List of best-selling albums in Japan
Japan has long held the title of the second-largest music market in the world, only surpassed by the United States.[1][2] Although, Japan briefly became the top music market based on retail value in 2010, as compact discs tend to be considerably more expensive than the world's average.[3][4] In accordance with global trends, the value of the domestic market has been slowly declining in recent years. Nonetheless, as of 2016, physical sales are responsible for nearly three-quarters of the whole value of the Japanese music market, historically dominated by domestic acts.[2] The following lists cover the top-selling albums in the country, based on information provided by the Recording Industry Association of Japan and Original Confidence Inc., commonly known as Oricon.
Contents
1 Best-selling physical albums in Japan
1.1 List of best-selling albums by domestic acts
1.2 List of best-selling albums by foreign acts
2 List of Million-certified albums by the Recording Industry Association of Japan
3 Best-selling albums by year
4 See also
5 Notes
6 References
7 External links
Best-selling physical albums in Japan
In the history of the Oricon weekly albums chart, which started in January 1970, only 280 out of all of the charting albums have sold more than one million copies, a feat mostly achieved by domestic acts.[5]
List of best-selling albums by domestic acts
This is the list of the top-selling albums in Japan, based on data compiled by Oricon. Prior to January 1987, the domestic albums chart was separated into LPs (created in 1970), cassette tapes (introduced in 1974) and compact discs (launched in 1985), until their unification, which remains the current form. It is worth noting that Oricon only takes into consideration physical sales for its charts, meaning that digital purchases are excluded.[6][7][5]
No. | Album | Artist | Released | Chart | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | First Love | Hikaru Utada | 10 March 1999 | 1 | 7,650,000 |
| 2 | B'z The Best "Pleasure" | B'z | 20 May 1998 | 1 | 5,136,000 |
| 3 | Review | Glay | 1 October 1997 | 1 | 4,876,000 |
| 4 | Distance | Hikaru Utada | 28 March 2001 | 1 | 4,472,000 |
| 5 | B'z The Best "Treasure" | B'z | 20 September 1998 | 1 | 4,439,000 |
| 6 | A Best | Ayumi Hamasaki | 28 March 2001 | 1 | 4,294,000 |
| 7 | Globe | Globe | 31 March 1996 | 1 | 4,136,000 |
| 8 | Sweet 19 Blues | Namie Amuro | 22 July 1996 | 1 | 3,700,000 |
| 9 | Deep River | Hikaru Utada | 19 June 2002 | 1 | 3,605,000 |
| 10 | Delicious Way | Mai Kuraki | 28 June 2000 | 1 | 3,530,000 |
| 11 | Time to Destination | Every Little Thing | 15 April 1998 | 1 | 3,520,000 |
| 12 | Umi no Yeah!! | Southern All Stars | 25 June 1998 | 1 | 3,463,000 |
| 13 | Atomic Heart | Mr. Children | 1 September 1994 | 1 | 3,430,000 |
| 14 | Bolero | Mr. Children | 5 March 1997 | 1 | 3,283,000 |
| 15 | Neue Musik | Yumi Matsutoya | 6 November 1998 | 1 | 3,252,000 |
| 16 | Faces Places | Globe | 12 March 1997 | 1 | 3,239,000 |
| 17 | The Swinging Star | Dreams Come True | 14 November 1992 | 1 | 3,227,000 |
| 18 | Impressions | Mariya Takeuchi | 25 July 1994 | 1 | 3,067,000 |
| 19 | Zard Best the Single Collection ～軌跡～ | Zard | 28 May 1999 | 1 | 3,034,000 |
| 20 | All Singles Best | Kobukuro | 27 September 2006 | 1 | 3,018,000 |
| Indicates compilation. |
List of best-selling albums by foreign acts
Aside from the Japanese-language materials recorded by either domestic or East Asian acts, at least forty out of all of the charting albums by foreign acts have sold more than one million copies in Japan. The following list covers the top-selling albums released by non-Japanese acts, including soundtrack albums, based on data provided by Oricon.[5] This data in many cases is incomplete, not accounting for import sales, re-issues or multiple versions of an album.[8]
No. | Album | Artist | Released[9] | Chart | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | #1's | Mariah Carey | 18 November 1998 | 1 | 3,700,000[10] |
| 2 | 青春の輝き～Best of Carpenters | The Carpenters | 10 November 1995 | 3 | 3,000,000[11] |
| 3 | The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album | Various Artists | 17 December 1992 | 1 | 2,950,000[12] |
| 4 | Thriller | Michael Jackson | 1 December 1982 | 1 | 2,800,000[13] |
