[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!
- [Hit Songs of 1999] A roundup of timeless tracks that dominated the charts!
- Hit Japanese songs that represent 1997. Recommended masterpieces.
- Songs popular among men in their 40s. Timeless classics that bring back memories.
- Heisei-era heartbreak songs: A roundup of classic tracks from the ’90s to the 2010s
- [Hit Songs of 1996] Spotlight on the iconic tracks and popular tunes that colored the Heisei era!
- Ranking of Popular Songs by Female Singer-Songwriters of the 1990s [2026]
- Iconic ballads of 90s J-pop: nostalgic mega-hits and fan favorites
- Anime songs that were hits in the 1990s. Recommended masterpieces and popular tracks.
- 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 Japanese Hit Songs] Introducing at Once the Masterpieces That Still Remain in People’s Memories! (51–60)
AHHHHH!Kubota Toshinobu
Toshinobu Kubota’s 20th single.
It reached the Top 10 on the Oricon singles chart in 1998 and was also used as a cheer song for a feature segment on Nippon TV’s “Susunu! Denpa Shonen.” His R&B-based tracks—he’s often called a pioneer of Black music in Japan—seem to have an addictive quality that people who get into them can’t get enough of.
PoetKitajima Saburō
It’s the opening theme of the anime ‘Ojarumaru.’ People in their early twenties will probably feel especially nostalgic.
It brings back memories of being glued to the TV in the evening.
Back then I listened without thinking about it, so I had no idea such a big-name artist was the one singing it.
wandererOkuda Tamio
It was used as the theme song for the drama “Days.” It’s a folk-rock piece typical of Tamio Okuda, but its slightly unconventional structure makes it addictive.
The laid-back vibe nicely captures the feel of a leisurely journey.
I think it’s perfect for times when you just want to zone out.
Screamyazaru
This is a song by the musical unit ‘Yāen,’ which was formed within the TV show ‘Tunnels no Minasan no Okage deshita.’ The main two members are, of course, Tunnels’ Takaaki Ishibashi and Noritake Kinashi.
Remarkably, the rest of the members are made up of the show’s staff.
[1998 Japanese Hit Songs] A Grand Showcase of Timeless Classics Still Remembered Today! (61–70)
Ride on timeMAX
This is the 10th single by MAX, the group that performed as backup dancers for Namie Amuro.
It’s a cool dance number with Latin rhythms.
They were one of the standout groups of the year, winning accolades such as the Japan Record Award for Excellence.
HOMEB’z
B’z’s 25th single, which debuted at No.
1 on the Oricon chart for the 21st consecutive time.
The piano accordion that plays along with the opening chorus melody and the seamlessly following acoustic guitar phrase are incredibly cool.
It was tied in as the Kadokawa Bunko commercial song.
Wandering Blue BulletB’z
Many people have probably heard it since it was used in a commercial.
The arrangement makes abundant use of programmed elements, and the sitar sound in the intro and interlude leaves a strong impression.
It has a slightly different vibe compared to typical B’z songs.
The word “aoi” (blue) also carries the meaning of youth, and the lyrics convey a sense of youthful energy.