Candies (group)
| Company type | Idol group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1973 |
| Defunct | 1978 |
| Products | Music albums and singles |
was a Japanese idol trio established in 1973, making their debut with the single "Anata ni Muchū". The ensemble was composed of (), (), and (). Their songs, crafted by notable composers including Michio Yamagami, Kōichi Morita, Yūsuke Hoguchi, and Kazuya Senka, struck a chord with Japan’s youthful demographic.
Biography
Candies secured eight top 10 singles such as "Toshishita no Otokonoko", "Haru Ichiban", "Natsu ga Kita!", and "Hohoemi Gaeshi", cementing their status as one of the foremost idol groups in 1970s Japan alongside Pink Lady.
At the height of their fame in 1977, they declared their intention to exit the music scene with a public announcement. Their final live performance was held at Korakuen Stadium on April 4, 1978.
Following the group's dissolution, Ran and Sue transitioned into acting careers, while Miki briefly resumed her singing activities before retiring upon marriage.
A planned reunion tour in 2008, commemorating 35 years since their debut and three decades after their farewell concert, was canceled due to conflicting schedules and personal commitments. Instead, they collaborated remotely to produce a commemorative "Time Capsule" compilation album without convening in person.
Sue succumbed to breast cancer in April 2011. At her funeral, Ran and Miki delivered eulogies and disclosed that the members had long harbored hopes of reuniting on stage, although this never materialized.
In 2011, the program Music Station ranked Candies at number 32 among the Top 50 Idols of All Time, recognizing their sales surpassing five million units.
By 2019, Ran had returned to performing as a solo artist.
Legacy
Two years post-disbandment, Candies were depicted as anthropomorphic cats in the 1980 anime Sue Cat, named after member Sue.
In 2025, segments from their track 銀河系まで飛んで行け！ ("Fly to the Galaxy!") were prominently featured in both the opening and closing sequences of the animated YouTube series "MILKY☆SUBWAY THE GALACTIC LIMITED EXPRESS".
Discography
- Anata ni Muchū: Uchiki na Candies (1973)
- Abunai Doyōbi: Candies no Sekai (1974)
- Namida no Kisetsu (1974)
- Toshishita no Otokonoko (1975)
- Sono Ki ni Sasenaide (1975)
- Haru Ichiban (1976)
- Natsu ga Kita! (1976)
- Candies 1½: Yasashii Akuma (1977)
- Candy Label (1977)
- Sōshunfu (1978)
Kōhaku Uta Gassen appearances
| Year / Broadcast | Appearance | Song | Appearance order | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 (Shōwa 50) / 26th | Debut | "Toshishita no Otokonoko" | 4/24 | Zoo True Bee |
| 1976 (Shōwa 51) / 27th | 2 | "Haru Ichiban" | 3/24 | Four Leaves |
| 1977 (Shōwa 52) / 28th | 3 | "Yasashii Akuma" | 7/24 | Hideki Saijo |
See also
- Japanese idol
- Pink Lady
- Momoe Yamaguchi
- Junko Sakurada