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 nostalgic national idol. Relive that emotion once more (11–20)
Imitation RainSixTONES
SixTONES’ debut work, produced by YOSHIKI of X JAPAN, unfolds a grand musical world.
Amid the interplay of beautiful melodies and an energetic rock sound, profound themes such as hope and reality, falsehood and truth, and life and death are portrayed.
Released in January 2020 as a double A-side single with Snow Man, it marked the first-ever simultaneous debut of two groups in Johnny’s history.
The song was also featured in commercials for NTT Docomo’s live music streaming service, 7-Eleven, and WEGO, winning over a wide audience.
From their debut onward, the evolving vocals of the six members have resonated deeply with many listeners, offering companionship at life’s crossroads and in moments of emotional turmoil.
LOVE YOU ONLYTOKIO
Their debut track, which passionately sings of a dazzling, fiery love, marked the starting point for TOKIO, a band that stood out within Johnny & Associates.
The lyrics, brimming with youth and purity, convey deep affection and fervor for the beloved.
Achieving the remarkable feat of appearing on the 45th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen just 3 months and 10 days after their debut, and serving as the opening theme for the third season of the Fuji TV anime “Tsuyoshi Shikkari Shinasai,” the song captured the hearts of a wide audience beyond idol fans.
Nearly 30 years after their September 1994 debut, it still retains the fresh sparkle of first love and gently encourages anyone struggling with matters of the heart.
Thinking about the blue skyBoku ga mitakatta aozora
A debut work whose hopeful lyrics by Yasushi Akimoto and breezy melody resonate in the heart.
It delicately portrays a grown-up protagonist, dressed in a suit and walking through the city, recalling the dreams and longings of student days.
The composition by Kazuma Matsuo and arrangement by Tsuta Naohiko brilliantly express both nostalgia and anticipation for the future.
It’s a track packed with the fresh charm of “Boku ga Mitakatta Aozora.” Since its release in August 2023, it reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and won the Best New Artist Award at the 65th Japan Record Awards in November of the same year.
It gained attention after being performed on Fuji TV’s FNS Music Festival Summer.
For those overwhelmed by the busyness of daily life and prone to losing sight of their beginnings, it invites you to look up at the sky once more.
A heartwarming song that conveys just that feeling.
STAR LIGHTHikaru GENJI
A gem of a debut that paints youth in pale blue.
Written and composed by Ryo Asuka of Chage & Aska, this song refreshingly celebrates the boundless potential and pure dreams of young people.
It weaves poetic imagery—like soap bubbles and the color of the wind—to portray the incomplete emotions of adolescence and the fleeting feelings of first love.
Released in August 1987 as Hikaru Genji’s major-label debut, it entered the Oricon charts at No.
1, won Best Single at the 2nd Japan Gold Disc Awards, and was included on the album “Hikaru Genji.” Alongside their innovative roller-skate performance, it remains etched in many hearts as a youth anthem brimming with dreams and hope.
Recommended for anyone who wants to cherish pure feelings or relive the sparkle of their teenage years.
Naniwa Iroha-bushiKanjani∞
A debut work distinguished by a unique musical style that fuses enka and rock.
Quoting the traditional Japanese “Iroha Uta,” it powerfully sings of the joys and hardships of everyday life while praising Kansai’s culture and the temperament of its people.
The song strongly conveys Kanjani Eight’s love and pride for their hometown.
Released exclusively in the Kansai region in August 2004 and nationwide the following month, it was used as the ending theme for the TV Tokyo variety show “Ura-Jani.” Highly recommended for those who want to savor a distinctly Kansai atmosphere or who are interested in a fusion of traditional Japanese music and contemporary sound.
D.D.Snow Man
With a powerful beat, a song has emerged that lets the individuality of all nine members shine.
It’s a track filled with Snow Man’s strong aspirations for their dreams and their determination to move forward.
Through both vocals and dance, it expresses the act of pressing on—even when pausing at times, even when feeling uncertain.
Released in January 2020 as a simultaneous debut with SixTONES, it sold 1.328 million copies in its first week and topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
An anthem meant for those striving to overcome hardship and look ahead.
This gem of a song is packed with a moving message and a perfectly synchronized dance performance by the nine members.
The debut song of a beloved national idol. Relive that excitement once more (21–30).
MUSIC FOR THE PEOPLEV6
It was released in 1995 as V6’s debut single.
The song was used as the image song for Fuji TV’s Volleyball World Cup 1995, with lyrics written by Yasushi Akimoto.
It reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and is the second best-selling song among V6’s tracks.