Throwback Thursday: Wink - Sabishii Nettaigyo

    This week's Throwback Thursday song is "Sabishii Nettaigyo" by pop duo Wink! This group is one of my personal favorite Golden Era idols and this song is not only my favorite of theirs, but it was also their biggest hit. The video reeks of the late 80s/early 90s both in sound and fashion, but this isn't necessarily a bad thing! There is definitely a certain charm in the video that is lost in most current JPop. Those who know my musical tastes when it comes to Japanese Pop know that I have a soft spot for the classic idols of the eighties and nineties. With that in mind let me point out that this group, and song, define the tail end of the Golden Era of Idols. Moving back to the song, it is not only infectious, but also contains a certain timeless quality that allows modern listeners to enjoy it without it coming off as campy or cheesy. Also noteworthy regarding this song's timeless factor is the fact that this song has been covered my many artists over the years, not the least of whom are "W" (A Hello! Project unit consisting of Kago Ai and Tsuji Nozomi) and Up-Front soloist Kikkawa You. A true classic if there ever was one.
    Wink was a duo made up of Suzuki Sachiko and Aida Shoko. They were formed by way of a beauty contest put on by UTB (Up To Boy) Magazine, a contest in which Suzuki won and Aida was a runner-up. They debuted with the single “Sugar Baby Love” in 1987 which was a cover of a song by American artists,  The Rubettes. This cover would not prove to be a unique occurrence as many of their early singles/songs were in fact covers of western songs with original Japanese lyrics. Their first major chart-topping single was “Ai ga Tomaranai ~Turn It into Love~” (1988) which was, you guessed it, a cover. This one being their take on the famous Kylie Minogue song of the same name. Even though their excellent covers can be listed ad infinitum, they are probably best known for their single “Sabishii Nettaigyo” (1989). Which is also notable for being their first original, non-cover single. Sadly, facing the coming of the "Idol Ice Age" Wink disbanded in 1996, they both continued their careers as TV personalities, actresses as well as some solo activity.

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Wink - Sabishii Nettaigyo (1989)

W - Sabishii Nettaigyo (2004)

Kikkawa You - Sabishii Netaigyo (2012)