The debut song of a beloved national idol from days gone by. Relive that emotion once more.
“Aitakatta,” “Real Face,” “Glass no Shōnen” — the encounters with the songs that became the origins of these national idols are etched in our hearts as vivid memories.
AKB48, KAT-TUN, KinKi Kids, and many other groups have delivered unforgettable moments.
The expressions on their faces as they took their first steps toward the big dream of a major debut still haven’t lost their shine.
From chart-topping hits to long-selling, nostalgic tracks,
we present a selection of debut songs brimming with the boundless potential of these idols.
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The debut song of a beloved national idol. Relive that emotion once more (1–10)
First Lovenaniwa danshi
A seven-member idol group, Naniwa Danshi—who were household favorites on TV dramas and variety shows even before their debut—finally drop their much-anticipated debut single.
“Shoshin LOVE,” read as “Ubu Love,” is a heart-throbbing track with maximum swoon factor.
It also boasts a refreshing vibe that, in a good way, feels different from the typical Kansai Johnny’s style.
Listening to the members’ fresh, innocent vocals might help you recapture the feelings of your first love you’d forgotten.
Learn the easy-to-copy dance and let loose at karaoke!
Can’t Stop!!-LOVING-SMAP
SMAP’s debut work, a straightforward song that gives voice to the pure wishes and dreams of youth.
With its refreshing, hope-filled melody and gentle vocals, this piece tenderly embraces the sparkle and possibilities of adolescence.
Released in September 1991, it impressively reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
In December of the same year, the group made their first appearance at the 42nd NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, marking the first step toward their breakthrough.
It was also used as the ending theme for Beat Takeshi’s TV Tackle, winning love across generations.
Highly recommended for anyone taking a new step forward or wishing to cherish a pure heart.
Slow motionNakamori Akina
A debut work distinguished by its mellow melody and crystalline vocals that gently embrace a budding crush on someone met by the seaside.
With an expressiveness hard to believe for a 16-year-old, Akina Nakamori beautifully captures the fateful moment of encounter.
Released in May 1982 and included on the album “Prologue [Jomaku],” it debuted at No.
58 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, quietly winning listeners’ hearts.
The pure feelings of a girl captivated by the sight of a man walking along the sandy beach are sung with the freshness of a sea breeze.
Evoking the premonition of love that everyone experiences as if it were a scene from a film, this piece is one to enjoy on a tranquil spring afternoon.
The debut song of a nostalgic national idol. Relive that emotion once more (11–20)
Morning coffeeMōningu Musume.
It was released in 1998 as Morning Musume’s major debut single.
For Morning Musume, it was the only CD released by the five original members, and it became Tsunku’s first full-fledged production work.
It reached No.
6 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Youth ClockNGT48
This song portrays the pure first crush of a male student from afar, set along a school route bathed in the warmth of spring.
Throughout, a refreshing pop feel blends beautifully with a nostalgic kayōkyoku style, with soft, airy rap adding a memorable touch.
It gently captures the bittersweet emotion of watching from a distance and a fleeting moment of youth marked by the passage of time, resulting in a heartwarming piece.
Released in April 2017 as NGT48’s major-label debut, it topped the Oricon Weekly Singles chart.
It was also selected as the opening theme for TBS’s “COUNT DOWN TV” in April and May and used in the Ichimasa Kamaboko “Una Jirō” commercial.
The music video was filmed at well-known spots in their hometown of Niigata City and created together with about 1,000 fans.
Highly recommended for those who cherish tender first-love feelings and memories of their youth, this is a wonderful, unforgettable track.
Step and a stepNiziU
A debut work with a warm, gently embracing melody and a message everyone can relate to.
NiziU’s cheer song teaches the importance of moving forward at your own pace.
Dressed in white-themed outfits, the nine members deliver a dance performance in colorful settings that shines like a rainbow.
Released in December 2020, the song was also featured in Lotte’s “Fit’s” commercial and achieved the remarkable feat of reaching No.
1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.
Produced by J.Y.
Park, this track stays close to the hearts of people who value taking one step at a time, giving them courage and hope.
It’s a song we highly recommend to anyone feeling worn out by daily life or searching for their own path.
darknessSTU48
STU48’s debut makes an impression as striking as a sunset sinking into the Seto Inland Sea.
Portraying youthful scenes where wistfulness and strength intersect, this ambitious work reached No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Ranking.
Yasushi Akimoto’s lyrics deftly express young people’s struggles and growth, and the image of the protagonist shouting toward the sound of the waves is deeply moving.
The memorable music video, set against a backdrop of a breakwater, is a superb piece that resonates with the grandeur of the Setouchi landscape.
Released in January 2018, the work won the New Artist Award at the 60th Japan Record Awards.
Like a glimmer of hope drifting in the stillness before dawn, this piece is dedicated to everyone pursuing their dreams.