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.

3/16/98

Album:

THE YELLOW MONKEY – PUNCH DRUNKARD (first week sales: 338,540)

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

Single:

SPEED – my graduation (third week sales: 179,480 / third consecutive week at #1)

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3/17/03

Album:

t.A.T.u. – 200 km/h in the Wrong Lane (first week sales: 64,503)

Single:

SMAP – Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana (first week sales: 630,399)

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x4p3ghj

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3/17/08

Album:

ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION – World World World (first week sales: 100,104)

Single / Billboard Hot 100:

SMAP – Sono Mama / White Message (first week sales: 115,100)

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x58o8mj

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3/18/13

Album:

Tohoshinki – TIME (first week sales: 243,827)

Single / Billboard Hot 100:

Arashi – Calling / Breathless (first week sales: 756,410)