| 5 | Merry Christmas | Mariah Carey | 29 October 1994 | 1 | 2,750,000[14] |
| 6 | 1 | The Beatles | 13 November 2000 | 1 | 2,700,000[15] |
| 7 | Daydream | Mariah Carey | 3 September 1995 | 1 | 2,600,000[16] |
| 8 | Music Box | Mariah Carey | 11 September 1993 | 1 | 2,400,000[17] |
| 9 | Simon and Garfunkel's Greatest Hits | Simon & Garfunkel | 1 June 1971 | 3 | 2,000,000[18] |
| 10 | Abbey Road | The Beatles | 21 October 1969[19] | 3 | 1,920,000[20] |
| 10 | 1962–1966 | The Beatles | 19 April 1973 | 1 | 1,920,000[21] |
| 12 | Let Go | Avril Lavigne | 4 June 2002 | 6 | 1,800,000[22] |
| 13 | 1967–1970 | The Beatles | 19 April 1973 | 2 | 1,760,000[23] |
| 14 | Cross Road | Bon Jovi | 7 October 1994 | 1 | 1,700,000[24] |
| 14 | Titanic: Music from the Motion Picture | James Horner | 18 November 1997 | 5 | 1,700,000[25] |
| 16 | Let It Be | The Beatles | 5 June 1970[19] | 2 | 1,600,000[26] |
| 17 | Scatman's World | Scatman John | 10 July 1995 | 2 | 1,561,000 |
| 18 | Jewels | Queen | 28 January 2004 | 1 | 1,500,000[27] |
| 19 | Let's Talk About Love | Celine Dion | 15 November 1997 | 5 | 1,400,000[28] |
| 20 | Hotel California | Eagles | 21 December 1976 | 2 | 1,300,000[29] |
| 20 | Butterfly | Mariah Carey | 10 September 1997 | 1 | 1,300,000[30] |
| 22 | Greatest Hits | Queen | 1981 | 1 | 1,275,000[31] |
| 23 | Bridge over Troubled Water | Simon & Garfunkel | 21 April 1970 | 6 | 1,250,000[32] |
| 23 | Saturday Night Fever | Bee Gees & various artists | 1 February 1978 | 1 | 1,250,000[33] |
| 23 | Like a Virgin | Madonna | 28 November 1984[34] | 5 | 1,250,000[35] |
| 23 | Bad | Michael Jackson | 31 August 1987 | 1 | 1,250,000[36] |
| 27 | All the Way... A Decade of Song | Celine Dion | 13 November 1999 | 1 | 1,246,000 |
| 28 | 200 km/h in the Wrong Lane | t.A.T.u. | 5 March 2003 | 1 | 1,226,000 |
| 29 | Millenium | Backstreet Boys | 28 April 1999 | 6 | 1,200,000[37] |
| 30 | The Fame/The Fame Monster | Lady Gaga | 20 May 2009 | 6 | 1,150,000[38] |
| 31 | The Immaculate Collection | Madonna | 17 November 1990 | 5 | 1,135,000[39] |
| 32 | Grease | Various Artists | 21 July 1978 | 5 | 1,100,000[40] |
| 32 | Make It Big | Wham! | 21 November 1984 | 1 | 1,100,000[41] |
| 32 | These Days | Bon Jovi | 12 June 1995 | 1 | 1,100,000[42] |
| 32 | The Colour of My Love | Celine Dion | 21 October 1995 | 7 | 1,100,000[43] |
| 36 | Flashdance | Various Artists | 11 April 1983 | 1 | 1,066,000 |
| 37 | Paint the Sky with Stars | Enya | 3 November 1997 | 4 | 1,063,000 |
| 38 | True Blue | Madonna | 25 July 1986 | 1 | 1,050,000[44] |
| 39 | Under My Skin | Avril Lavigne | 12 May 2004 | 1 | 1,029,000 |
| 40 | Emotions | Mariah Carey | 4 October 1991 | 3 | 1,025,000[45] |
| 41 | Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band | The Beatles | 5 July 1967[19] | 3 | 1,022,000[46] |
| 42 | Whitney Houston | Whitney Houston | 1 April 1985 | 2 | 1,000,000[47] |
| Indicates compilation. | |
| Indicates soundtrack. |
List of Million-certified albums by the Recording Industry Association of Japan
This is the list of the albums that have shipped over 1,000,000 copies and been certified Million by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ).[48][49] Albums are listed in alphabetical order of each recording artists' name.
| Year | Artist | Title | Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | 19 | Ongaku | Million | |
| 1996 | Nanase Aikawa | red | 2× Million | |
| 1997 | paraDOX | Million | ||
| 1999 | ID | Compilation album | ||
| 2011 | AKB48 | Koko ni Ita Koto | ||
| 2012 | 1830m | |||
| 2014 | Tsugi no Ashiato | |||
| 2000 | aiko | Sakura no Ki no Shita | ||
| 2001 | Natsufuku | |||
| 1995 | Namie Amuro | Dance Tracks Vol.1 | 2× Million | |
| 1996 | Sweet 19 Blues | 3× Million | ||
| 1997 | Concentration 20 | 2× Million | ||
| 1998 | 181920 | 2× Million | Compilation album | |
| 2008 | Best Fiction | Million | ||
| 2017 | Finally | 2× Million | ||
| 2009 | Arashi | All the Best! 1999-2009 | Million | |
| 2010 | Boku no Miteiru Fūkei | |||
| 2011 | Beautiful World | |||
| 2015 | Japonism | |||
| 2006 | Ayaka | First Message | ||
| 2009 | Ayaka's History 2006–2009 | Compilation album | ||
| 2002 | Kimimaro Ayanokoji | Bakushou Super Live Dai-1 Shū: Chūkounen ni Ai wo Komete | Live album | |
| 1989 | B'z | Off the Lock | ||
| 1990 | Break Through | |||
| Wicked Beat | ||||
| Risky | ||||
