Iconic and hit songs by Johnny’s from the 1980s
Hikaru GENJI, Masahiko Kondo, Shonentai, Shibugakitai, Otokogumi…
Top idols who were active in the ’80s and delivered countless classic songs to us.
In this article, we’ll introduce standout and hit songs from Johnny’s acts in the 1980s Japanese music scene.
From timeless tracks still covered by their junior Johnny’s groups to nostalgic hits that bring back memories of that era.
Those old feelings will flare up again—you’re sure to feel your heart swell! These are tracks we especially want today’s Johnny’s fans—who may not know much ’80s music—to hear!
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Iconic and Hit Songs by Johnny’s from the 1980s (21–30)
Rock, Flow Quietly ~Crossin’ Heart~otoko
It’s a song that became the theme for a movie they themselves starred in.
They were popular as a Johnny’s act that put masculinity front and center and really let the music speak.
They were called idols, but they were skilled musicians too, so I can’t help thinking that if they toured live houses separately from their idol concerts, it would get pretty wild.
This track is cool too, isn’t it?
stripe blueShonentai
It’s a song where a refreshing vibe intertwines with a danceable sound, emphasizing that this style isn’t just for idols.
You can really feel Shonentai’s power in it.
Even the tricky melody at the start is no problem—they still carry everyone along when the chorus hits.
That’s Johnny’s for you.
Virgin Shock! Virgin ShockShibugakitai
Virgin Shock is the fourth single by Shibugakitai, released in February 1983.
The song was composed by Daisuke Inoue.
As the title suggests, it’s a shocking track.
Back then, many elementary, middle, and high school students sang it without knowing what “shojo” or “virgin” meant.
While it’s a song that really hypes up a karaoke session, I don’t recall ever seeing any of the younger Johnny’s talents perform it.
Run! Goin’ BoyThe Eagles
A 1983 single by the Johnny & Associates group Eagles, which included Koji Uchiumi and Mikio Osawa—both of whom later found success as members of Hikaru Genji.
It served as the ending theme for the animated TV program based on Eagle Sam, the mascot character of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
Many people may recall it alongside the memorable performances of Carl Lewis, a symbol of the L.A.
Games.
Capricious One-Way BoyTHE GOOD-BYE
Yoshio Nomura, whose debut was highly anticipated following Toshihiko Tahara and Masahiko Kondo, finally released his long-awaited debut song! That said, his debut wasn’t as a solo artist but as part of a band, which felt fresh and turned out to be a perfect choice.
“Yocchan” had always been interested in the guitar, so it was like his dream came true.
Now he’s a well-known guitarist—life is unpredictable, isn’t it? But that smile of his has been second to none since back then!
Carrot GirlTahara Toshihiko
“NINJIN Musume” is Toshihiko Tahara’s 10th single, released in August 1982.
In addition to his popularity at the time, the song became a hit after being featured as the Song of the Month on Fuji TV’s children’s program “Hirake! Ponkikki.” As a bonus for purchasing the record, buyers received a red nylon bag inspired by a carrot.
Summer HolidayOrenji Shisutāzu
In fact, Johnny’s once had a female group called the Orange Sisters.
They were active for only two years.
Their debut single, “Summer Holiday,” was released in March 1984 and peaked at No.
97 on the Oricon charts.
While that’s not a particularly strong showing, what’s remarkable is that—even including the B-side—the arrangements were done by The Ventures, something you’d be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world but Japan.