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)
It’s BADTahara Toshihiko
A track provided by Toshinobu Kubota that incorporates rap and really highlights his artistry.
Toshichan, who absolutely loves Michael Jackson.
No matter what people around him said, the way he sang in his own style was impressive, wasn’t it? Kubota himself has covered this song, and it’s groovy and seriously cool! But Toshichan’s singing-and-dancing performance might, in a way, have even surpassed it.
Gloomy, smooth, pricklyTHE GOOD-BYE
This is the seventh single from THE GOOD-BYE, the band led by Yoshio Nomura.
Set to a rock ’n’ roll sound, this lively, upbeat track became especially famous for the section where two members sing alternately, one note at a time.
It has a real sense of speed, and at live shows they cranked it up even more to excite the fans.
Their musicianship had improved a lot around this time as well, and it’s a song that really shows where guitar-loving Yocchan was at.
80s Johnny’s classic and hit songs (31–40)
Head-over-heels in loveShibugakitai
Their fifth single.
Shibugakitai’s songs are really characterized by catchy phrases that stick in your head, aren’t they? Even when the lyrics make you chuckle a bit, once you see and hear this sound paired with the trio’s full-throttle idol performance, it becomes addictive.
The choreography draws on each member’s character, so it can look a little uncoordinated, but that was part of the charm.
The finishing pose at the end of the song is especially memorable, and of course, it was a big hit.
Ah!Tahara Toshihiko
This is Toshihiko Tahara’s 27th single, known as Toshi-chan.
He was starting to shed his hardcore idol image a bit and show a more mature charm, which drew even more popularity.
An eternal idol who captivated everyone with his signature dance moves! His unwavering professional dedication was so cool.
He’s a legendary figure in Johnny’s, no doubt.
Sigh RockabillyKondō Masahiko
Tameiki Rockabilly, the 11th single by Masahiko Kondo, was released in July 1983.
It was a double tie-in: the theme song for the film The Stormy Man, in which he starred, and the commercial song for House Foods’ Kukure Curry.
The songwriting team was a golden duo: lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto and music by Kyohei Tsutsumi.
In conclusion
We’ve introduced some iconic and hit songs by Johnny’s artists from the 80s! How did you like them? Even though these songs are from the 80s, some have been passed down and performed by younger Johnny’s groups, so even those who weren’t around back then may have thought, “I’ve heard this one!” Take this opportunity to explore Johnny’s songs across different generations.
There are still many more wonderful classics to discover!