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 (51–60)
5 seconds before I fall seriously in loveHirosue Ryōko
Released in April 1997.
It’s a light, upbeat song that sings of a maiden’s heart in love to match the spring season.
At the time, it was used in a pager commercial, which really reflects the era.
Incidentally, the song’s title is said to be a play on a popular youth slang term back then, “MK5” (short for “Maji de kireru 5-byou mae,” meaning “about five seconds before I seriously lose it”).
Is spring here yet?Hamada Masatoshi
It’s a single released in 1997 by Downtown’s Masatoshi Hamada, who has surprisingly kept up his music activities for quite a long time, little by little.
The track was produced by Tamio Okuda and was also used in JR East’s “JR Ski Ski” commercial.
It’s a song that gives off a laid-back, easygoing vibe.
LOVE LOVE SHOWTHE YELLOW MONKEY
This is a hit song by The Yellow Monkey, who made headlines in 2016 by announcing their reunion and their first nationwide tour in 16 years.
The phrase that plays on “LOVE LOVE SHOW” and “rabu rabu shiyō” (let’s be lovey-dovey) is quintessential Yoshii, and the straightforward message of love is striking.
It seems they had karaoke in mind, making it a fun number to sing.
Hate tell a lieKahara Tomomi
Tomomi Kahala’s 6th single, which ranked No.
1 weekly, No.
1 for May, and No.
14 for the year.
It was used as the TV commercial song for Kanebo Cosmetics’ REVUE brand “Bronzelove.” The title means “I don’t like telling lies,” but it is grammatically incorrect in English.
Hit Japanese songs representing 1997. Recommended masterpieces (61–70)
Katsushika RhapsodyDōjima Kōhei
This is a popular song used as the opening theme for the anime “Kochira Katsushika-ku Kameari Kōen-mae Hashutsujo.” Its lyrics mention place names and facilities in Katsushika Ward, where the story is set, and the song is characterized by a gentle, old-town atmosphere brimming with shitamachi charm.
Glass BoyKinKi Kids
Released in 1997, it sold 1.68 million copies and ranked second on the Oricon charts that year.
The lyrics were written by Takashi Matsumoto and the music composed by Tatsuro Yamashita.
It is Kinki Kids’ best-selling single.
In conclusion
A collection of timeless hits that colored Japan’s music scene in the ’90s.
From GLAY, BLANKEY JET CITY, Every Little Thing, Hi-STANDARD, AGHARTA, and DEEN to B’z, each artist crafted songs with a charm that never fades with time.
The melodies etched in our hearts along with our memories continue to move countless people even today.