| 1991 | Mars | EP | ||
| In the Life | 3× Million | |||
| 1992 | Run | 2× Million | ||
| Friends | EP | |||
| 1994 | The 7th Blues | Million | ||
| 1995 | Loose | 3× Million | ||
| 1996 | Friends II | Million | EP | |
| 1997 | Flash Back: B'z Early Special Titles | Million | Compilation album | |
| Survive | 2× Million | |||
| 1998 | B'z The Best "Pleasure" | 5× Million | Compilation album | |
| B'z The Best "Treasure" | 4× Million | |||
| 1999 | Brotherhood | Million | ||
| 2000 | B'z The "Mixture" | 2× Million | Compilation album | |
| Eleven | 2× Million | |||
| 2002 | Green | Million | ||
| The Ballads: Love & B'z | Compilation album | |||
| 2005 | B'z The Best "Pleasure II" | |||
| 2008 | B'z The Best "Ultra Pleasure" | |||
| 2001 | Backstreet Boys | The Hits: Chapter One | ||
| 2000 | The Beatles | 1 | 2× Million | |
| 2002 | BoA | Listen to My Heart | Million | |
| 2003 | Valenti | Million | ||
| 2005 | Best of Soul | Million | Compilation album | |
| 1994 | Bon Jovi | Cross Road | Million | Compilation album |
| 1995 | These Days | Million | ||
| 1998 | Boøwy | This Boøwy | Million | Compilation album |
| 1998 | The Brilliant Green | The Brilliant Green | Million | |
| 1991 | Mariah Carey | Emotions | Million | |
| 1993 | Music Box | Million | ||
| 1994 | Merry Christmas | 2× Million | ||
| 1995 | Daydream | Million | ||
| 1997 | Butterfly | Million | ||
| 1998 | Number 1's | 3× Million | Compilation album | |
| 1995 | The Carpenters | Seishun no Kagayaki: 22 Hits of the Carpenters | 2× Million | Compilation album |
| 1991 | Chage and Aska | Tree | 3× Million | |
| 1992 | Super Best II | 2× Million | Compilation album | |
| Guys | Million | |||
| 1993 | Red Hill | |||
| 1997 | Chara | Junior Sweet | ||
| 2001 | Chemistry | The Way We Are | 2× Million | |
| 2002 | Second to None | 2× Million | ||
| 1982 | Eric Clapton | Timepieces: The Best of Eric Clapton | Million | Compilation album |
| 1992 | Unplugged | Million | Live album | |
| 1999 | Clapton Chronicles: The Best of Eric Clapton | 2× Million | Compilation album | |
| 2001 | Da Pump | Da Best of Da Pump | Million | |
| 1994 | Deen | Deen | Million | |
| 1997 | Celine Dion | Let's Talk About Love | Million | |
| 1999 | All the Way… A Decade of Song | 2× Million | Compilation album | |
| 2005 | Def Tech | Def Tech | 2× Million | |
| 2006 | Catch the Wave | Million | ||
| 1998 | Dragon Ash | Buzz Songs | Million | |
| 1999 | Viva la Revolution | 2x Million | ||
| 2001 | Lily Of Da Valley | Million | ||
| 1989 | Dreams Come True | Dreams Come True | Million | |
| Love Goes On... | 2× Million | |||
| 1990 | Wonder 3 | Million | ||
| 1991 | Million Kisses | 3× Million | ||
| 1992 | The Swinging Star | Million | ||
| 1993 | Magic | 2× Million | ||
| 1995 | Delicious | |||
| 1996 | Love Unlimited | Million | ||
| 1997 | The Best of Dreams Come True | Million | Compilation album | |
| Sing or Die | Million | |||
| 1999 | The Monster | Million | ||
| 2000 | Greatest Hits "The Soul" | 2× Million | Compilation album | |
| 2015 | Dreams Come True The Best! Watashi no Dorikamu | Million | Compilation album | |
| 1997 | Enya | Paint the Sky with Stars | Million | Compilation album |
| 2001 | Theme from Calmi Cuori Appassionati | Million | ||
| 1997 | Every Little Thing | Everlasting | Million | |
| 1998 | Time to Destination | 4× Million | ||
| 1999 | Every Best Single +3 | 2× Million | Compilation album | |
| 2000 | eternity | Million | ||
| 2001 | 4 Force | |||
| 2003 | Exile | Exile Entertainment | ||
| 2005 | Perfect Best | Compilation album | ||
| 2007 | Exile Love | |||
| 2008 | Exile Catchy Best | Compilation album | ||
| Exile Ballad Best | 2× Million | |||
| 2009 | Aisubeki Mirai e | Million | ||
| 2011 | Negai no Tō | |||
| 1993 | Masaharu Fukuyama | Calling | ||
| 1995 | M-Collection: Kaze wo Sagashiteru | Compilation album | ||
| 1999 | Magnum Collection 1999 "Dear" | Double-disc compilation album | ||
| 2001 | f | |||
| 2011 | Girls' Generation | Girls' Generation | ||
| 1996 | Glay | Beloved | ||
| 1997 | Review | 5× Million | Compilation album | |
| 1998 | Pure Soul | 3× Million | ||
| 1999 | Heavy Gauge | 2× Million | ||
| 2000 | Drive: Complete Best | 2x Million | Double-disc compilation album | |
| 1996 | globe | globe | 4× Million | |
| 1997 | Faces Places | 3× Million | ||
