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 1997, 2002, and 2007, so that week’s numbers and this week’s numbers are combined. The numbers for 2012 are regular though.

1/13/97

Album:

MAX – MAXIMUM (third & fourth week sales: 289,320 / second & third consecutive week at #1)

Single:

TK PRESENTS Konetto – YOU ARE THE ONE (first & second week sales: 310,630)

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1/14/02

Album:

Ayumi Hamasaki – I am… (first & second week sales: 1,751,360)

Single:

Mr.Children – Kimi ga Suki (first & second week sales: 305,500)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KRYmKWchCo

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1/15/07

Album:

Koda Kumi – Black Cherry (second & third week sales: 300,032 / second & third consecutive week at #1)

Single:

Mr.Children – Shirushi (seventh & eighth week sales: 51,192 / second & third non-consecutive week at #1)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xXA5StMti8c

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1/16/12

Album:

EXILE / EXILE ATSUSHI – EXILE JAPAN / Solo (second week sales: 151,511 / second consecutive week at #1)

Single:

NYC / Nakayama Yuma – Wonderful Cupid / Glass no ・Mahou・(second week sales: 40,399)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDRGnXGH7oM

RIAJ Digital Track Chart:

EXILE – Rising Sun (second non-consecutive week at #1)