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.

7/14/97

Album:

Aikawa Nanase – paradox (first week sales: 701,760)

Single:

Tomomi Kahala – LOVE IS ALL MUSIC (first week sales: 234,480)

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7/15/02

Album:

B’z – GREEN (first week sales: 800,120)

Single:

Kuwata Keisuke – Tokyo (second week sales: 95,980 / second consecutive week at #1)

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7/16/07

Album:

Namie Amuro – PLAY (second week sales: 90,506 / second consecutive week at #1)

Single:

ERIKA – FREE (first week sales: 50,287)

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7/16/12

Album:

Namie Amuro – Uncontrolled (second week sales: 79,003 / second consecutive week at #1)

Single:

Kim Hyun Joong – HEAT (first week sales: 183,478)

RIAJ Digital Track Chart:

Che’Nelle – Believe (fourth consecutive week at #1)