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

promenadeJUDY AND MARY

promenade

The 14th single by JUDY AND MARY, which reached No.

3 on the weekly chart and No.

50 on the yearly chart.

Composed by JUDY AND MARY’s drummer, Kota Igarashi, it served as the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “News no Onna” (The News Woman).

With its crisp rhythm section and soaring vocals, this track is truly perfect for a stroll.

Winter fallL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

Winter Fall *Larc en Ciel* (subtitulos castellano)

1998 was a year in which L’Arc-en-Ciel produced so many million-selling hits that it could be called their peak, and this song was no exception—following “HONEY,” it became the second best-selling track of the year.

The composition is by ken, who boasts the most songwriting credits in L’Arc-en-Ciel, and it features a characteristically beautiful melody.

Hold me tight!Mōningu Musume.

Morning Musume. “Embrace Me, HOLD ON ME!” (Music Video)

Morning Musume’s third single.

The quality of this song can only be described as quintessential Tsunku.

By their third release, the members of Morning Musume look incredibly cool and polished.

Morning Musume’s songs are very diverse, and you can feel the ingenuity that keeps them from ever getting boring.

SHINELUNA SEA

LUNA SEA – 「SHINE」MV

LUNA SEA is known for their solid musicianship and broad musicality.

Their 10th single, released in June 1998, is an alternative rock track with a refreshingly exhilarating feel.

Its forward-looking message—searching for a light of hope even in the darkness and sprinting toward the future—is powerfully conveyed through expansive, soaring vocals.

The song was featured in a Toyota commercial and became a hit, reaching No.

1 on the Oricon weekly chart.

Its catchy, mood-lifting melody is perfect for a drive or for kicking off a brand-new day in the morning.

alone in my roomSuzuki Ami

alone in my room (new ver.)

A dance number where Tetsuya Komuro’s urban production and Ami Suzuki’s crystalline vocals blend exquisitely.

Released in September 1998 as her second single, the song also became widely known as the opening theme for the audition show ASAYAN, where she was discovered.

There’s also the famous anecdote that Komuro rebuilt the track in just one day inspired by the image of the cover photo.

It’s a song that gently stays close to a delicate heart, turning loneliness into a forward-looking strength.

There will be love there -A Place with Love-the brilliant green

The brilliant green – There will be love there

The Brilliant Green’s third single.

It became a hot topic as the theme song for the TBS drama “Love Again,” and with this release the group earned their first No.

1 on the Oricon Singles Chart.

Although it’s a mellow track, the guitar melody is incredibly cool and electrifying.

Timing ~Timing~Black Biscuits

Timing ~Timing~

A song by a unit formed on the TV show “Ucchan Nanchan no Urinari!”.

It was also released in vocalist Vivian Hsu’s home country of Taiwan, where it reached No.

1 on the weekly music charts.

It’s the kind of track that makes you want to sing along, especially when the chorus keeps repeating the word “Timing.”