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.

3/9/98

Album:

L’Arc~en~Ciel – HEART (first week sales: 711,480)

Single:

SPEED – my graduation (second week sales: 227,260 / second consecutive week at #1)

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3/10/03

Album:

Shiina Ringo – Kalk Samen Kuri no Hana (second week sales: 165,316 / second consecutive week at #1)

Single:

I WiSH – Asu e no Tobira (second week sales: 111,676 / second consecutive week at #1)

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3/10/08

Album:

BoA – THE FACE (first week sales: 110,653)

Single / Billboard Hot 100:

NEWS – Taiyou no Namida (first week sales: 230,186)

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3/11/13

Album:

NMB48 – Teppen Tottande! (first week sales: 328,436)

Single / Billboard Hot 100:

SMAP – Mistake! / Battery (first week sales: 161,681)