| 1998 | Love Again | 2× Million | ||
| Relation | ||||
| 1999 | Cruise Record 1995-2000 | Double-disc compilation album | ||
| 2001 | Gospellers | Love Notes | Million | |
| 2008 | Greeeen | A, Domo. Ohisashiburi Desu. | ||
| 2009 | Shio, Koshō | |||
| 1989 | Shogo Hamada | Wasted Tears | ||
| 2000 | The History of Shogo Hamada "Since 1975" | Compilation album | ||
| 1999 | Ayumi Hamasaki | A Song for ×× | ||
| "A" | 14-track CD single | |||
| Loveppears | 2× Million | |||
| 2000 | Duty | 3× Million | ||
| 2001 | A Best | 4× Million | Compilation album | |
| 2002 | I am... | 3× Million | ||
| Rainbow | 2× Million | |||
| 2003 | A Ballads | Million | Compilation album | |
| Memorial Address | EP | |||
| 2004 | My Story | |||
| 2006 | (Miss)Understood | |||
| 1998 | hide with Spread Beaver | Ja, Zoo | ||
| 1999 | Lauryn Hill | The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill | ||
| 2003 | HY | Street Story | ||
| 1993 | Kyosuke Himuro | Memories of Blue | ||
| 1995 | Singles | Compilation album | ||
| 2000 | Ken Hirai | The Changing Same | ||
| 2001 | Gaining Through Losing | Compilation album | ||
| 2003 | Life Is... | |||
| 2005 | Ken Hirai 10th Anniversary Complete Single Collection '95-'05 "Uta Baka" | 2× Million | Compilation album | |
| 1993 | Eri Hiramatsu | Single is Best | Million | |
| 1998 | Kohmi Hirose | The Best "Love Winters" | 2× Million | |
| 1999 | Tomoyasu Hotei | Greatest Hits 1990-1999 | Million | |
| 2010 | Ikimonogakari | Ikimonobakari: Members Best Selection | ||
| 1989 | Miki Imai | Ivory | ||
| 1993 | Ivory II | |||
| 1997 | Pride | |||
| 1997 | Koshi Inaba | Magma | ||
| 1999 | Yōsui Inoue | Golden Best | Double-disc compilation album | |
| 1994 | Judy and Mary | Orange Sunshine | ||
| 1995 | Miracle Diving | |||
| 1997 | The Power Source | 2× Million | ||
| 1998 | Pop Life | Million | ||
| 2000 | Fresh | Million | ||
| 2001 | Warp | Million | ||
| The Great Escape | Million | |||
| 1996 | Tomomi Kahala | Love Brace | 2× Million | |
| 1997 | Storytelling | Million | ||
| 1997 | Makoto Kawamoto | Makoto Kawamoto | Million | |
| 1997 | Ryuichi Kawamura | Love | 3× Million | |
| 2003 | Ketsumeishi | Ketsunopolis 3 | Million | |
| 2005 | Ketsunopolis 4 | 2× Million | ||
| 1997 | KinKi Kids | A Album | Million | |
| 1998 | B Album | Million | ||
| 2000 | Kinki Single Selection | Million | ||
| 1998 | Kiroro | Nagai Aida: Kiroro no Mori | Million | |
| 2005 | Kobukuro | Nameless World | Million | |
| 2006 | All Singles Best | 3× Million | Compilation album | |
| 2007 | 5296 | Million | ||
| 2012 | All Singles Best 2 | Million | Compilation album | |
| 1992 | Kome Kome Club | Octave | 3× Million | |
| 1995 | Decade | Million | ||
| 2005 | Kumi Koda | Best: First Things | 2× Million | Compilation album |
| 2006 | Best: Second Session | 2× Million | ||
| Black Cherry | Million | |||
| 2000 | Yuki Koyanagi | Expansion | Million | |
| 1986 | Toshinobu Kubota | Shake It Paradise | Million | |
| 1987 | Groovin' | Million | ||
| 1988 | Such A Funky Thang! | Million | ||
| 1989 | The Baddest | Million | Compilation album | |
| 1990 | Bonga Wanga | Million | ||
| 2000 | Mai Kuraki | Delicious Way | 3× Million | |
| 2001 | Perfect Crime | Million | ||
| 2004 | Wish You the Best | Million | Compilation album | |
| 1992 | Keisuke Kuwata | From Yesterday | Million | Compilation album |
| 1994 | Kodoku no Taiyou | Million | ||
| 2002 | Rock and Roll Hero | Million | ||
| Top of the Pops | Million | Double-disc compilation album | ||
| 1996 | L'Arc-en-Ciel | True | Million | |
| 1998 | Heart | Million | ||
| 1999 | ark | 2× Million | ||
| Ray | 2× Million | |||
| 2000 | Real | Million | ||
| 2001 | Clicked Singles Best 13 | Million | Compilation album | |
| 2011 | Lady Gaga | The Fame | Million | |
| 2002 | Avril Lavigne | Let Go | Million | |
| 2004 | Under My Skin | Million | ||
| 2007 | The Best Damn Thing | Million | ||
| 2001 | Love Psychedelico | The Greatest Hits | Million | |
| 1997 | Luna Sea | Singles | Million | Compilation album |
| 1998 | Shine | Million | ||
| 1992 | Noriyuki Makihara | Kimi wa Boku no Takaramono | Million | |
| 1993 | Self Portrait | Million | ||
| 1994 | Pharmacy | Million | ||
| 1997 | Smiling | Million | Compilation album | |
| 1999 | Ricky Martin | Ricky Martin | Million | |
| 1989 | Yumi Matsutoya | Love Wars | Million | |
