“The Best Ten” was the Best Music Show of the Shōwa Era
The top performers of the era performed live on this popular TV show
The Best Ten was the most popular Japanese music show of the Shōwa era. It was broadcast live from 9 PM on Thursdays from 1978 to 1989.
The program counted down the ten most popular Japanese tunes on its original hit chart every week. The songs were performed live by their musicians.
The show was hosted by Kume Hiroshi, a Japanese television presenter, and Kuroyanagi Tetsuko, a Japanese actress and writer. Many of the most popular Shōwa-era singers and pop idols appeared on the show including Yamaguchi Momoe, Godiego, Sawada Kenji, Tahara Toshihiko, Kondo Masahiko, Matsuda Seiko, Nakamori Akina, Koizumi Kyoko, Kawai Naoko, and Shibugakitai.
Many Top Records
Nakamori Akina
Nakamori Akina won the most top positions with a total of 69 — making her the “Queen of The Top Ten.”
Pink Lady
The top song on the first show aired on January 19, 1978 was UFO by Pink Lady, a Japanese female pop music duo featuring Mie and Kei.
Matsuda Seiko
The song that reached first place on its first appearance on the show was White Parasol by Matsuda Seiko.
Saijo Hideki
The song with the highest score (9999 points) was Young Man (Y.M.C.A.) by Saijo Hideki.
Terao Akira
The song that stayed at the top of the rankings the longest — 12 weeks in a row — was Ruby Ring by Terao Akira.
Itsuki Hiroshi
The song that was chosen as number 1 throughout twelve years was Nagaragawaenka by Itsuki Hiroshi, a famous Japanese enka singer.
Songs that Remind Me of My Boyhood
Kondo Masahiko
Gingiragin-ni Sarigenaku by Kondo Masahiko was a big hit when I was in elementary school.
Itsuwa Mayumi
Koibitoyo (My Boyfriend) by Itsuwa Mayumi is also an impressive song in my memory.
The Best Ten was an unforgettable music show that provided Shōwa-generation Japanese with the best music entertainment. When it came to music in my boyhood, The Best Ten was number one.
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