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.
- [1998 Japanese Hit Songs] A roundup of timeless classics that still live on in people’s memories!
- [Hit Songs of 1996] Spotlight on the iconic tracks and popular tunes that colored the Heisei era!
- 1990s J-Pop to listen to in summer: classic and hit summer songs
- Japanese hit songs from 1990. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Japanese Male Singers from the 1990s [2026]
- Iconic and hit songs by Johnny’s from the 1990s
- A must-see for people in their 30s and 40s! A roundup of nostalgic 1990s commercial jingles
- Hit Japanese songs from 1993: recommended classics and popular tracks
- [J-Rock] Timeless masterpieces that colored the 1990s. Nostalgic hit songs.
- Winter songs in 90s J-pop: a roundup of popular winter tunes
- Hit J-Pop songs of 2007: the appeal of hit tracks that exude a positive vibe
- [1995 Hit Songs] Masterpieces of Japanese music that colored the Heisei 7 (1995) music scene
- [Heisei Retro] Hit Japanese songs that defined the 1990s. Recommended J-POP classics.
Hit Japanese songs representing 1997. Recommended classics (41–50)
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.
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.
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.
PRIDEImai Miki
It reached No.
1 for the week, No.
1 for December, and No.
6 for the year 1997, achieving million-seller status.
It is Miki Imai’s 12th single and her biggest hit.
It is said to be performed at every one of her concerts.
It was the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Doc.”
Rondo – revolutionOkui Masami
It is the opening theme song of the anime Revolutionary Girl Utena and also Masami Okui’s milestone 10th single.
The lyrics are sprinkled with words that align with the work’s worldview, effectively capturing the anime’s distinctive qualities.
It has been covered by many artists; for example, it was included on Minori Chihara’s 15th anniversary debut tribute album, indicating that the song remains popular even today.
honest / frank / straightforwardMakihara Noriyuki
A piano tone that gently cradles delicate emotions, staying close to the heart.
This exquisite ballad, woven by Noriyuki Makihara’s voice, portrays both the difficulty and importance of expressing honest feelings.
Released in 2000, the song also drew attention as his first single after moving to Sony.
With the new challenge of a solo piano-and-vocal performance, Makihara’s charm is showcased to the fullest.
It’s a perfect track for those struggling with their relationships or unable to openly convey their feelings to someone important.
Each listen offers a warm prompt to face your own emotions and connect with them more sincerely.