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

TemptationGLAY

GLAY / Temptation

Released in April 1998 as GLAY’s 13th single, “Temptation” became a massive hit, selling over 1.62 million copies and topping the Oricon annual singles chart for 1998.

For many people, this is the song that comes to mind first when they think of GLAY.

From its introductory guitar riff, the track delivers a powerful impact and reportedly remains hugely popular at their live shows even today.

To the futureKiroro

To the Future – Kiroro (Full)

“To the Future,” released in June 1998 as Kiroro’s second single.

Filled with gentleness and warmth that seem to brightly illuminate a hope-filled future, this song is beloved as a staple for chorus competitions and graduation ceremonies, and even as a piece that graces bridal scenes.

With lyrics that evoke memories of one’s mother and others who have cherished you, and a sound that feels enveloping, it’s a moving masterpiece that is sure to bring both singers and listeners to tears.

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HONEYL’Arc〜en〜Ciel

L’Arc~en~Ciel Honey Smile Tour

One of L’Arc~en~Ciel’s most popular and well-known songs.

Released in July 1998, it became a major hit and marked the band’s first appearance on NHK’s Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

Its exhilarating rock sound combined with hyde’s thought-provoking lyrics makes it a track that goes beyond simple sweetness to something genuinely impressive.

Beyond the Night SkySMAP

Beyond the Night Sky – SMAP

SMAP’s smash hit “Yozora no Mukō.” Released in January 1998, the song became SMAP’s first million seller.

It has been covered by many artists and even appeared in junior high school textbooks.

Why does this song evoke so vividly that slightly warming season and the feel of the night air? It’s a masterpiece that will remain in the history of Japanese music, never losing its luster even as time goes by.

HOT LIMITT.M.Revolution

T.M.Revolution – HOT LIMIT | Official Music Video

Released in June 1998 as T.M.Revolution’s eighth single, “HOT LIMIT.” The music video, featuring Nishikawa singing in a sexy outfit while taking the wind full-on, is so famous that it’s no exaggeration to say people of all generations know it—not just those who remember the time it came out.

It’s a guaranteed feel-good song to sing at karaoke!

Roller Coaster RomanceKinKi Kids

KinKi Kids “Jet Coaster Romance” Music Video

Have you ever wanted to relive that heart-pounding excitement from the very moment a romance begins? “Jet Coaster Romance” by KinKi Kids is a refreshing youth anthem that likens love’s ups and downs to a roller coaster.

Released in April 1998 as their third single, it was also featured in ANA’s Okinawa campaign commercial.

Its popularity was tremendous, achieving the remarkable feat of three consecutive million-selling singles since their debut.

Play it on a summer trip or drive, and it’s sure to lift your spirits!

for a long timeKiroro

Kiroro “Nagaimono” Official Music Video

This is the major-label debut song by Kiroro, a duo from Okinawa, whose warm and gentle vocals resonate in the heart.

The simple, airy singing of vocalist Chiharu Tamashiro blends beautifully with the piano melodies played by Ayano Kinjo, gently enveloping the listener.

The song straightforwardly captures, in unadorned words, the steadfast feelings of a protagonist who waits devotedly for the one they love and the joy when that love finally blossoms.

Upon its release in January 1998, its popularity spread by word of mouth, and it became a million seller with total sales exceeding 1.2 million copies.

It’s a song to listen to quietly on nights when you want to reaffirm the tenderness you feel for someone dear.