[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!

Playlist

[Showa/1980s] Old Johnny’s songs pierce the heart. Idol songs full of masterpieces.
	Title	Playlist	Review
1	Paradise GalaxyHikaru GENJI		Paradise Ginga, the smash-hit song by Hikaru GENJI
2	MasqueradeShonentai		Shonentai debut song “Masked Ball”
3	Hold Me TonightTahara Toshihiko		A signature song by Toshihiko Tahara that was used as a TV drama theme song
4	Teenage in GlassHikaru GENJI		Hikaru Genji’s “Glass no Jūdai” becomes a big hit
5	Eat some sushi!Shibugakitai		Shibugaki-tai’s 1986 classic “Sushi Kuinee!”
6	TIMEZONEotoko		Otokogumi’s 1989 hit song
7	Subtly flashy (bling-bling, but nonchalant)Kondō Masahiko		A signature song of Masahiko Kondo that won three newcomer awards
8	High-Teen BoogieKondō Masahiko		Masahiko Kondo represents Johnny’s in the 1980s
9	NAI NAI 16Shibugakitai		Lyrics and vocal style of the 1982 release “NAI NAI 16”
10	STARLIGHTHikaru GENJI		Hikaru GENJI's debut song became a big hit
11	Only for youShonentai		A dance performance to a Johnny’s ballad has become a hot topic.
12	The Legend of the DecameronShonentai		High-energy lyrics and dances from Johnny’s songs
13	Autumnotoko		Popular winter-release songs by Otokogumi
14	DAYBREAKotoko		The band Otokogumi wins the Newcomer Award
15	Sneaker BluesKondō Masahiko		Masahiko Kondo’s Perfect Classic Hit Song
16	Aishuu de Ito (New York City Nights)Tahara Toshihiko		Shun-chan’s debut song is hugely popular
17	ABCShonentai		In Shonentai’s dance number, the highlight is when they kick up the microphone.
18	Longing for AndalusiaKondō Masahiko		Solo debut song by the guitarist of THE BLUE HEARTS
19	foolKondō Masahiko		A hit song after the idol’s reinvention is getting rave reviews
20	100%…That might be the case.Shibugakitai		Single award-winning song, popular for its lively lyrics
21	Blue Sky Only YouHikaru Ippei		Hikaru Ippei’s 1981 debut song
22	DJ in My LifeShibugakitai		Shibugakitai’s nostalgic summer love song
23	KILLShibugakitai		Shibugakitai’s urbane breakup song
24	Do fashionNakamura Shigeyuki		Shigeyuki Nakamura’s solo debut song, a hidden gem of the ’80s
25	Sword DanceHikaru GENJI		Hikaru Genji love battle song hit
26	Searching for EarthHikaru GENJI		Hikaru Genji’s grand space-themed single
27	LADYShonentai		Shonentai singles, anime theme songs
28	Startled and GoodTahara Toshihiko		Toshihiko Tahara’s 1980s hit songs
29	Boogie Boogie I Love YouTahara Toshihiko		Toshihiko Tahara’s upbeat dance number
30	CROSS TO YOUotoko		A high-velocity rock number by Otokogumi
31	Parting Highwayotoko		An iconic youth rock anthem that races on a motorcycle
32	Blue Jeans MemoryKondō Masahiko		A blockbuster youth kayō song by Masahiko Kondo
33	Yokohama teakKondō Masahiko		A love song by Masahiko Kondo set in Yokohama
34	Sorry to keep you waiting.Nomura Yoshio		Yoshio Nomura’s Rock ’n’ Roll Apology Song
35	Love = Do!Tahara Toshihiko		Toshihiko Tahara’s 1981 hit song “Cha-Cha”
36	Diamond HurricaneHikaru GENJI		An idol’s dynamic, exhilarating fourth single
37	Rock, Flow Quietly ~Crossin’ Heart~otoko		A theme song that showcases the idol’s masculinity and musicality
38	stripe blueShonentai		The danceable, refreshing power of Shonentai
39	Run! Goin’ BoyThe Eagles		Eagles' Olympic song, related to Hikaru GENJI
40	Virgin Shock! Virgin ShockShibugakitai		The Shockingly Single Song by Shibugakitai
41	Capricious One-Way BoyTHE GOOD-BYE		Yoshio Nomura's band debut song
42	It’s BADTahara Toshihiko		Toshi-chan’s fiery rap for Michael lovers
43	Carrot GirlTahara Toshihiko		Toshihiko Tahara’s hit song “NINJIN Musume”
44	Summer HolidayOrenji Shisutāzu		The short-lived debut of a Johnny’s female group
45	Gloomy, smooth, pricklyTHE GOOD-BYE		THE GOOD-BYE's 7th single
46	Head-over-heels in loveShibugakitai		The alluring songs and performances of Shibugakitai
47	Ah!Tahara Toshihiko		Toshihiko Tahara's mature charm shines
48	Sigh RockabillyKondō Masahiko		Masahiko Kondo’s single songs tied in with films and commercials