[1998 Japanese Hit Songs] A roundup of timeless classics that still live on in people’s memories!
GLAY, T.M.Revolution, L’Arc~en~Ciel, MISIA, Morning Musume…
1998 was a year when a stream of timeless hits were born from artists who still enjoy enduring popularity today.
In this article, we introduce standout classics from the 1998 J-POP hit charts—songs that earned overwhelming support from listeners and fans, and continue to do so even now.
Enjoy this nostalgic playlist that still shines in vibrant color.
- [1998 Japanese Hit Songs] A roundup of timeless classics that still live on in people’s memories!
- [Hit Songs of 1999] A roundup of timeless tracks that dominated the charts!
- Hit Japanese songs that represent 1997. Recommended masterpieces.
- Songs popular among men in their 40s. Timeless classics that bring back memories.
- Heisei-era heartbreak songs: A roundup of classic tracks from the ’90s to the 2010s
- [Hit Songs of 1996] Spotlight on the iconic tracks and popular tunes that colored the Heisei era!
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s [2026]
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- Hit J-Pop songs of 2008: recommended masterpieces and popular tracks
- Classic and hit J-pop songs from the nostalgic ’90s
- Japanese Music of the 2000s: Revival Included! A J-POP Hit Song Special
- [Heisei Retro] Hit Japanese songs that defined the 1990s. Recommended J-POP classics.
[1998 Japanese Hit Songs] A Grand Showcase of Timeless Classics Still Remembered Today! (61–70)
The strong and fleeting onesCocco
It was released at the end of ’97, but it’s recorded as a hit song of ’98.
Even looking at it now, this person is really slender—so slender that it’s almost worrying, even their arms.
The slightly provocative, even racy, lyrics peeking through create a striking contrast with their appearance, making it a very memorable track.
Pink Spiderhide with Spread Beaver
This is hide’s 9th solo single, which debuted at No.
1 and ranked 11th on the year-end chart; under the name hide with Spread Beaver, it is his 2nd single.
It was his first and only million-selling work.
Because many parts of the lyrics suggest suicide, the song drew attention on tabloid TV shows after his death.
However, he stated that he had imbued the song with a positive message.
Catch You Catch Megumi
It’s the opening theme song of the anime “Cardcaptor Sakura.” Although the show is mainly aimed at children, the lyrics center on the theme of unrequited love, so listening to it again as an adult may give it a different feel.
It’s a hugely popular anime song that has been covered by artists like Sakura Tange and Shoko Nakagawa.
POISONSorimachi Takashi
Even now, it feels like a song that constantly gets turned into a joke or a meme.
The phrase “In a world like this where you can’t even say what you want to say” still captures the hearts of hype, swaggering youth.
I mean, it’s just plain cool.
In conclusion
How did you like the hit songs of 1998? They were timeless classics that truly make you think, “So this is what it means not to fade.” This is a great chance to look back on your own memories alongside the music scene of 1998.