[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!
- Iconic and hit songs by Johnny’s from the 1990s
- Classic and hit songs by nostalgic Japanese pop idols of the 80s
- [Johnny's Classic Hits] Carefully Selected Popular Songs That Are Sure to Liven Up Any Karaoke Session!
- [Johnny's Medley] A selection of popular songs that continue to captivate many fans!
- Masterpieces and hit songs of 80s Japanese pop (kayōkyoku)
- Iconic Johnny’s songs from the 2000s onward. Nostalgic hits that bring back memories.
- Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 80s
- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
- Now’s the time to listen! Uplifting Showa-era songs that brightened Japan
- Great enka masterpieces and hit songs of the 1980s
- Revival hits driven by social media! Classic Showa-era songs popular with Gen Z
- A collection of nostalgic Japanese hit songs from the 1980s that still linger in our ears
- Thrilling to Cool Showa-Era Tunes! Classic Songs from Female Singers and Artists of the Showa Period
[Showa/80s] Old Johnny’s songs hit me right in the heart. A lineup of classic idol songs (31–40)
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?
Diamond HurricaneHikaru GENJI
Their fourth single, and their popularity has shown no signs of slowing since their debut.
Their roller-skating performances became even more polished, and so many kids looked up to them.
Anyway, that huge, hyped-up presence is quintessential Johnny’s—an idol group like no other! The members were incredibly athletic, too! But why were they always shirtless…? (lol) This was the classic Johnny’s formula of the time.
stripe blueShonentai
It’s a track where a breezy 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, hard-to-sing opening melody is no problem—they still sweep everyone along when the chorus hits.
That’s Johnny’s for you.
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.
Virgin Shock! Virgin ShockShibugakitai
“Virgin Shock!” is Shibugakitai’s fourth single, released in February 1983, composed by Daisuke Inoue.
As the title suggests, it’s a shocking song.
Back then, elementary, middle, and high schoolers sang it without really knowing what “shojo” or “virgin” meant.
It’s a song that gets people hyped at karaoke, but I’ve never seen any of the Johnny’s junior groups perform it.
[Showa/1980s] Old Johnny’s songs pierce the heart. A collection of classic idol songs (41–50)
Capricious One-Way BoyTHE GOOD-BYE
Yoshio Nomura, whose debut was eagerly 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, right? “Yocchan” had always been interested in the guitar, so it was like his wish came true.
Now he’s a famous guitarist—you never know where life will take you.
But that smile of his has been top-notch since back then!
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.