The magazine Newtype is Japan's best known publication for all things anime, at one point, they compiled a top 30 list for male and female characters for each decade starting from the 80s leading up to 2010s.
As this is a Japanese magazine, it's my opportunity to judge the Japanese on their taste in anime characters; I will not be judging these characters on their rank, only their inclusion on the list.
Each list will have a score out of 30 judging their taste.

Starting with the 80s
1, Lupin III
100% agree and easily a candidate for best character overall.
2, Char Aznable
Pretty iconic, although his taste in women is alot to be desired, tentative agreement.
3, Saotome Ranma
100% agree, one of few characters who could easily be on both lists.
4, Amuro Ray
Easily the most recognisable Gundam pilot of all time, 100% agree.
5, Son Goku
An easy yes, although this would be more Dragonball than DBZ
6, Saeba Ryo
I can see why he's here, a little polarizing with his personality but I would agree.
7, Uesugi Tatsuya
I've not seen the anime he's in but from his description it's a no from me.
8, Kamille Bidan
Hell no! He's the 80s Shinji Ikari.
9, Pazu
Laputa character, I can see the appeal, agree.
10, Moroboshi Ataru
Godfather of harem and romantic comedies, agree.
11, Ikusabe Wataru
Never seen his anime, doesn't stand out to me, no.
12, Conan ("Future Boy Conan")
Not seen but know how ridiculously popular this anime was, benefit of the doubt.
13, Yang Wenli
Not seen his anime, honestly won't remember him.
14, Kenshiro
Big powerhouse character, definite yes.
15, Godai Yusaku
Not seen much Maison Ikkoku but know his popularity, I'll go with yes.
16, Roddy Shuffle
Stupid name from an anime I'm barely going to remeber, it's a no.
17, Sanada Ryo
Not seen his anime but aware of popularity, tentative yes.
18, Chirico Cuvie
From Votoms, he doesn't really look the part of a popular character, it's a no.
19, Adalbert von Fahrenheit
Galactic Heroes again, I'm not feeling it, it's a no.
20, Seiya
Iconic to the era, very much agree.
21, Ozora Tsubasa
It's Captain Tsubasa, very much agree.
22, Hathaway Noa
Hell no! He's even worse than Kamille and how could you overlook Bright Noa?
23, Hoshino Tetsuro
Benefit of the doubt for this one. Yes
24, Bernard Wiseman
Surprisingly going to say yes, he's a great character.
25, Shinohara Asuma
Tentative but will say yes.
26, Rom Stohl
Another benefit of the doubt, tentative yes.
27, Ichidō Rei
I'm impressed he was even picked, yes for picking a more obscure character.
28, Rabi
Definite no, not really a standout.
29, Ladios Sopp
Strange choice but I'll say yes for picking a feminine designed male character for an 80s list.
30, JJ
Far from the best character but nice to see some Zillion getting represented.
Score: 21/30

1, Nausicaa
Popular film, definite yes.
2, Lum
Anime's first major waifu, yes.
3, Lynn Minmay
Tentative yes, I'll say why later.
4, Otonashi Kyoko
The first of Rumiko Takahashi's leading ladies, it's a yes.
5, Sheeta
Popular movie from Ghibli, it's a yes.
6, Clarisse
I'll say no as it neglects a more prominent Lupin character.
7, Tendo Akane
Yes, she's roughly equal to other Ranma characters.
8, Kiki
Yes, Kiki is very popular.
9, Sayla Mass
Wish her role was bigger but still yes.
10, Haman Karn
Definitely, best female in Gundam.
11, Elpeo Ple
Ball of energy for an often tragic set of clones, yes.
12, Maetel
I don't know why, but I'd say yes.
13, Hayase Misa
I'd rank her higher than Minmay, yes.
14, Momo
Definitely considering her impact on the medium.
15, Ayukawa Madoka
From the criminally underrated Kimagure Orange Road, yes.
16, Asakura Minami
Not seen anime but feel she's not worth it. No.
17, Doronjo
I applaud this choice, yes.
18, Four Murasame
No, I found her irritating.
19, Ple Two
This may seem unfair but Ple 12 did it better, no.
20, Kisaragi Honey
Iconic magical girl, definitely.
21, Izumi Noa
Patlabor, I'll say yes.
22, Takaya Noriko
Gunbuster, yes, she's a great character.
23, Shinobibe Himiko
Poor design, unknown anime, no.
24, Lana
Tentative yes as it's Future Boy Conan.
25, Christina Mackenzie
Surprisingly no, I found her unremarkable.
26, Lalah Sune
Didn't like her at all, no.
27, Fraw Bow
Sayla Mass accomplished more in the same role, no.
28, Fa Yuiry
Even more bland than Fraw Bow, no.
29, Katue Piason
Don't know who she is, don't care.
30, Sakura Mami
Disappointed the design isn't better, no.
Score: 19/30

Verdict: I imagine this era is going to be high scoring as not many fans have seen alot of 80s anime, I've let alot slide but was far stricter on the females list as many big name female characters of the era were overlooked.