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.

12/14/98

Album:

MAX – MAXIMUM GROOVE (first week sales: 322,300)

Single:

GLAY – BE WITH YOU (second week sales: 131,600 / second consecutive week at #1)

________

12/15/03

Album:

EXILE – EXILE ENTERTAINMENT (first week sales: 395,257)

Single:

Porno Graffitti – Lack (first week sales: 59,014)

________

12/15/08

Album:

EXILE – EXILE BALLAD BEST (first week sales: 943,901)

Single / Billboard Hot 100:

KAT-TUN – White X’mas (first week sales: 250,106)

________

12/15/13

Album:

KinKi Kids – L album (first week sales: 136,511)

Single / Billboard Hot 100:

Kanjani8 – Kokoro Sora Moyou (first week sales: 192,573)