[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 J-Pop Hit Songs] A Roundup of Classic Tracks That Still Resonate Today! (21–30)
RomancePENICILLIN
The unexpected tie-in of it being the opening theme for the anime ‘Sexy Commando Gaiden: Sugoi yo!! Masaru-san’ was a hot topic at the time.
The music follows the classic visual kei style.
PENICILLIN is still active today, and each member continues to work energetically.
BAD LUCK ON LOVE 〜BLUES ON LIFE〜Tōko
They’re positioned as part of the Komuro Family, but since it was co-produced with Daisuke Hinata and the composition/arrangement was done by Hinata, the musical style is a bit different.
You can still sense Komuro’s touch in aspects like the arrangement and timbres.
The high-tone vocals are striking, and if you can sing it, it’ll probably make everyone go “oh!”
SHINELUNA SEA
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
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.
Time goes byEvery Little Thing
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.