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 (41–50)
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.
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.
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.