A Beginner's Guide to Johnny's Vol 2. Part 2: Kondo Masahiko

This is the first post to actually have the artist as the topic so for the introduction to this series go Here~

So Let's Get Started!~

Who is Kondo Masahiko?

Kondo Masahiko (近藤真彦) or Matchy-san is the oldest still active artists signed to Johnny's & Associates. He is a solo artist and was also active as a semi-professional race driver.

History of Kondo Masahiko

Kondo Masahiko was born on July 19th 1964 and ed Johnny's at the age of 13. Than at the age of 15 he starred in the drama 3-nen B-gumi Kinpachi sensei alongside two other notable Jr's Tahara Toshihiko and Nomura Yoshio. Than in 1980 he debuted with his single "Sneaker Blues" with whom he was the first singer to debut on the Oricon charts at number 1 and till the 2000s also the only teen to have topped it.

In 1981 he released his hit song Gingiragin ni Sarigenaku which in the overall ranking of the year was nr 21 and which he also performed twice on Kohaku and the song is often covered by jrs.

In 1984 he did something which was quite unusual for active idols and that is he started a racing career and had quite a few successes. In 1988 took part in the All-Japan Formula Three Championship for the first time. The year afterwards since he still is an Idol he released another one of his notable songs which was "Andalucia ni Akogarete" which actually was a cover of the japanese punk rock band The Blue Hearts.

Besides racing he also did acting and there in 1985 he starred in the movie "Ai Tabitachi" alongside Nakamori Akina. The two than dated after the movie and also got engaged however after Kondo cheating in 1989 Akina tried to end her life in his apartment. She was discovered in time and rushed into the hospital. There was a press conference for the two to make up but I know I try to be neutral in these posts but its horrifying to watch and it is also one part why he is the most disliked Johnny's.

In 1994 he than got married to a non celebrity woman and he also took part in the 24 hours of Le Mans at that time.

In 1996 he had his next notable single which was "Midnight Shuffle" which was used for the Drama Ginro Kaiki File: Futatsu no Zuno o Motsu Shonen starring than Jr Domoto Koichi and which made him appear in the Kohaku on that year.

in 2005 he celebrated his 25th anniversary he than did a limited concert tour and appeared on notable shows of other Johnny's including SMAP and Arashi. Than in 2006 he released his tribute album Matchy Trinute and his best of album Matchy Best.

Than in 2007 he collabed with the Jr group Question? And did a Narutk Shippufen ending which was called " Mezamero! Yasei". Also in 2007 his son was born.

than in 2010 he held his so far last nation wide tour and in 2017 he released his latest single "Kiseki"

As of me writing this matchy-san has been suspended from November 2020 onwards since it's been found out that he has been cheating on his wife for 5 years with a now 31 year old woman. The two were discovered in Okinawa by Shukan Bunshun.

Trivia to Kondo Masahiko

So first up I want to address the most hated Johnny's and in yearly rankings he is usually in it and I mean the things he has done especially with the women in his life aren't nice to say the least. However I think what fans also don't appreciate are the ego vs. the talent he has. I do not want to drag him here but one of the two doesn't add up to the other. He might be a good race car driver maybe I can't judge that but as an idol he might lack some things.

However he is still to this day considered the "oldest son" of Johnny's since he has been in the company the longest.

His hobbies include biking and mini cars.

Music Recommendations

Sneaker Blues

Here

Gingiragin ni Sarigenaku

Here

Midnight Shuffle

Here

He does not have regular shows so next point~

He also does not have a lj community or anything but for his music you can find most of it on YouTube just type his name and it's there!

Okay and that's it for the first artist part~ :v: 🏼

Next up is Tahara Toshihiko!