| 1990 | The Gates of Heaven (Tengoku no Door) | 2× Million | ||
| 1991 | Dawn Purple | 2× Million | ||
| 1992 | Tears and Reasons | Million | ||
| 1993 | U-miz | Million | ||
| 1994 | The Dancing Sun | 2× Million | ||
| 1995 | Kathmandu | Million | ||
| 1997 | Cowgirl Dreamin' | Million | ||
| 1998 | Neue Musik: Yumi Matsutoya Complete Best Vol.1 | 3× Million | Double-disc compilation album | |
| 2001 | Sweet, Bittersweet: Yuming Ballad Best | Million | Double-disc compilation album | |
| 2012 | The Best of Yumi Matsutoya 40th Anniversary | Million | Compilation album | |
| 1996 | Max | Maximum | Million | |
| 1997 | Maximum II | Million | ||
| 1998 | Maximum Groove | Million | ||
| 1999 | Maximum Collection | Million | Compilation album | |
| 1998 | Misia | Mother Father Brother Sister | 2× Million | |
| 2000 | Love Is the Message | 2× Million | ||
| 2001 | Marvelous | 2× Million | ||
| 2002 | Kiss in the Sky | Million | ||
| 2003 | Misia Greatest Hits | 2× Million | Compilation album | |
| 1995 | Chisato Moritaka | Do the Best | Million | |
| 2000 | Morning Musume | 3rd-Love Paradise | Million | |
| 2001 | Best! Morning Musume 1 | 2× Million | Compilation album | |
| 1992 | Mr.Children | Kind of Love | Million | |
| 1993 | Versus | Million | ||
| 1994 | Atomic Heart | 3× Million | ||
| 1996 | Shinkai | 2× Million | ||
| 1997 | Bolero | 3× Million | ||
| 1999 | Discovery | Million | ||
| 2000 | Q | Million | ||
| 2001 | Mr. Children 1992-1995 | 2× Million | Compilation album | |
| Mr. Children 1996-2000 | 2× Million | Compilation album | ||
| 2002 | It's a Wonderful World | Million | ||
| 2004 | Shifuku no Oto | Million | ||
| 2005 | "Four Dimensions" | Million | EP | |
| I Love U | Million | |||
| 2007 | Home | Million | ||
| 2008 | Supermarket Fantasy | Million | ||
| 2012 | Mr. Children 2001–2005 ＜micro＞ | Million | Compilation album | |
| Mr. Children 2005–2010 ＜macro＞ | Million | Compilation album | ||
| 1996 | My Little Lover | Evergreen | 3× Million | |
| 1989 | Tsuyoshi Nagabuchi | Showa | Million | |
| 2002 | Mika Nakashima | True | Million | |
| 2003 | Love | Million | ||
| 2005 | Best | Million | Compilation album | |
| 1991 | Kazumasa Oda | Oh! Yeah! | Million | |
| 2002 | Jiko Best | 3× Million | Compilation album | |
| 1993 | Maki Ohguro | Da Da Da | Million | |
| 1994 | Eien no Yume ni Mukatte | Million | ||
| 1995 | La. La. La. | Million | ||
| Back Beats #1 | 3× Million | Compilation album | ||
| 1997 | Power of Dreams | 2× Million | ||
| 1997 | Mayo Okamoto | Smile | Million | |
| 2001 | Chihiro Onitsuka | Insomnia | Million | |
| 2004 | Orange Range | musiQ | 2× Million | |
| 2005 | Natural | Million | ||
| 1991 | Yutaka Ozaki | Seventeen's Map (Jūnana-Sai no Chizu) | Million | Reissue (first released in 1983) |
| 1992 | Confession for Exist (Hounetsu e no Akashi) | Million | Posthumous album | |
| 1996 | For All My Loves (Aisubeki Mono Subete ni) | Million | Compilation album | |
| 2001 | Porno Graffitti | foo? | Million | |
| 2004 | Porno Graffitti Best Red's | Million | Compilation album | |
| Porno Graffitti Best Blue's | Million | |||
| 1989 | Princess Princess | Lovers | Million | |
| 1990 | Princess Princess | Million | ||
| 1992 | Singles 1987-1992 | Million | Compilation album | |
| 1996 | Puffy | AmiYumi | Million | |
| 1998 | Jet-CD | Million | ||
| 2004 | Queen | Jewels | Million | Compilation album |
| 2002 | Rip Slyme | Tokyo Classic | Million | |
| 2015 | Sandaime J Soul Brothers | Planet Seven | Million | |
| 1995 | Scatman John | Scatman's World | MIllion | |
| 1995 | Sharam Q | Gambler | Million | |
| 1996 | Single Best 10 | Million | Compilation album | |
| 1998 | Shazna | Gold Sun and Silver Moon | Million | |
| 1999 | Ringo Sheena | Muzai Moratorium | Million | |
| 2000 | Shouso Strip | 2× Million | ||
| 2001 | SMAP | Smap Vest | 2× Million | Compilation album |
| 2016 | Smap 25 Years | Million | Compilation album | |
| 1997 | Speed | Starting Over | 2× Million | Studio album |
| 1998 | RISE | 3× Million | Studio album | |
| 1998 | MOMENTS | 3× Million | Compilation album | |
| 1999 | Carry on my Way | Million | Studio album | |
| 1990 | Southern All Stars | Southern All Stars | Million | |
| Inamura Jane | Million | Motion picture soundtrack | ||
| 1992 | Yo ni Manyou no Hana ga Saku nari | 3× Million | ||
