[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!
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- 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)
Screamyazaru
This is a song by the musical unit ‘Yāen,’ which was formed within the TV show ‘Tunnels no Minasan no Okage deshita.’ The main two members are, of course, Tunnels’ Takaaki Ishibashi and Noritake Kinashi.
Remarkably, the rest of the members are made up of the show’s staff.
HOMEB’z
B’z’s 25th single, which debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon chart for the 21st consecutive time.
The piano accordion that plays along with the opening chorus melody and the seamlessly following acoustic guitar phrase are incredibly cool.
It was tied in as the Kadokawa Bunko commercial song.
Wandering Blue BulletB’z
Many people have probably heard it since it was used in a commercial.
The arrangement makes abundant use of programmed elements, and the sitar sound in the intro and interlude leaves a strong impression.
It has a slightly different vibe compared to typical B’z songs.
The word “aoi” (blue) also carries the meaning of youth, and the lyrics convey a sense of youthful energy.
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.