Shibugakitai
| Company type | Male idol group |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music, Entertainment |
| Founded | 1982 |
| Founder | Johnny & Associates |
| Defunct | 1988 |
| Fate | Disbanded |
| Headquarters | Tokyo , Japan |
Area served | Japan |
Key people | Toshikazu Fukawa, Masahiro Motoki, Hirohide Yakumaru |
| Products | Music singles and albums, films |
| Owner | Johnny & Associates |
Number of employees | 3 (members) (1982–1988) |
| Parent | Johnny & Associates |
Shibugakitai (シブがき隊, The Cool Kid Trio) was a Japanese male idol group managed by Johnny & Associates, active between 1982 and 1988. The trio comprised Toshikazu Fukawa (Fukkun), Masahiro Motoki (Mokkun), and Hirohide Yakumaru (Yakkun).
History
In 1981, Fukawa, Motoki, and Yakumaru appeared as students in the TBS youth drama 2-nen B-gumi Senpachi-sensei. Their rising popularity prompted Johnny Kitagawa to officially debut them as a group in 1982. The name Shibugakitai originated from fan-given nicknames meaning "cool brat team."
Their first single, "NAI・NAI 16," launched in May 1982, reached number three on the Oricon charts and number four on TBS's The Best Ten. Their next release, "100%...SO Kamo ne!," earned them the Best New Act award at the 24th Japan Record Awards and secured their appearance at the 33rd Kōhaku Uta Gassen.
Although a male group, Shibugakitai was part of the influential "Flower Group of '82," which included prominent idols such as Akina Nakamori and Kyoko Koizumi. This collective dominated key music programs and idol events throughout the 1980s.
The band gained recognition for their "novelty songs," which drew inspiration from Johnny Kitagawa’s blend of French Japonisme with traditional Japanese cultural motifs like ninja and kabuki. Tracks like "Zokkon Love," "Hey Bep-pin!," and "Katsu!" exemplified this distinctive style.
Their most prominent novelty track was the 18th single, "Sushi Kui Nee" (1986), celebrating sushi culture. Despite its unique appeal, it peaked only at number ten on Oricon. An English version titled "OH! Sushi," featuring a poorly translated lyric adaptation, was re-released but underperformed on charts while later cultivating an international cult following.
Starting in 1985, Shibugakitai’s popularity waned due to competition from emerging Johnny's groups such as Shonentai and Hikaru Genji, as well as other artists like Kōji Kikkawa and The Checkers. Internal discord intensified, particularly with Yakumaru resisting collaborations with rival groups, which created tension within Shibugakitai.
On August 7, 1988, the group declared their disbandment to focus on solo endeavors and held a farewell concert at Yoyogi National Gymnasium on November 2, 1988.
Members
Toshikazu Fukawa (布川敏和; born August 4, 1965, in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture) – Member Color: Red
Masahiro Motoki (本木雅弘; born December 21, 1965, in Okegawa, Saitama Prefecture) – Member Color: Yellow
Hirohide Yakumaru (薬丸裕英; born February 19, 1966, in Musashino, Tokyo Metropolis) – Member Color: Blue
Post-Disbandment
Following their breakup, each member departed from Johnny & Associates to develop independent careers.
Toshikazu Fukawa
Fukawa wed Kaori Tsuchiya—a fellow member of the Flower Group of '82—in 1991; they divorced in 2014. He continues to work as a television personality and is affiliated with his son’s production company Fdce as of 2020.
His son Shunta Fukawa (born 1992) began acting in the Kinpachi-Sensei series in 2007. Daughter Momoka (born 1994) is active as a model and TV personality. In May 2021, Fukawa became a grandfather through Momoka.
Fukawa’s sister is Tomoko Fukawa, formerly a member of Onyanko Club.
Masahiro Motoki
- Refer to Masahiro Motoki for comprehensive information
Hirohide Yakumaru
Yakumaru has established a distinguished solo career encompassing acting, writing, and hosting talk shows. Between 1996 and 2014, he served as co-host of TBS's morning program Hanamaru Market alongside the late Kumiko Okae. As of 2024, he shares hosting duties on TV Tokyo's Nanairo Biyori! with former idol Miyuki Kōsaka.
During the period surrounding the dissolution of the Flower Group, Yakumaru was romantically involved with fellow member Chiemi Hori; their relationship concluded in 1989. On June 4, 1990, he publicly announced his marriage to Hidemi Ishikawa, another member of the Flower Group. At the time, Ishikawa was eight months pregnant, and the couple had kept their relationship confidential to prevent any conflict with their agency.
The couple later moved to Honolulu, Hawaii, where they raised five children, including actor Sho Yakumaru (born 1990), football player Hayato Yakumaru (born 1993), and actress Remi Yakumaru (born 1996). While Yakumaru frequently travels between Japan and Hawaii for work, Ishikawa retired from the entertainment industry following their marriage and now operates a jewelry store chain in Waikiki.
In January 2021, Yakumaru became a grandfather through his son Sho.
Film
- Come On Girls! (Shibugakitai Boys & Girls) (July 10, 1982)
- Third-Year High School Boys (December 18, 1982)
- Headphone Lullaby (July 10, 1983)
- Barrow Gang BC (April 27, 1985)
Awards
|- | rowspan="3" | 1982 | 13th Japan Music Awards | Best New Artist | rowspan="3" | "100%... SO Kamo ne!" | |- | rowspan="2" | 24th Japan Record Awards | Best New Artist | |- | New Artist Award | |- | 1983 | 25th Japan Record Awards | Golden Idol Award | "Zokkon Love" |