| 1996 | Young Love | 2× Million | ||
| 1998 | Umi no Yeah!! | 4× Million | Double-disc compilation album | |
| Sakura | Million | |||
| 2000 | Ballad 3: The Album of Love | 2× Million | Double-disc compilation album | |
| 2005 | Killer Street | Million | Double album | |
| 1995 | Spitz | Hachimitsu | Million | |
| 1996 | Indigo Chiheisen | Million | ||
| 1999 | Recycle: Greatest Hits of Spitz | Million | Compilation album | |
| 1999 | Ami Suzuki | SA | 2× Million | |
| 2000 | Infinity Eighteen Vol. 1 | Million | ||
| 1995 | Masayuki Suzuki | Martini II | Million | Compilation album |
| 1992 | Mariya Takeuchi | Quiet Life | Million | |
| 1994 | Impressions | 3× Million | Compilation album | |
| 2001 | Bon Appetit! | Million | ||
| 2008 | Expressions | Million | Compilation album | |
| 2003 | t.A.T.u. | 200 km/h in the Wrong Lane | Million | |
| 1998 | T.M. Revolution | Triple Joker | Million | |
| 1999 | The Force | Million | ||
| 1992 | T-Bolan | So Bad | Million | |
| 1993 | Heart of Stone | Million | ||
| 1996 | Singles | Million | Compilation album | |
| 1999 | TLC | FanMail | Million | |
| 2005 | Hideaki Tokunaga | Vocalist | Million | |
| 2007 | Vocalist 3 | Million | ||
| 2003 | Twelve Girls Band | Beautiful Energy | Million | |
| 1994 | TRF | Word Groove | Million | |
| Billionaire | Million | |||
| 1995 | Dance to Positive | 2× Million | ||
| Hyper Mix 4 | Million | |||
| Brand-New Tomorrow | Million | |||
| 1998 | Works | Million | Compilation album | |
| 1989 | Tube | Tubest | Million | |
| 1993 | Roman no Natsu | Million | ||
| 1994 | Owaranai Natsu ni | Million | ||
| Melodies & Memories | Million | |||
| 1995 | Yuzurenai Natsu | Million | ||
| 1996 | Tubest II | Million | Compilation album | |
| 2000 | Tubest III | Million | ||
| 1996 | Ulfuls | Banzai | Million | |
| 1993 | Unicorn | The Very Best of Unicorn | Million | Compilation album |
| 1999 | Hikaru Utada | First Love | 8× Million | |
| 2001 | Distance | 4× Million | ||
| 2002 | Deep River | 3× Million | ||
| 2004 | Utada Hikaru Single Collection Vol. 1 | 3× Million | Compilation album | |
| Exodus | Million | Released under the stage name "Utada" | ||
| 2006 | Ultra Blue | Million | ||
| 2008 | Heart Station | Million | ||
| 1993 | Wands | Toki no Tobira | 2× Million | |
| Little Bit... | Million | |||
| 1995 | Pieces of My Soul | Million | ||
| 1991 | X Japan | Jealousy | Million | |
| 1993 | X Singles | Million | Compilation album | |
| 1995 | Tatsuro Yamashita | Treasures | Million | Compilation album |
| 1998 | Cozy | Million | ||
| 1996 | The Yellow Monkey | Triad Years Act 1: The Very Best of the Yellow Monkey | Million | Compilation album |
| 1999 | Yuzu | Yuzuen | Million | |
| 2000 | Tobira | Million | ||
| 1996 | Miwa Yoshida | Beauty and Harmony | Million | |
| 1993 | Z-Dan | Enoshima: Southern All Stard Golden Hits Medley | Million | |
| 1992 | Zard | Hold Me | Million | |
| 1993 | Yureru Omoi | 3× Million | ||
| 1994 | Oh My Love | 2× Million | ||
| 1995 | Forever You | Million | ||
| 1996 | Today Is Another Day | Million | ||
| 1997 | Zard Blend: Sun & Stone | 2× Million | Compilation album | |
| 1999 | Eien | Million | ||
| Zard Best the Single Collection: Kiseki | 3× Million | Compilation album | ||
| Zard Best: Requested Memorial | Million | |||
| 2006 | Golden Best: 15th Anniversary | Million | ||
| 1992 | Whitney Houston / Various artists | The Bodyguard | 2× Million | Motion picture soundtrack |
| 2003 | Various artists | Winter Sonata | Million | Korean drama soundtrack |
| 2007 | Various artists | R35 Sweet J-Ballads | Million | Compilation album |
| 2014 | Various artists | Anna and the Snow Queen Original Soundtrack | Million | Motion picture soundtrack |
Best-selling albums by year
Sales figures derived from Oricon.[50]
| Year | Title | Artist | Sales |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | Delight Slight Light KISS | Yumi Matsutoya | 1,575,510[51] |
| 1990 | Love Wars | Yumi Matsutoya | 1,602,230[52] |
| 1991 | The Gates of Heaven | Yumi Matsutoya | 1,975,080[53] |
| 1992 | Super Best II | Chage and Aska | 2,543,290[54] |
| 1993 | Yureru Omoi | Zard | 1,938,120[55] |
| 1994 | Magic | Dreams Come True | 2,584,400[56] |
| 1995 | Delicious | Dreams Come True | 2,910,330[57] |
| 1996 | globe | globe | 3,762,610[58] |
| 1997 | Review | Glay | 3,333,470[59] |
