FRIDAY’s 40 Years: Iconic Shots that Defined Japan

The Birth of FRIDAY

FRIDAY was first published in 1984, during a time when the footsteps of the bubble economy were drawing near, ushering in a consumer culture almost unimaginable today. The economic boom was mirrored in the media, leading to the magazine’s birth amidst such a vibrant era.

One of the most symbolic events of its early years was the Japan Airlines crash. On August 12, 1985, a jumbo jet tragically crashed into Mount Osutaka in Gunma Prefecture. Reporters who rushed to the scene were confronted with a harrowing sight. The exposed mountainside was strewn with numerous bodies, some charred black from fires ignited during the crash, others bearing severe injuries like skull fractures. Scattered among the wreckage were vacation mementos—Disneyland plush toys, swimsuits—likely belongings of passengers returning from holiday trips during the Obon season.

 

Amid the overwhelming stench of death in the hellish scene, a glimmer of hope echoed through the forest.

“There’s a survivor—!!”

FRIDAY captured the tense rescue operation by helicopter on camera. Ultimately, four people were saved, but 520 passengers and crew perished, marking the deadliest aviation accident in Japan’s history.

Since then, FRIDAY has continued to document the intersection of life and death, covering major disasters and heinous crimes from the frontlines. It vividly reported the aftermath of the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. The magazine has also delved into the highs and lows of the entertainment world, including the 2000 scoop of Takuya Kimura (now 51, then 27) and Shizuka Kudo (now 54, then 30) on a trip to Tanegashima. Conversely, in 2019, it exposed the truth behind Yoshimoto Kogyo’s illicit dealings.

With rare photos, FRIDAY traces its remarkable journey.

Amid the booming bubble economy of the 1980s! Witnessing shocking scenes during FRIDAY’s early days.

FRIDAY was launched just before Japan became engulfed in the bubble economy.

During this period, numerous historical incidents occurred, including the Recruit scandal and the series of child murders. Notably, the assassination of the chairman of Toyoda Shoji unfolded during a live TV broadcast. The assailant suddenly appeared and stabbed the chairman with a bayonet, creating an unprecedentedly shocking scene that was broadcast directly into viewers’ homes. A FRIDAY photographer also witnessed the entire event. In the world of sports, Kazuhiro Kiyohara (57, then 18) and Masumi Kuwata (56, then 17), now legends of Japanese baseball, electrified the Koshien tournament as the “K.K. duo.” Additionally, the Hanshin Tigers won their first-ever Japan Series championship, prompting ecstatic fans to jump en masse into the Dotonbori River. The intense waves of the era are palpable.

 

The Assassination of Toyoda Shoji Chairman Nagano
July 5, 1985 Issue

On June 18, 1985, Kazuo Nagano (aged 32 at the time), chairman of Toyoda Shoji, was stabbed to death in his apartment. The photo captures the moment immediately after the murder, as the perpetrators emerged holding the weapon. Toyoda Shoji operated a fraudulent scheme targeting elderly individuals living alone, convincing them to purchase bullion and providing securities instead of cash, resulting in damages of approximately 200 billion yen. On the day of the incident, around 30 members of the media had gathered upon hearing reports that Chairman Nagano will be arrested today. However, two men claiming to have been asked by victims appeared, broke in through a window, and murdered Nagano. Although 39 years have passed since the incident, crimes targeting elderly individuals to steal their money have not diminished; instead, they have evolved into forms like ore-ore scams and pinpoint robberies. The lessons from Nagano’s assassination have yet to be fully heeded.

 

“K.K. Combo” Sensation
September 6, 1985 Issue

The Hanshin Tigers players, drenched in beer and pouring a giant barrel of sake, celebrated their historic victory. On November 2, 1985, the Hanshin Tigers won their first-ever championship in their 50th year as a franchise. Randy Barth (70, then 31) won the Triple Crown with a .350 batting average, 54 home runs, and 134 RBIs. Masayuki Kakefu (69, then 30) hit .300 with 40 home runs, while Akifumi Okada (66, then 27) had a .342 average with 35 home runs, collectively hitting 129 home runs. At the victory celebration, barrels of sake and 2,000 bottles of beer were scattered across the venue, turning the floor into a pool. Meanwhile, in Osaka’s Ebisu Bridge area, 61 fans jumped into the cold waters of the Dotonbori River. Excited fans overturned two passing taxis, prompting the deployment of 300 riot police officers. This wild celebration remains deeply etched in the hearts of the fans.

 

Prince Reinomiya wears a FRIDAY T-shirt

’86 September 5th issue

Heading to the tennis court, the young Emperor (64, the Prince Hironomiya, 26) and Prince Akishino (58, then Prince Reinomiya, 20). They could have been wearing brand-name tennis wear, but both were in T-shirts. And if you look closely, you can see the FRIDAY logo on the left chest of Prince Akishino’s T-shirt.

“The year before, FRIDAY published an article titled ‘Touring food stalls and supporting Prince Reinomiya’s Gakushuin Pro Wrestling.’ It reported on Prince Akishino’s friendly appearance at Gakushuin University’s school festival. Later, we sent a framed photo from the article and an original T-shirt from the editorial department to the Gakushuin University Co-op for Prince Akishino, but we never imagined he would actually wear it.” (The editor-in-charge at the time)

This photo was taken on August 7, 1986. It was a scene during a visit to Karuizawa with His Majesty the Emperor (then Crown Prince) and Empress Michiko for some rest. Thirty-eight years have passed since the photo was taken, and we can only pray for the continued development of the Imperial Family.

 

“Hamakoh” Resignation Announcement
March 4, 1988 issue

Due to his forceful conduct of meetings and controversial remarks, Koichi Hamada (aged 84, then 59) resigned as Chairman of the House of Representatives Budget Committee. While it was typical for him to angrily confront reporters, shouting “What the hell, you bastard!”, on this occasion, he fled in a panic, still carrying the momentum of his earlier jog, shouting “Stop it!”

Serial Murder of Young Girls
September 8, 1989 Issue

Between 1988 and 1989, four young girls were abducted and murdered in Saitama and Tokyo, and the perpetrator sent bones and declarations of his crimes to the victims’ families and newspapers, sending shockwaves throughout society. On July 23, 1989, the perpetrator, pictured here, was arrested: Miyazaki Tsutomu (age 45 at the time of his death, age 26 at the time of the crimes). During his trial, he repeatedly made statements such as “A rat-like human appeared, and I didn’t know what was happening, and before I knew it, something like a mannequin had fallen.” As a result, a psychiatric evaluation was conducted, and in February 2006, he was sentenced to death, with his sentence carried out in June 2008. Miyazaki’s father, after spending five years arranging compensation for the victims’ families, committed suicide by jumping off a 32-meter-high bridge over the Tamagawa River. This tragic case highlighted the grim reality that, in such heinous crimes, not only the victims but also the families of the perpetrators can be devastated.

From the FRIDAY November 22–29, 2024 combined issue.