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.

3/23/98

Album:

BOφWY – THIS BOφWY (third week sales: 181,320)

Single:

V6 – Be Yourself! (first week sales: 182,470)

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3/24/03

Album:

Ayumi Hamasaki – A BALLADS (first week sales: 561,127)

Single:

SMAP – Sekai ni Hitotsu Dake no Hana (first week sales: 380,002 / second consecutive week at #1)

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3/24/08

Album:

Kou Shibasaki – Single Best (first week sales: 227,423)

Single / Billboard Hot 100:

Kanjani8 – Wahaha (first week sales: 194,304)

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3/25/13

Album:

Sakanaction – sakanaction (first week sales: 82,577)

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Single:

Nogizaka46 – Kimi no Na wa Kibou (first week sales: 242,053)

Billboard Hot 100:

Yamashita Tomohisa – Que Sera Sera