| 1998 | B'z The Best "Pleasure" | B'z | 5,034,980[60] |
| 1999 | First Love | Hikaru Utada | 7,365,830[61] |
| 2000 | Delicious Way | Kuraki Mai | 3,451,660[62] |
| 2001 | Distance | Hikaru Utada | 4,404,290[63] |
| 2002 | Deep River | Hikaru Utada | 3,526,780[64] |
| 2003 | Second to None | CHEMISTRY | 2,001,917[65] |
| 2004 | SINGLE COLLECTIONS VOL.1 | Hikaru Utada | 2,495,967[66] |
| 2005 | musiQ | ORANGE RANGE | 2,630,763[67] |
| 2006 | Ken Hirai 10th Anniversary Complete Single Collection '95-'05 Utabaka | Ken Hirai | 2,070,766[68] |
| 2007 | HOME | Mr. Children | 1,181,241[69] |
| 2008 | Exile Love | Exile | 1,470,959[70] |
| 2009 | All the Best! 1999–2009 | Arashi | 1,432,000[71] |
| 2010 | Boku no Miteiru Fūkei | Arashi | 1,053,064[72] |
| 2011 | Beautiful World | Arashi | 907,589[73] |
| 2012 | Mr. Children 2005–2010 ＜macro＞ | Mr. Children | 1,170,298[74] |
| 2013 | Love | Arashi | 796,525[75] |
| 2014 | Tsugi no Ashiato | AKB48 | 1,041,355[76] |
| 2015 | Japonism | Arashi | 981,639[77] |
| 2016 | Are You Happy? | Arashi | 747,115[78] |
| 2017 | Finally | Namie Amuro | 1,777,850[79] |
See also
- List of best-selling albums of the 1980s (Japan)
- RIAJ certification
- List of best-selling albums by country
- List of best-selling singles in Japan
- Oricon
- Oricon Singles Chart
- Oricon Albums Chart
- Big in Japan
Notes
References
^ "RIAJ: Yearbook 2006, IFPI 2004 Report (Page 23)" (PDF). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved 4 November 2017..mw-parser-output cite.citation{font-style:inherit}.mw-parser-output q{quotes:"""""""'""'"}.mw-parser-output code.cs1-code{color:inherit;background:inherit;border:inherit;padding:inherit}.mw-parser-output .cs1-lock-free a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/65/Lock-green.svg/9px-Lock-green.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .cs1-lock-limited a,.mw-parser-output .cs1-lock-registration a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/d6/Lock-gray-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-gray-alt-2.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .cs1-lock-subscription a{background:url("//upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/aa/Lock-red-alt-2.svg/9px-Lock-red-alt-2.svg.png")no-repeat;background-position:right .1em center}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration{color:#555}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription span,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration span{border-bottom:1px dotted;cursor:help}.mw-parser-output .cs1-hidden-error{display:none;font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-visible-error{font-size:100%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-subscription,.mw-parser-output .cs1-registration,.mw-parser-output .cs1-format{font-size:95%}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-left,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-left{padding-left:0.2em}.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-right,.mw-parser-output .cs1-kern-wl-right{padding-right:0.2em}
^ ab "RIAJ Yearbook 2017: IFPI Global Music Report 2017 (Page 5)". Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved 4 November 2017.
^ "RIAJ: Yearbook 2012, IFPI 2010 Report: 31. Global Sales of Recorded Music by Country in 2010 (Page 24)" (PDF). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved 4 November 2017.
^ Schwartz, Rob (Aug 15, 2009). Ups and downs: Japan's global sales rank rises, despite continuing slide at home. Billboard. Retrieved 4 November 2017.
^ abc オリジナルコンフィデンス. 歴代アルバムランキング TOP280 (in Japanese). Music TV Program. Retrieved 4 November 2017.
^ "動画:oricon TOP40-無料動画-ORICON STYLE". oricon.co.jp. Archived from the original on January 26, 2008.
^ オリジナルコンフィデンス. 歴代CDアルバム売り上げ枚数ランキング (in Japanese). 年代流行. Retrieved 4 November 2017.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (July 15, 2016). "Understanding: Japanese Album Sales: III) Concrete Examples". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.If we consider all Oricon limits together, we can theoretically create a case of albums selling a million units within’ a few years without ever charting. With 4-5 different versions selling on various formats during high period of sales and with large imports can mean 20,000 copies sold a week in spite of being off the radar.
