[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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- 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 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.
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.
LOVE AFFAIR ~ Secret DateSazan Ōrusutāzu
Even knowing it’s a forbidden love, you can’t help but be drawn to it.
This Southern All Stars piece can be heard as a song about that dangerous longing, or as the anguish of having your heart stolen by someone else while you already have someone important.
Released in February 1998 as their 41st single, it also served as the theme song for the TBS drama “Sweet Season.” Set against the nightscape of Yokohama, the protagonist’s wavering feelings will deeply resonate with anyone who has ever harbored an impossible love.
If you listen on a night when you feel like surrendering to a sweet hell, it might gently envelop those complicated emotions.
HeartFukuyama Masaharu
This is Masaharu Fukuyama’s 12th single, marking his return after roughly two and a half years on hiatus.
Released in April 1998, it remains memorable to many as the theme song for the TBS drama “Meguriai,” in which he also appeared.
True to its title, the song sings directly from the “heart,” carried by the warm tones of an acoustic guitar.
The lyrics, which portray feelings that remain unchanged over time, blend beautifully with its gentle melody.
It’s a heartwarming love song that accompanies those moments in everyday life when you want to dwell in tender feelings for someone.
DESTINYMy Little Lover
Released in May 1998 as My Little Lover’s 11th single, “DESTINY” also drew attention as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama WITH LOVE.
It reached No.
4 on the Oricon weekly chart and No.
46 on the year-end chart, becoming a signature work from their mid-period.
The interplay of the strings in the instrumental break after the first verse is exquisite.