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 excitement once more (21–30).
A-RA-SHIarashi
It was released in 1999 as Arashi’s debut single.
The song was used as the image song for Fuji TV’s 1999 Volleyball World Cup and reached number one on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It remains one of Arashi’s most popular songs even today, and many people sing it at karaoke.
Everybody GoKis-my-ft2
It was released in 2011 as Kis-My-Ft2’s debut single.
The song was selected as the theme for the TBS Friday drama “You’re Beautiful,” starring group members Yuta Tamamori and Taisuke Fujigaya.
Due to the impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, the release was postponed, and the title track’s lyrics and arrangement were changed to create a song that would light up Japan and inspire hope.
It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
Sentimental JourneyMatsumoto Iyo
It was released in 1981 as Iyo Matsumoto’s debut single.
The song was used in a commercial for Lotte’s Ghana Chocolate and reached No.
9 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It won numerous awards, including the Broadcast Music Newcomer Award at the 13th Japan Kayō Awards and the New Artist Award at the 24th Japan Record Awards, becoming Iyo Matsumoto’s biggest hit.
EQUAL RomanceCoCo
It was released in 1989 as CoCo’s debut single.
The song was used as the second ending theme for the TV anime Ranma 1/2 and was originally created as Fuji TV’s summer campaign song for 1989.
It reached No.
7 on the Oricon charts.
Ultra Music PowerHey! Say! JUMP
It was released in 2007 as Hey! Say! JUMP’s debut single.
The song was chosen as the image song for Fuji TV’s Volleyball World Cup 2007, following previous selections from Johnny’s talent groups V6, Arashi, and NEWS.
It reached number one on the Oricon weekly singles chart.
Real FaceKAT-TUN
It was released in 2006 as KAT-TUN’s debut single.
Written by Shikao Suga and composed by Takahiro Matsumoto of B’z, this song was created by a star-studded duo.
It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and achieved million-seller status.
It also won Single of the Year at the 21st Japan Gold Disc Awards.
5 seconds before I fall seriously in loveHirosue Ryōko
It was released in 1997 as Ryoko Hirosue’s debut single.
The song was used for NTT DoCoMo’s “Pocket Bell” commercial and as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Thursday’s Ghost Stories ’97: Akuryō Gakuen.” The lyrics, composition, and production were handled by Mariya Takeuchi.
It became a major hit, reaching No.
2 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.