^ For albums since 1970 that do not appear on the Oricon list:
"歴代年間ヒット音楽アルバム(1970年～現在)【PRiVATE LiFE】年間ランキング" [Historical Hit Music Album (1970-present) 【Private Life】 Annual Rankings]. entamedata. 2018. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (April 29, 2017). "CSPC: Mariah Carey Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (July 15, 2016). "Understanding: Japanese Album Sales: III) Concrete Examples: G) The Carpenters". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (February 11, 2017). "CSPC: Whitney Houston Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (September 27, 2017). "CSPC: Michael Jackson Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (April 29, 2017). "CSPC: Mariah Carey Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (March 2, 2017). "CSPC: The Beatles Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (April 29, 2017). "CSPC: Mariah Carey Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (April 29, 2017). "CSPC: Mariah Carey Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (May 11, 2018). "CSPC: Simon & Garfunkel Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
^ abc "Yamachan Land (Japanese Chart Archives) > Albums Chart Daijiten > The Beatles" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on 19 December 2012. Retrieved 12 October 2012.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (March 2, 2017). "CSPC: The Beatles Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (March 2, 2017). "CSPC: The Beatles Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (July 15, 2016). "Understanding: Japanese Album Sales: III) Concrete Examples: D) Avril Lavigne – Let Go". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (March 2, 2017). "CSPC: The Beatles Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (November 16, 2016). "CSPC: Bon Jovi Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (June 18, 2018). "CSPC: Titanic Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved June 18, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (March 2, 2017). "CSPC: The Beatles Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (October 26, 2017). "CSPC: Queen Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (September 23, 2016). "CSPC: Celine Dion Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (December 20, 2017). "CSPC: Eagles Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (April 29, 2017). "CSPC: Mariah Carey Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (October 26, 2017). "CSPC: Queen Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (May 11, 2018). "CSPC: Simon & Garfunkel Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved August 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (April 9, 2017). "CSPC: Bee Gees Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ "Madonna – Like A Virgin (LP, Album)". Discogs. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (August 19, 2017). "CSPC: Madonna Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (September 27, 2017). "CSPC: Michael Jackson Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ López, Hernán (February 9, 2017). "CSPC: Backstreet Boys Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (August 14, 2016). "CSPC: Lady Gaga Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (August 19, 2017). "CSPC: Madonna Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (August 25, 2016). "CSPC: Grease Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (December 30, 2016). "CSPC: Wham! & George Michael Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (November 16, 2016). "CSPC: Bon Jovi Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (September 23, 2016). "CSPC: Celine Dion Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (August 19, 2017). "CSPC: Madonna Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (April 29, 2017). "CSPC: Mariah Carey Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (March 2, 2017). "CSPC: The Beatles Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ Vieira, Guillaume (February 11, 2017). "CSPC: Whitney Houston Popularity Analysis". Chart Masters. Retrieved January 9, 2018.
^ "List of million-certified singles and albums by year" (in Japanese). Retrieved November 30, 2009.
^ "List of the albums certified "Million" by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (1989-2010)". January 24, 2010. Archived from the original on August 5, 2012. Retrieved April 22, 2010.
^ "オリコンランキング情報サービス「you大樹」" [Oricon Ranking Information Service 'You Big Tree']. Oricon. Retrieved June 12, 2014. (Subscription required (help)).
^ "1989年 アルバム年間TOP100" [Oricon Album Top 100 1989]. Oricon. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
^ "1990年 アルバム年間TOP100" [Oricon Album Top 100 1990]. Oricon. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
^ "1991年 アルバム年間TOP100" [Oricon Album Top 100 1991]. Oricon. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
^ "1992年 アルバム年間TOP100" [Oricon Album Top 100 1992]. Oricon. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
^ "1993年 アルバム年間TOP100" [Oricon Album Top 100 1993]. Oricon. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
^ "1994年 アルバム年間TOP100" [Oricon Album Top 100 1994]. Oricon. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
^ "1995年 アルバム年間TOP100" [Oricon Album Top 100 1995]. Oricon. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
^ "1996年 アルバム年間TOP100" [Oricon Album Top 100 1996]. Oricon. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
^ "1997年 アルバム年間TOP100" [Oricon Album Top 100 1997]. Oricon. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
^ "1998年 アルバム年間TOP100" [Oricon Album Top 100 1998]. Oricon. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
^ "1999年 アルバム年間TOP100" [Oricon Album Top 100 1999]. Oricon. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
^ "2000年 アルバム年間TOP100" [Oricon Album Top 100 2000]. Oricon. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
^ "2001年 アルバム年間TOP100" [Oricon Album Top 100 2001]. Oricon. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
^ "2002年 アルバム年間TOP100" [Oricon Album Top 100 2002]. Oricon. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
^ "2003年 アルバム年間TOP100" [Oricon Album Top 100 2003]. Oricon. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
^ "2004年 アルバム年間TOP100" [Oricon Album Top 100 2004]. Oricon. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
^ "2005年 アルバム年間TOP100" [Oricon Album Top 100 2005]. Oricon. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
^ "2006年 アルバム年間TOP100" [Oricon Album Top 100 2006]. Oricon. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
^ "2007年 アルバム年間TOP100" [Oricon Album Top 100 2007]. Oricon. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
^ "2008年 アルバム年間TOP100" [Oricon Album Top 100 2008]. Oricon. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
^ "Arashi sweeps 2009 sales rankings". Tokyograph. December 18, 2009. Retrieved December 21, 2009.
^ "2010年 アルバム年間TOP100" [Oricon Album Top 100 2010]. Oricon. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
^ "2011年 アルバム年間TOP100" [Oricon Album Top 100 2011]. Oricon. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
^ "2012年 アルバム年間TOP100" [Oricon Album Top 100 2012]. Oricon. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
^ "2013年 アルバム年間TOP100" [Oricon Album Top 100 2013]. Oricon. Retrieved 10 July 2016.
^ "2014年 年間音楽＆映像ランキング発表". Oricon Style (in Japanese). Oricon. Retrieved May 16, 2015.
^ "2015年 年間音楽ランキングを発表！ 年間アルバムランキング 1位～25位". Oricon Style. Oricon. Retrieved February 29, 2016.
^ "【2016年 年間音楽＆映像ランキング】嵐が前人未到の記録達成！AKB48がシングル年間V7!!". Oricon Style. Oricon. Retrieved January 7, 2017.
^ "【第50回 オリコン年間ランキング 2017】嵐が総合売上5年連続首位、AKB48がシングル年間V8達成!". Oricon Style. Oricon. Retrieved January 22, 2018.
External links
- Oricon official site
