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.
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Hit Japanese songs representing 1997. Recommended classics (21–30)
For the momentEvery Little Thing
A gem of a ballad woven from airy, graceful vocals and a sophisticated arrangement.
It gently sings of aching feelings for a lover, carried by a lyrical melody.
As one of Every Little Thing’s signature songs, it has left a deep impression on many listeners.
Released as a single in June 1997, it became a major hit, reaching No.
1 on the Oricon charts.
It was also used in Morinaga Seika’s “ICE BOX” commercial and as the ending theme for TBS’s “COUNT DOWN TV,” earning broad support across audiences.
A track that resonates with those who carry the sorrows and anxieties of love, inviting empathy.
The music video, filmed in the Australian desert, is equally striking, creating a unique world of its own.
It’s love.V6
A gem of a ballad with lyrics by Goro Matsui and music by Koji Tamaki.
It portrays a protagonist who, lost and lonely, confronts their true feelings and finds the courage to take a new step forward.
Released in January 1997, it became V6’s first non-tie-in single to reach No.
1 on the Oricon Singles Chart.
The song is also included on the album “NATURE RHYTHM” in an arrangement that begins with the chorus.
With gentle lyrics that convey the importance of facing forward in life and a beautiful melody woven by Tamaki, it’s a track that stays close to the hearts of those standing at a crossroads.
Hit Japanese songs representing 1997. Recommended classics (31–40)
The Other Side of LoveSakamoto Ryuichi featuring Sister M
This song is striking for its beautiful harmony woven from a translucent singing voice and a refined melody.
Crafted entirely in English lyrics by Ryuichi Sakamoto, it gracefully expresses universal themes that pursue the essence and truth of love.
This miraculous father–daughter collaboration was released as a single in January 1997 and drew attention as the theme song for the Nippon TV drama “Stalker: A Love Untouchable.” It reached No.
6 on the Oricon weekly chart and achieved an astounding sales figure of approximately 720,000 copies.
This work is a quiet, moving masterpiece in which a tender, heart-piercing vocal blends perfectly with a sound that is both delicate and powerful.
Highly recommended as a gemlike, healing ballad you’ll want to listen to alone on a calm night.
ENDLESS SUMMER NUDEMagokoro Burazāzu
The beloved masterpiece by Magokoro Brothers, vividly capturing the summer of youth, was released in July 1997.
Its beautiful melody and lyrics, portraying the bittersweet end of summer and memories with a lover, moved countless listeners.
The song is included on the album “I will Survive” and was also used as an insert song in the Tokyo Theatres–distributed film “Osaka Monogatari.” The arrangement, which blends programming and live performance by CHOKKAKU, features accomplished musicians such as Toshio Araki and Yoichi Murata, with additional color added by Yoko Utsumi’s chorus.
It’s a heartwarming track we especially recommend to those who want to bask in summer memories or soothe a heart swayed by love.
LOVE IS ALL MUSICKahara Tomomi
A rock ballad produced by Tetsuya Komuro, this gem weaves a beautiful melody with Tomomi Kahara’s translucent vocals.
The lyrics portray a woman’s feelings through the night until dawn, and the deeply expressive singing resonates powerfully with listeners.
Released in July 1997, the song—born as Komuro played the piano—is set in 6/8 time, with a mid-song key change that heightens its emotional impact.
It was also featured in the commercial for Ginza Jewelry Maki’s “Estate Twin Jewelry,” where its wistful yet romantic atmosphere perfectly matched the brand.
It’s a piece that will stay close to your heart on nights when your feelings are in turmoil or during quiet moments spent thinking of someone special—a song we earnestly recommend you listen to.
sunflowerNagabuchi Tsuyoshi
A song filled with warmth like sunlight, woven from a powerful singing voice and acoustic guitar.
With themes of hope and renewal, it superbly expresses human strength and kindness, showcasing Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi’s musical maturity.
Released on July 2, 1997, this work was used as the theme song for the TBS drama “Bodyguard” and became his 28th single.
Seamlessly blending folk rock and acoustic rock, the track embodies the essence of Nagabuchi’s musicality.
It is truly a sun-like song that stands beside those who are troubled at heart and those who are about to take a new step forward.
ILE AIYE ~Let’s dance with WA~AGHARTA
Originally, it was a song broadcast on NHK’s TV program “Minna no Uta,” but it was later adopted as the official theme song of the Nagano Olympics.
With lyrics befitting the Olympics and a pleasant, catchy melody, it likely moved people all around the world.
It was also later covered by V6, which helped the song become even more widely loved.