[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/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.
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 partly because it was featured as the Song of the Month on Fuji TV’s children’s program “Hirake! Ponkikki.” As a purchase bonus for the record, buyers received a red nylon bag inspired by a carrot.
Summer HolidayOrenji Shisutāzu
In fact, Johnny & Associates 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 chart.
While that’s not a great number, astonishingly, including the B-side, the arrangements were done by The Ventures—something you’ll only find in Japan anywhere in the world.
Gloomy, smooth, pricklyTHE GOOD-BYE
This is the seventh single by THE GOOD-BYE, the band led by Yoshio Nomura.
Set to a rock ’n’ roll sound, this light, high-spirited track drew attention above all for the section where two singers alternate singing note by note.
It’s got a great sense of speed, and at live shows they took it up a notch, making it even faster to thrill the fans.
Their musicianship had improved considerably around this time, and for guitar-loving Yocchan, this track really shows where he was at!