Abstract

“Mō Koi Nante Shinai,” “Zurui Onna,” and “Automatic”—All Peaked at No. 2!?
A deep dive into 50 unforgettable J-POP hits that almost made it to the top!
This book explores the golden age of 1990s J-POP through the lens of songs that reached No. 2 on the charts—unexpected masterpieces that defined an era. From CD sales booms to chart battles, these tracks still shine with the energy and emotion of a generation.

Recommended by Hyadain, Japanese music producer
“The sparkle of our youth, obsessed with chart action, still dazzles today!”

Written by Mirakki, a radio scriptwriter and DJ, this debut work offers a fresh perspective on the music scene during Japan’s “CD bubble” era. Through 50 iconic No. 2 hits, the book uncovers the cultural forces behind the music, including the rise of the Being production empire, the dominance of Tetsuya Komuro, and the influence of TV variety shows on chart success.
Each chapter is packed with commentary, trivia, and nostalgia—perfect for music lovers, pop culture enthusiasts, and anyone curious about the stories behind the hits.

Author’s Information

Mirakki Ōmura (also known as Ayato Ōmura) was born in Saitama Prefecture on May 15, 1980. He began his career as a broadcast writer in 2001 and has since worked extensively in Japanese radio and television, both behind the scenes and as a DJ. In 2022, he formed the talk unit genEric genEsis with music creator Hyadain, and in 2023, their special program GeneGene 90s – Resounding J-POP of Our Generation received the 61st Galaxy Award Encouragement Prize. In 2024, he made his debut as a lyricist with Crazy More Strange by HiiT FACTORY.