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!
- 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)
- Classic and hit Japanese pop songs from the nostalgic 80s
- Iconic Johnny’s songs from the 2000s onward. Nostalgic hits that bring back memories.
- Autumn songs that were hits in the 80s. Classic and popular tracks from Japanese music.
- Evokes the charm of the good old days. Showa-era inspirational songs that are still loved today.
- Top Male Singer-Songwriter Hits of the 1980s: Ranking [2026]
- Including global hits! 80s songs popular on TikTok
- Great enka masterpieces and hit songs of the 1980s
- Now’s the time to listen! Uplifting Showa-era songs that brightened Japan
Johnny’s iconic songs and hits of the 1980s (1–10)
MasqueradeShonentai
Kamen Butokai (Masquerade), released in 1985, was Shonentai’s debut single.
Winning three newcomer awards—the Japan Record Awards’ Best New Artist, the FNS Music Festival’s Best New Artist, and the Japan Kayou Awards’ Excellent New Music Artist—the group quickly rose to the top of the idol scene from their debut.
Featuring mature choreography and highlighting the trio’s looks, Kamen Butokai became a hugely popular karaoke song at the time.
Eat some sushi!Shibugakitai
This is “Sushi Kuinee!”—a classic released in 1986 by Shibugakitai, a Johnny’s group that shone in the ’80s and was loved by everyone from kids to adults.
That lively rhythm and those lyrics! Everyone could enjoy it.
The three members singing and dancing in chef outfits were hugely popular, right? The song was even broadcast on NHK’s “Minna no Uta,” where it drew a big response.
It’s a song that had kids learning the names of sushi toppings—more than fish, really (lol).
Paradise GalaxyHikaru GENJI
Paradise Ginga, the third single by Hikaru GENJI, rocketed them to stardom with their lively style of dancing and singing on roller skates.
At the time of its release, there was a legend that it was so popular that records sold out at most stores as soon as they arrived.
Sales topped one million copies.
Everyone could hum the opening of the song, and it was beloved as a fun, uplifting track that raised the energy.
Hold Me TonightTahara Toshihiko
You could say this is a signature song that showcases “Toshi-chan” at his best.
Like the song itself, it was used as the theme for the hugely popular TV drama in which he starred, Teacher Binbin Story.
His passionate portrayal of a teacher became a major catalyst for the resurgence of Toshihiko Tahara’s popularity and made him beloved by children, too.
The dance performance for this song was also considered super cool and drew a lot of attention.
NAI NAI 16Shibugakitai
Their 1982 song “NAI NAI 16,” with its striking title and lyrics, never fails to surprise me.
I remember being deeply impressed by the brilliance of Yukinojo Mori, who was an extremely popular lyricist at the time.
Looking back now, you can’t help but think the trio who delivered these lyrics so effortlessly were truly tough-as-nails idols.
Yakku’s growling vocal style was a big draw, too.
Teenage in GlassHikaru GENJI
Glass no Jūdai by Hikaru Genji, released in 1987.
Their second single topped the Oricon charts for six consecutive weeks, catapulting them to instant stardom.
Captivated by how cool they looked—singing a song full of melancholy while performing sharp dance moves on roller skates—roller skating became a craze at the time.
Dancing while skating is no easy feat, and this song came to be recognized for showcasing Hikaru Genji’s exceptional performance abilities.
TIMEZONEotoko
A hit single by Otokogumi, an exceptional band that thrived despite being part of Johnny & Associates.
It reached No.
1 on the Oricon Singles Chart in 1989 and also took the top spot on the TV music show “The Best Ten”! The group even performed this song at the 40th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
While Johnny’s talents typically bring to mind looks and style, this standout group put a rugged, band-driven masculinity front and center—this track is their signature song.
