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.

12/22/97

Album:

Himuro Kyosuke – I・DE・A (first week sales: 189,500)

Single:

KinKi Kids – Aisareru Yori Aishitai (fifth week sales: 184,090 / third non-consecutive week at #1)

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12/23/02

Album:

B’z – The Ballads ~Love & B’z~ (first week sales: 1,050,125)

Single:

Mr.Children – HERO (first week sales: 315,358)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWncQsjGRto

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12/24/07

Album:

EXILE – EXILE LOVE (first week sales: 670,478)

Single:

V6 – way of life (first week sales: 91,313)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jEWuE5ZZGk

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12/24/12

Album:

EXILE – EXILE BEST HITS -LOVE SIDE / SOUL SIDE- (second week sales: 98,064 / second consecutive week at #1)

Single:

NEWS – WORLD QUEST / Pokopon Pekorya (first week sales: 130,899)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qstPTovBwTQ