[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.
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[1998 Japanese Hit Songs] A Showcase of Unforgettable Classics That Still Resonate Today! (1–10)
Her and My CircumstancesAikawa Nanase
A punchy rock number by Nanase Aikawa that celebrates breezy, no-nonsense friendship between women.
Many listeners will relate to the powerful, dependable protagonist who values time with her girlfriends over time with a boyfriend.
Released in February 1998 as her ninth single, it reached No.
6 on the Oricon weekly chart and was also included on the acclaimed album “crimson,” released that July.
A highlight is the star-studded chorus featuring YUKI from JUDY AND MARY and Yumi Yoshimura from PUFFY.
It’s the perfect track for blowing away your worries or for a lively night with your best friends.
Beyond the Night SkySMAP
SMAP’s smash hit “Yozora no Mukō.” Released in January 1998, the song became SMAP’s first million seller.
It has been covered by many artists and even appeared in junior high school textbooks.
Why does this song evoke so vividly that slightly warming season and the feel of the night air? It’s a masterpiece that will remain in the history of Japanese music, never losing its luster even as time goes by.
HOT LIMITT.M.Revolution
Released in June 1998 as T.M.Revolution’s eighth single, “HOT LIMIT.” The music video, featuring Nishikawa singing in a sexy outfit while taking the wind full-on, is so famous that it’s no exaggeration to say people of all generations know it—not just those who remember the time it came out.
It’s a guaranteed feel-good song to sing at karaoke!
[1998 J-Pop Hit Songs] A Roundup of Timeless Classics Still Remembered Today! (11–20)
The Blue AgeKinKi Kids
A ballad by KinKi Kids whose poignant piano melody and the two singers’ interwoven harmonies strike straight to the heart.
Released in July 1998, this song was chosen as the theme for the drama “Aoi no Jidai,” starring member Tsuyoshi Domoto, and became a massive hit, topping the Oricon chart for four consecutive weeks.
The unique pains and conflicts of youth, along with a bittersweet longing for days that slip away, seep deeply into the listener’s heart.
Many will likely relate to the lyrics, which portray the importance of weaving love within our limited time.
precious; important; valuableSMAP
It’s a mid-tempo ballad whose straightforward message—that the presence of the person beside you makes you stronger—hits you right in the heart.
Sung powerfully by SMAP, the song gently teaches us that true happiness is hidden in the small moments of everyday life, set against scenes of dusk.
Released in May 1998, it became a memorable track for many as the theme song of the Monday 9 p.m.
drama “Brothers,” starring Masahiro Nakai.
Put it on as BGM during a drive with someone special, and you just might find yourself able to express the gratitude that you’re usually too shy to say out loud.
ALIVESPEED
With its futuristic sound and grand sense of scale, this moving number by SPEED stirs the listener’s heart.
Even after losing an irreplaceable presence, the powerful message that their soul lives on by your side forever resonates deeply through a bittersweet yet beautiful melody.
Released in July 1998, the song became a major talking point as the theme for the film Andromedia, in which the members themselves starred.
When you’re thinking of someone dear and need the courage to look ahead, it will surely give you a strong push forward.
THUNDERBIRDT.M.Revolution
In stark contrast to the powerful image showcased in HOT LIMIT, this is the first grand ballad T.M.Revolution presented to the world.
Its dramatic sound evokes heavy rain, while Takanori Nishikawa’s emotionally rich vocals resound, powerfully stirring the listener’s heart.
Released in October 1998, the song was used as the ending theme for the TV program Sekai Fushigi Hakken! (Discovery of the World’s Mysteries).
It later became a catalyst for him to work on the theme songs for Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, making it a significant track for fans.