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)
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.
WHITE BREATHT.M.Revolution
A million-selling hit.
In the music video, the eccentric fashion gives a really chilly impression.
Even while evoking wintry scenes, Nishikawa sings with fiery passion—he’s as cool as ever.
Besides the vocals, I think the guitar solo and other elements are also quite captivating in this track.
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.
Let’s shoot through the present with a rusty machine gun.WANDS
It’s a song that became popular as the ending theme of the anime Dragon Ball GT.
The lyrics and composition are by Miho Komatsu, who was also very popular at the time.
It features WANDS’ signature gradually swelling, grand melody and powerful vocals.
Hit Japanese songs representing 1997. Recommended classics (41–50)
Run through the hit chartsSuga Shikao
A standout track with a cool sound that mixes funk and pop.
Released in February 1997 as Shikao Suga’s debut, it was also used in Nissan’s Datsun Pickup commercial.
The lyrics, shining with his distinctive poetic flair and melodic sense, vividly capture the happiness found in work and personal values.
Suga’s husky voice earnestly sings of the uncertainties and conflicts of youth, and a longing for communication through music.
Listening to this song might just make you want to shout, “Dash through the hit charts!”
Scarletsupittsu
Spitz’s 15th single, which ranked No.
1 weekly, No.
6 for February on the monthly chart, and No.
47 for the year.
It was the theme song for the TBS drama “Melody.” When the offer came in, the band was on tour, so they initially hoped to use “Hatsukoi Crazy” from the album “Indigo Chiheisen,” but the request was for a newly written song, which led to this track.
Following their previous single “Nagisa,” it debuted at No.
1.