Hit Japanese songs that represent 1997. Recommended masterpieces.
Masayoshi Yamazaki, GLAY, Mr.
Children, THE YELLOW MONKEY, L’Arc-en-Ciel, Namie Amuro, SPEED…
From the many classic songs that lit up the J-POP charts in 1997, we’ve selected hit tracks recommended by our studio staff.
It’s a nostalgic J-POP playlist that still shines vividly today.
Representative Japanese hit songs of 1997. Recommended masterpieces (1–10)
Like tonight’s moonElefanto Kashimashi
A signature song by Elephant Kashimashi that ranked 9th on the Oricon monthly chart for September 1997 and 81st on the year-end chart.
Its charm lies in the acoustic guitar, unadorned lyrics, and sincere vocals.
It served as the theme song for the drama “Because the Moon Shines at Night,” and has also been featured in commercials and covered by many artists.
lipsGLAY
A masterpiece that sensually portrays a heartrending romance, it deftly captures emotions swaying between passion and desire.
The protagonist’s irrepressible impulses and a foreboding sense of love’s fragility fuse beautifully in this gem of a song.
Released in May 1997 by GLAY, it was used as the ending theme for Fuji TV’s music program “HEY! HEY! HEY! MUSIC CHAMP” and topped the Oricon Singles Chart.
That autumn, it was also included on the acclaimed album “REVIEW – BEST OF GLAY.” It’s a track that resonates deeply when you want to unleash the passion hidden in your heart or when your feelings for someone special are growing stronger.
The powerful performance and emotional vocals create a world that will gently embrace not only rock fans but also anyone struggling with love.
Kujira No. 12JUDY AND MARY
A pop-rock tune with a powerful, bouncing bassline and guitar riffs, reminiscent of high-energy soccer.
JUDY AND MARY crafted this as a cheer song for Japan, filled with their passion for sports.
YUKI’s clear, crystalline vocals and TAKUYA’s memorable ending leave a lasting impression.
Released in February 1997 as the lead single from the album THE POWER SOURCE, the track was also featured in a commercial for Honda’s Live Dio scooter and reached No.
5 on the Oricon chart.
Its refreshing melody and exhilarating drive make it the perfect song when you’re taking a new step forward or want to cheer someone on.
ESCAPEMOON CHILD
A J-pop track that epitomizes the band sound of the ’90s, featuring clear, sharply defined guitars and an engaging bassline.
Released as a single in May 1997, it was used as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “FiVE,” and it fully showcases MOON CHILD’s musicality.
Included on the albums “MY LITTLE RED BOOK” and “Treasures of MOON CHILD,” the song achieved a remarkable feat on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart, soaring from No.
9 to No.
1.
Even after the band’s breakup, it has continued to be covered by many artists—including dream, Hitomi Shimatani, and Yutaro Miura—cementing its status as a timeless classic.
Its stirring melody and deeply relatable message continue to move listeners with undiminished impact.
STEADYSPEED
Accompanied by a music video memorable for its sepia-toned seaside scenes, SPEED’s second single was released in November 1996.
It sold 1.5 million copies, earning a spot at No.
5 on the 1997 annual singles sales ranking.
While its bittersweet lyrics speak of love, the song conveys a forward-looking spirit.
Chosen as the theme song for the TV Asahi drama “Itazura na Kiss,” it captured the hearts of many viewers.
Beyond the allure of their vocals and dance, the track lets listeners feel the group’s growth through its melodic lines.
Filled with feelings for a cherished person swayed by love, it remains beloved by many listeners even today.
FACEglobe
A gem of a dance-pop tune that fuses Tetsuya Komuro’s exceptional production with KEIKO’s richly expressive vocals.
Released as a single from avex globe in January 1997, its sophisticated sound—woven from electronic rhythms and memorable melodies—captures the heart.
Chosen as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Kanojo-tachi no Kekkon” and as the CM song for NTT’s “Multi-Net Fair,” it debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
Long cherished as one of globe’s signature tracks, it was also included on the album “FACES PLACES,” selling over 3 million copies.
Its dramatic progression and groovy sound make it perfect for heart-lifting moments or reminiscing about times with someone special.
Soulmatesupittsu
A gem of a song whose delicate lyricism finds meaning in the small moments of everyday life, paired with a universal message that questions the nature of love in modern society.
Released as a single in November 1997, it is known as a work that symbolizes Spitz’s musical evolution.
The striking sound—where the warmth of acoustic guitar harmonizes with new approaches like breakbeats—reached No.
3 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart.
It also drew attention as the theme song for the 1999 film “Whisper of the Moonlight.” Highly recommended for those who want to listen alone on a calm night, or for anyone seeking emotional support at a crossroads in life.