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.
- Debut song of a 1970s idol
- [Popular Johnny's Songs] Johnny's masterpieces that both hardcore fans and casual listeners must hear
- [2026] Recently trending boy groups. List of male group singers
- Top Female Singer-Songwriters and Popular Songs of the 2000s [2026]
- An idol-sung cheer song: A roundup of recommended tracks that lift your spirits when you listen
- An emotional song sung by an idol—tear-jerking tracks filled with a range of feelings.
- An idol-sung youth anthem: a roundup of songs celebrating sparkling, radiant days
- Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 80s
- Popular Dance Songs Ranking [2026]
- [Graduation Song] A tear-jerking track sung by an idol! A moving piece depicting friendship and gratitude [2026]
- A collection of timeless ballads sung by idols—songs that deeply touch the heart
- Love songs sung by idols: from heart-wrenching tracks to ones that make your heart skip a beat!
- A breakup song sung by an idol. A collection of bittersweet love songs.
The debut song of a beloved national idol. Relive that excitement once more (21–30).
age; the age range typical for adolescence or a particular stage in lifeYamaguchi Momoe
This is the memorable debut single of Momoe Yamaguchi, born from the show “Star Tanjō!” The lyrics were written by Kazuya Senke, with composition and arrangement by Shunichi Tokura.
It was a launch that carried the full weight of expectations as “the big Sony, the big new star.” The refreshing melody that evokes a sea breeze and the lyrics about a 14-year-old girl’s pure feelings of first love are a perfect match.
The moment you become aware of the one you like, the world suddenly looks more vivid—this song brings back that fresh, innocent sensation.
Precisely because this song existed, the shift in her subsequent works toward the slightly darker ‘Aoi Sei’ direction may have appeared all the more dramatic.
Don’t take off my sailor uniformo nyanko kurabu
It was released in 1985 as Onyanko Club’s debut single.
Despite being their debut, it reached No.
5 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, with lyrics written by Yasushi Akimoto.
As one of Onyanko Club’s signature songs, it has been covered by later generations of idol groups.
The debut song of a beloved national idol. Relive that excitement once more (31–40)
I’m not afraid of wolves at all.Ishino Mako
It was released in 1978 as Mako Ishino’s debut single.
After passing the Nippon TV audition program “Star Tanjō!” and making her entertainment industry debut, this was her first single record.
The lyrics were written by Yū Aku, who served as a judge on “Star Tanjō!”, and the music was composed by Takuro Yoshida.
It has become one of Mako Ishino’s signature songs.
Glass BoyKinKi Kids
It was released in 1997 as KinKi Kids’ debut single.
The lyrics were written by Takashi Matsumoto and the music was composed by Tatsuro Yamashita.
It topped the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and became their biggest hit single.
Nineteen years after its release, they performed this song when they made their first appearance at the 67th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Love! Love! Skip!HKT48
It was released in 2013 as HKT48’s debut single.
Meru Tashima served as the center for the song, and it received many tie-ins, including being used as the ending theme for TBS’s “HKT48 no Odekake!”.
It’s a power-pop tune bursting with overwhelming energy, perfectly suited for the debut of a group of girls with an average age of 15.
Dreaming 15-year-oldSumairēji
S/mileage’s major-label debut captures the summer romances of 15-year-old girls, filled with gentle vocals and bittersweet feelings.
Eurobeat-style synths blend with a kayōkyoku-inspired melody, tenderly expressing the fluttery first loves unique to adolescence.
Depicting a girl’s heart swaying between idealized scenes—summer festivals, fireworks, seaside dates—and reality, the song was produced by Hello! Project’s renowned producer Tsunku♂.
Upon its May 2010 release, it reached No.
5 on the Oricon charts and went on to win the Best New Artist Award at the 52nd Japan Record Awards.
It’s a perfect track for those who want to relive the sweet-and-sour memories of youth or empathize with a down-to-earth teenage girl’s feelings of love.
Irresponsible? Who cares—LOVE!KAMIGATA BOYZ
An energetic, pop-infused track that puts the charms of Kansai front and center.
Released in May 2024 as the debut single of KAMIGATA BOYZ, a unit formed by members from a Kansai-based group.
With lyrics celebrating the “Kamitagata spirit” and expressing love for cities across the region, the song brims with Kansai pride.
The music video features homages to nostalgic TV shows and a “one-shot gag” competition scene.
Sing it in Kansai dialect and you’ll feel like a true Kansai local! Let’s all sing along and have a blast together.