Hit Japanese songs that represent 1997. Recommended masterpieces.

I love youKawamura Ryuuichi

Ryuichi Kawamura “I love you” MUSIC VIDEO

A heart-stirring ballad woven from a delicate singing voice and profound expressions of love.

Ryuichi Kawamura’s solo debut is a memorable masterpiece whose romantic melody is matched by vivid imagery that evokes the shoreline.

Chosen as the ending theme for the music program COUNT DOWN TV, the song reached No.

4 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart after its release in February 1997, and it continues to shine as one of Kawamura’s signature tracks.

This exquisite love song, sung with sincere emotion, distinctive expressiveness, and soaring high notes, is sure to touch the heart—perfect for a nighttime drive when love is in the air or for special moments with someone important.

How gasoline sloshesBLANKEY JET CITY

How the Gasoline Shakes by Blankey Jet City

It’s a masterpiece among masterpieces by the legendary rock band BLANKEY JET CITY.

From the striking opening guitar phrase that mixes open strings to the transition into a tension-filled riff, the progression is superb—an electrifying rock tune with no weak points anywhere you cut it.

contrailFurawā Kanpanīzu

Flower Companyz - Contrail

This is Flower Companyz’s sixth single, selected as the theme song for the TV Tokyo network anime Hare Tokidoki Buta.

It’s characterized by lyrics and a melody that evoke a certain innocence fitting the anime’s worldview, and it lets you savor a straightforward rock sound.

YOU ARE THE ONETK presents konetto

YOU ARE THE ONE TK PRESENTS KONETTO High-Quality Full

This is a charity single that was formed and released after Tetsuya Komuro sought the support of the artists he had previously written, composed, and produced for.

Looking at the participating artists, you can truly appreciate how remarkable Tetsuya Komuro is.

The song itself has TK’s signature style in full, with a warm, calm atmosphere—like a song dedicated to someone important.

Like when we first metEvery Little Thing

"Like When We First Met" MUSIC VIDEO / Every Little Thing

Every Little Thing’s 5th single, which reached No.

3 on the Oricon weekly chart and No.

45 for the year.

It was used in a Morinaga “ICE BOX” commercial.

It’s the only single with a Japanese title released while leader Mitsuru Igarashi, who later left the group, was still a member.

The video is from their tour at the time, and although Kaori Mochida’s outfit looks youthful, it’s surprising how little she seems to have aged even now.

rainbowL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc～en～Ciel “Niji” -Music Clip-

A song that holds deep meaning for the members.

It was released when L’Arc~en~Ciel resumed activities after a hiatus, and it is the only single they put out as a three-member lineup.

It was also used as the opening theme for the film Rurouni Kenshin: The Motion Picture (Requiem for the Ishin Shishi) and became a hit, reaching number 3 on the weekly Oricon chart and number 53 on the year-end chart.

Liar! Liar!B’z

B’z / Liar! Liar!

This track seizes listeners’ hearts with its overwhelming guitar riffs and high-velocity sound.

Tak Matsumoto’s razor-sharp guitar work and Koshi Inaba’s powerful vocals blend beautifully, and the lyrics—offering a keen perspective on society—are equally compelling.

Released in October 1997 as the lead single from B’z’s ninth album, “SURVIVE,” it reached No.

1 on Oricon’s monthly chart.

It was also featured as the CM song for Perfect TV!’s “MUSIC FREAK TV” and served as the official theme for the NHL’s 1997 Japan Opening Series.

With its aggressive sound and strong message, this song is perfect for moments when you want to fire yourself up or stay true to your convictions.