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.

12/21/98

Album:

globe – Relation (first week sales: 840,710)

Single:

KinKi Kids – Happy Happy Greeting / Cinderella Christmas (first week sales: 404,340)

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12/22/03

Album:

EXILE – EXILE ENTERTAINMENT (second week sales: 195,741 / second consecutive week at #1)

Single:

MONGOL800 – Yorokobi no Uta (first week sales: 51,733)

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12/22/08

Album:

Mr.Children – SUPERMARKET FANTASY (first week sales: 707,763)

Single / Billboard Hot 100:

Shuchishin – Yowamushi Santa (first week sales: 152,260)

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12/23/13

Album:

Shojo Jidai – LOVE&PEACE (first week sales: 129,255)

Single / Billboard Hot 100:

AKB48 – Suzukake no Ki no Michi de “Kimi no Hohoemi wo Yume ni Miru” to Itteshimattara Bokutachi no Kankei wa Dou Kawatteshimau no ka, Bokunari ni Nannichi ka Kangaeta Ue de no Yaya Kihazukashii Ketsuron no You na Mono (first week sales: 1,033,336)