Adventure of Dai -

Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai Opening (OP) (1991 Anime)

It’s a manga serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump based on the world and setting of the game Dragon Quest.

The anime aired from 1991 to 1992 and has continued to be beloved not only in Japan but around the world.

A key point of interest was how battles in Dragon Quest were depicted, bringing realism to game systems whose movements had previously been unclear.

A new anime adaptation was produced in 2020, and combined with the work’s high quality, it drew significant attention.

Chie-chan’s Struggle Chronicles: Jarinko Chie

[Season 2/Episode 1] Chie’s Struggle Story: Jarinko Chie “DOWNTOWN STORY” (1991) │ A heartwarming home comedy full of humor, Part 2 │ TMS 60th Anniversary

This is an anime that began airing in 1981, based on Haruki Etsumi’s manga Jarinko Chie (Chie the Brat).

The series’ popularity is evident both from the fact that the original manga ran for 19 years in Manga Action and from its transition from a feature film to a TV anime.

Set in an Osaka offal grill restaurant, it portrays young Chie’s hard work as she runs the shop in place of her father, Tetsu, who doesn’t hold a job.

Another major appeal is the lively Osaka dialect used by the characters, befitting its setting in Osaka’s downtown.