The '80s were a prosperous time for Japan.
A huge economic bubble and cultural changes led to fashion, music, nightlife, food, and more becoming extravagant and lavish. Some pictures of Tokyo from forty years ago look almost futuristic with all the neon. This upturn was not to last, though, as it was followed by a major economic crisis known as the Lost Decade.
Take a trip back in time and check out these pictures of Japan’s brief 1980s golden age.
1
McDonald’s in Tokyo, 1982
2
Street scene in Tokyo, 1980
3
Waiting for the train in Tokyo, 1980
4
Roller skating near Hiroshima, early 80s
5
Subway entrance in Tokyo, 1980
6
Underground shopping area in Tokyo, 1980
7
San-ai Dream Center in The Ginza, Tokyo, 1980
8
Delinquent students in Japan in the late 80s
9
Billboard for Scarface in Japan, circa 1983
10
Street life in Tokyo, 1980
11
Bullet train station, 1982
12
Waiting to cross the street in Tokyo, 1982
13
The Ginza at night, Tokyo, Japan, 1980
14
Nightlife in Yokosuka, circa 1980s
15
Waitresses at a rest stop in Shizuoka, 1988
16
Tokyo’s famous Shibuya crossing, circa late 70s
17
Opening day of Tokyo Disneyland, 1983
18
A view of Mt. Fuji from Hakone Lake, 1980
19
A gardener smoking a cigarette in Nara, 1980
20
Pachinko parlor in Kyoto, 1980
21
Train station shops in Kyoto, 1980
22
Senso-ji Temple, Tokyo, 1980
23
Fish market in Tokyo, 1980
24
The Ginza, Tokyo, Japan, 1980
