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

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.”

BE WITH YOUGLAY

GLAY / BE WITH YOU

I remember the performance on NHK’s special program “SONG” being outstanding.

It was the theme song for the Fuji TV drama “Tabloid,” and it was quite a hit.

I heard that when the lyrics were completed, they thought, “This is my best work,” and I believe the song’s worldview and storyline are truly worthy of that name.

I can hear tomorrowJ-Friends

The sound of tomorrow can be heard

This is the debut single of a special unit formed as part of charity activities for the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, featuring members from Kansai-based Johnny’s groups (TOKIO, V6, KinKi Kids).

Its straightforward lyrics are truly moving.

“Children’s Holiday,” released as a double A-side with this work, was written and composed by Michael Jackson and is also excellent.

snow dropL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc~en~Ciel – Snow Drop

In L’Arc~en~Ciel, the guitarist ken has composed the most songs, but the one with the true hitmaker talent is tetsuya (then known as tetsu).

It was used as the theme song for the drama “Hashire Kōmuin! POLICE WOMAN,” and the music video tackles a heavy theme: a world after nuclear war.

flower burialL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc-en-Ciel - Funeral of Flowers

One notable event for L’Arc-en-Ciel in 1998 was the official addition of drummer yukihiro.

His drumming is now widely recognized as synonymous with L’Arc-en-Ciel, but in fact he only joined the band that year.

His talent is showcased in this song as well, and you can also hear his remix version of the track on their 14th single, among others.

I for YouLUNA SEA

Luna Sea – I For You

LUNA SEA’s 11th single, which reached No.

2 on the weekly charts and No.

48 for the year.

It was the theme song for the drama “God, Please Give Me More Time,” and it led to their first appearance on the Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

During the production of this single, X JAPAN’s hide passed away, so the band members were reportedly rushing between the wake, the funeral, and the studio.

The lyrics were later written with the intention of being an image song dedicated to hide.

As if gently enveloping…MISIA

MISIA – As If to Embrace… (Official HD Music Video)

MISIA’s debut single.

Word of mouth about her vocal prowess spread, and sales steadily accumulated over time.

Although both the 8 cm and 12 cm versions debuted in the 90s on the charts, it went on to reach a monthly peak of No.

16 and a weekly peak of No.

8.

The groovy sax solo is seriously cool.