![[Showa/1980s] Old Johnny’s songs pierce the heart. Idol songs full of masterpieces.](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/XFGWYi_cAx4/maxresdefault.webp)
[Showa/1980s] Old Johnny’s songs pierce the heart. Idol songs full of masterpieces.
In the Showa era, Johnny’s songs brightened TV music programs and brought energy and excitement to living rooms across Japan.
Male idols of the time were incredibly popular, and the Johnny’s tracks born mainly in the ’80s are packed with a timeless charm that still resonates today.
Whether you were captivated in real time back then, or have only recently become interested in Showa-era Johnny’s, take a look back at these classic hits that you’ll find yourself humming along to!
[Showa/1980s] Old Johnny’s songs pierce the heart. Idol songs full of masterpieces (1–10)
Paradise GalaxyHikaru GENJI
Hikaru GENJI’s third single, “Paradise Ginga,” shot them straight to stardom with their lively style of singing and dancing on roller skates.
At the time of its release, there was a legend that it was so popular most stores sold out of the record as soon as it arrived.
Sales topped one million copies.
Everyone could hum the opening, and it was beloved as a fun, hype-raising song.
MasqueradeShonentai
This is “Kamen Butokai,” released in 1985—the debut single by Shonentai.
Winning three newcomer awards—the Japan Record Awards Best New Artist, the FNS Music Festival Best New Artist, and the Japan Kayō Awards Excellent New Music Artist—Shonentai instantly rose to the top of the idol scene from their debut.
With its mature choreography and staging that highlighted the trio’s looks, Kamen Butokai became a popular karaoke hit at the time.
Hold Me TonightTahara Toshihiko
You could say this is one of his signature songs, where “Toshi-chan’s” charm is on full display.
Like the song itself, it was used as the theme for the hugely popular TV drama “Kyōshi Binbin Monogatari,” in which he also starred.
His portrayal of a passionate teacher became a major catalyst for Toshihiko Tahara’s comeback in popularity and made him beloved by children as well.
The dance performance for this song was also super cool, drawing attention and becoming a hot topic.
Teenage in GlassHikaru GENJI
Glass no Jūdai by Hikaru Genji, released in 1987.
Their second single topped the Oricon charts for six consecutive weeks, catapulting them to instant stardom.
Captivated by how cool they looked—singing a song full of melancholy while delivering razor-sharp dance moves on roller skates—roller skating became a trend at the time.
Dancing while skating is no easy feat, and this track came to be recognized for showcasing Hikaru Genji’s exceptional performance skills.
Eat some sushi!Shibugakitai
This is “Sushi Kui Nee!”—a classic released in 1986 by Shibugakitai, who were active in Johnny’s in the ’80s and loved by everyone from kids to adults.
That lively rhythm and these lyrics! Everyone could enjoy it.
The three members singing and dancing in chef outfits were hugely popular, right? The song was also aired on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” where it drew a big response.
It’s the kind of song where kids ended up learning the names of fish—well, more like sushi toppings (lol).