GENJI Super 5

Songs: 2Anime overview: 1
Description
GENJI Super 5 is a Japanese music artist known for being the rebranded version of the popular 1980s and 1990s idol group Hikaru GENJI. The group was a male idol unit managed by the talent agency Johnny & Associates. Hikaru GENJI originally debuted in 1987 with seven members and was famous for performing on roller skates. In 1994, following the departure of members Mikio Osawa and Hiroyuki Sato, the group was renamed Hikaru GENJI SUPER5, often shortened to GENJI Super 5. This five-member lineup consisted of Kohji Uchiumi, Kazumi Morohoshi, Junichi Yamamoto, Akira Akasaka, and Atsuhiro Sato. The group continued to release music under this new name until its disbandment in September 1995.

As a music creator connected to anime works, GENJI Super 5 is most notably recognized for their contributions to the long-running NHK anime series Nintama Rantaro, which began airing in 1993. The group performed theme songs for the show, continuing the involvement of the original Hikaru GENJI group with the franchise. The original Hikaru GENJI had previously performed the iconic opening theme Yuki 100% for the series, a song that would be covered by numerous other artists for decades. Under the GENJI Super 5 name, the group recorded ending theme songs for the anime.

Two of their most verified songs connected to Nintama Rantaro are Don't Mind Namida (DON'T MIND 涙) and Shaking Night. Both songs were released as a double A-side single on October 21, 1994, under the Pony Canyon label. The single was released in a mini CD format. For these tracks, the lyrics were written by Goro Matsui, while the music and arrangement were handled by Koji Makaino. These songs are included as ending themes in the Nintama Rantaro anime series. The group's connection to the series is further documented in compilation albums. In 2012, a 20th-anniversary album for Nintama Rantaro featured the Don't Mind Namida and Shaking Night tracks by Hikaru GENJI SUPER5. A decade later, the 30th-anniversary compilation album NHK Anime Nintama Rantaro 30 years anniversary THE BEST SONGS, released on October 26, 2022, also included both songs, confirming their lasting association with the franchise.

The musical output of GENJI Super 5 as a distinct group was relatively brief, spanning approximately one year. Their discography includes the single Melody Five, released on November 18, 1994, and the single Don't Mind Namida / Shaking Night. A third single, Bye Bye, was released on May 19, 1995. The group also released one studio album under the GENJI Super 5 name. Titled Someone Special, it was released on March 17, 1995, and contained ten tracks, including Angelic Day, Diva, Kimi wa Gyakushu Suru!, Someday, Ashita ga Aru sa, Lover's Beat, The Long and Windy Road, Najimi no Mujina, Kimi ga Ireba Nani mo Iranai, and Koori ga Tokete Chi ni Kawaru Made. Their final album, See You Again, was released on August 19, 1995, as a limited edition three-CD set. This album is considered the last original album of the group and includes a disc of solo performances by members. The group disbanded shortly after on September 3, 1995, bringing the Hikaru GENJI project to a close.
Songs
  • Don't Mind Namida (DON'T MIND 涙 Don't Mind the Tears)
    : 1
  • Shaking Night
    : 1