[1998 Japanese Hit Songs] A roundup of timeless classics that still live on in people’s memories!

wanna Be A Dreammakerglobe

globe / wanna Be A Dreammaker

The 13th single by globe, which debuted at No.

1 and ranked 47th for the year.

It was the first release in a four-single consecutive series labeled “BRAND NEW globe 4 SINGLES,” and the limited first edition was sold in a special package designed to hold all four singles.

Additionally, the theme of the music videos for all four songs in this project is “nightmare,” and this particular song is said to be based on a nightmare experienced by vocalist KEIKO.

In the distant skyDEEN

DEEN – In the Distant Sky

DEEN’s 14th single, a song that captures the bittersweet feelings of a long-distance relationship.

Released in February 1998, it was featured in a commercial for Japan Telecom’s “Super LCR,” which drew attention with actress Tomoko Yamaguchi’s appearance.

The frustration of only being able to connect by phone—and the pure longing to hear a loved one’s voice—is delicately expressed through Shuichi Ikemori’s clear, resonant vocals.

On nights when you’re thinking of someone dear who lives far away, lend your ears to this lyrical world.

Time goes byEvery Little Thing

Every Little Thing / Time goes by（from「ELT 15th Anniversary Concert Tour “ORDINARY”」）

This song, the origin of ELT’s ballads, is the only one of their singles to achieve million-seller status.

With its pleasing, beautiful melody line and numerous key changes, it moves me every time I listen.

It remains a timeless classic that’s still popular today.

Hold me all the wayKinKi Kids

Embrace Everything 2005 Version

This song was composed by Takuro Yoshida.

It was created as the theme song for the TV program “LOVE LOVE Aishiteru,” which was hosted by Takuro Yoshida and KinKi Kids, but it seems the program staff didn’t think highly of it at the time (according to Wikipedia).

It goes to show that a masterpiece doesn’t necessarily receive high praise from everyone right from the start.

Future CourseLa’cryma Christi

La’cryma Christi – ZERO – “Future Course” 11/15

LAREINE creates a unique world with high tones and tight performances, and this song in particular is characterized by a refreshing, soaring melody.

It’s quite difficult to sing, but if you can pull it off, I think you’d be very popular.

DestinyMy Little Lover

My Little Lover / DESTINY acoakko debut Ver.

That transparency—My Little Lover hasn’t changed at all since back then.

Even just the arrangements don’t sound dated in the slightest.

The faint, almost vanishing vocals, the literary and feminine lyrics (though they’re written by Kobayashi), the strings and brass arrangements, and the flowing melodies still wash away the grime from my heart.

To the west, to the eastMr.Children

Mr.Children “To the West, To the East” MR.CHILDREN DOME TOUR 2005 “I ♥ U” ~ FINAL IN TOKYO DOME ~

Here’s another song from Mr.

Children.

Speaking of Mr.

Children in 1998, “Owarinaki Tabi,” which was used as the theme song for the drama ‘Naguru Onna,’ is famous, but this song also reached 35th on the Oricon charts in 1998.

It might be a slightly lesser-known track, but it seems to still be featured in recent live performances.