We’re back with this week’s edition of Oricon Flashback. This is where we look back on what topped Oricon this week 5, 10, 15, and 20 years ago. Think of it as a way to reminisce and learn about the past of Japanese music.

Note: Oricon was on holiday break last week in 1998, 2003, and 2008, so that week’s numbers and this week’s numbers are combined. The numbers for 2013 are regular though. Also starting this week, we’ll include the Billboard Hot 100 #1 for the years where the chart existed.

1/12/98

Album:

Tomomi Kahala – storytelling (second & third week sales: 1,046,670)

Single:

Namie Amuro – CAN YOU CELEBRATE? (12cm) (first & second week sales: 280,060)

_________

1/13/03

Album:

Ayumi Hamasaki – RAINBOW (second & third week sales: 571,027)

Single:

Every Little Thing – UNTITLED ~4 ballads~ (second & third week sales: 110,315)

_________

1/14/08

Album:

Kobukuro – 5296 (second & third week sales: 454,601)

Single:

SMAP – Dangan Fighter (second & third week sales: 47,336)

_________

1/14/13

Album:

Sandaime J Soul Brothers – MIRACLE (second week sales: 57,978)

Single / Billboard Hot 100:

Golden Bomber – Dance My Generation (first week sales: 124,827)