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 (31–40)
As if it were a dreamDEEN
This is a song that was used as the theme for the game Tales of Destiny.
There’s even an anecdote that it was composed after reading the script of the work, so it seems likely the piece was created with the story in mind.
It’s a very warm and grand song.
STOP THE TIMEHi-STANDARD
A track included on the third album released by Hi-STANDARD, the charismatic force of Japan’s punk scene.
True to Hi-Standard’s style, it’s an upbeat, hype-inducing song that puts their simple yet aggressive sound front and center.
Poem of SunlightLe Couple
Le Couple’s 5th single, which ranked 2nd weekly, 1st for July, 5th for August, and 3rd for the year.
It was an insert song for the Fuji TV drama “Under One Roof 2,” and since the single’s tracks were cut from the drama’s soundtrack, it also includes songs by artists other than Le Couple.
Red AngelPocket Biscuits
The third single by Pocket Biscuits, which reached No.
2 on the weekly chart and No.
12 on the yearly chart.
It’s the only song by the band without chorus vocals from Udo and Teru.
As with their other tracks, it features frequent key changes that make generous use of substitute chords, and the song’s development still has striking moments even today.
Daughter of the CircuitPUFFY
PUFFY’s third single, which reached No.
1 for the week and No.
32 for the year.
In December of the previous year, Yumi Yoshimura had a bicycle accident and fractured her left leg, and this incident is reflected in the song with lyrics like “so you don’t fall and break a bone.” The track features a chord progression that strongly showcases Tamio Okuda’s signature style.
Hit Japanese songs representing 1997. Recommended classics (41–50)
Melty LoveSHAZNA
SHAZNA’s debut single, which reached No.
2 on the weekly charts and No.
43 on the year-end charts.
It’s a song from their indie days, and the arrangement has changed with each recording, making it fun to compare the different versions.
A passionate and sweet track about love at first sight.
celerySMAP
SMAP’s 25th single, which reached No.
2 weekly, No.
3 for June’s monthly ranking, and No.
27 for the year.
It’s an arranged cover of the same song released by Masayoshi Yamazaki the previous year.
The video is the original Masayoshi Yamazaki version.
In the SMAP version, the rap before the final chorus is performed by Kimura and Katori, and Masahiro Nakai has no solo part.