RAG MusicHit Song
Lovely hit song

[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/80s] Old Johnny’s songs hit me right in the heart. A lineup of classic idol songs (31–40)

Diamond HurricaneHikaru GENJI

Hikaru Genji – Diamond Hurricane (Hikari GENJI – Diamond Hurricane)
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.

Rock, Flow Quietly ~Crossin’ Heart~otoko

Rock, Flow Quietly ~Crossin’ Heart~ [Remastered] (from Hit Collection / Otokogumi)
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 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.