List of best-selling albums in Japan


is the second-largest music market in the world and the following lists cover the top-selling albums in the country of Japan, based on information provided by the Recording Industry Association of Japan and Original Confidence Inc., commonly known as Oricon.

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.

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, cassette tapes and compact discs, 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. The best-selling album is First Love by female solo artist Utada Hikaru, sold in over 7.5 million copies by the end of 1999. Ryuichi Kawamura's album Love topped the album chart with sales of around 1,021,000 copies, making him the only male solo artist ever to have an album sell over one million copies within its initial week in Oricon charts history. That same album sold over 2,788,000 copies, therefore it holds the record for best selling male solo album.
AlbumArtistReleasedChartSales
1First Love17,672,000
2B'z The Best "Pleasure"B'z15,136,000
3ReviewGlay14,876,000
4Distance14,472,000
5B'z The Best "Treasure"B'z14,439,000
6A Best14,312,000
7GlobeGlobe14,136,000
8Deep River13,605,000
9Umi no Yeah!!Southern All Stars13,592,000
10Delicious Way13,530,000
11Time to DestinationEvery Little Thing13,520,000
12Atomic HeartMr. Children13,430,000
13Sweet 19 Blues13,359,000
14BoleroMr. Children13,283,000
15Neue Musik13,252,000
16Faces PlacesGlobe13,239,000
17The Swinging StarDreams Come True13,227,000
18Impressions13,067,000
19:ja:ZARD BEST The Single Collection 〜軌跡〜|Zard Best: The Single CollectionZard13,034,000
20All Singles BestKobukuro13,018,000
21LooseB'z13,003,210
22DeliciousDreams Come True12,966,000
23Duty12,904,000
24Back Beats #1Maki Ohguro12,868,000
25Ballads 3 ~The Album of Love~Southern All Stars12,845,000
26evergreenMy Little Lover12,797,000
27LoveRyuichi Kawamura12,788,000
28Cruise Control 1995-2000Globe12,763,000
29ShinkaiMr. Children12,745,000
30MessageMongol80012,729,000
31musiQOrange Range12,649,000
32Drive: Glay Complete BestGlay12,637,000
33Mother Father Brother SisterMisia12,580,000
34Utada Hikaru Single Collection Vol. 112,573,000
35Love BraceTomomi Kahara12,571,000
36Loveppears12,562,000
37The Way We AreChemistry12,471,000
38Love UnlimitedDreams Come True12,434,000
39Pure SoulGlay12,427,000
40Dance To PositiveTRF12,382,000
41Heavy GaugeGlay12,358,000
42Shōso StripRingo Sheena12,332,000
43Mr. Children 1992–1995Mr. Children12,324,000
44MomentSpeed12,319,000
45Greatest Hits "The SoulDreams Come True12,318,000
46ArkL'Arc-en-Ciel12,315,000
47I am...12,308,000
48Love Is The MessageMisia12,298,000
49Finally12,451,651
50Best! Morning Musume 1Morning Musume12,260,000
51Every Best Single +3Every Little Thing12,256,000
52RayL'Arc-en-Ciel12,179,000
53Best Of Dreams Come TrueDreams Come True12,170,000
54The Power SourceJudy and Mary12,162,000
555×20 All the BEST!! 1999–2019Arashi12,100,400
56Def TechDef Tech12,100,000
57Ketsunopolis 4Ketsumeishi12,071,000
58Viva La RevolutionDragon Ash12,060,000
59RiseSpeed12,048,000
60Second to NoneChemistry12,025,000

Indicates compilation.

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. Albums are listed in alphabetical order of each recording artists' name.
YearArtistTitleLevelNotes
199919OngakuMillion
1996red2× Million
1997paraDOXMillion
1999IDMillionCompilation album
2011AKB48Koko ni Ita KotoMillion
2012AKB481830mMillion
2014AKB48Tsugi no AshiatoMillion
2000aikoSakura no Ki no ShitaMillion
2001aikoNatsufukuMillion
1995Dance Tracks Vol.12× Million
1996Sweet 19 Blues3× Million
1997Concentration 202× Million
19981819202× MillionCompilation album
2008Best FictionMillionCompilation album
2017Finally2× MillionCompilation album
2009ArashiAll the Best! 1999–2009MillionCompilation album
2010ArashiBoku no Miteiru FūkeiMillion
2011ArashiBeautiful WorldMillion
2015ArashiJaponismMillion
2019Arashi5x20 All the Best!! 1999–20192x MillionCompilation album
2006AyakaFirst MessageMillion
2009AyakaAyaka's History 2006–2009MillionCompilation album
2002Kimimaro AyanokojiBakushou Super Live Dai-1 Shū: Chūkounen ni Ai wo KometeMillionLive album
1989B'zOff the LockMillion
1990B'zBreak ThroughMillion
1990B'zWicked BeatMillion
1990B'zRiskyMillion
1991B'zMarsMillionEP
1991B'zIn the Life3× Million
1992B'zRun2× Million
1992B'zFriends2× MillionEP
1994B'zThe 7th BluesMillion
1995B'zLoose3× Million
1996B'zFriends IIMillionEP
1997B'zFlash Back: B'z Early Special TitlesMillionCompilation album
1997B'zSurvive2× Million
1998B'zB'z The Best "Pleasure"5× MillionCompilation album
1998B'zB'z The Best "Treasure"4× MillionCompilation album
1999B'zBrotherhoodMillion
2000B'zB'z The "Mixture"2× MillionCompilation album
2000B'zEleven2× Million
2002B'zGreenMillion
2002B'z'MillionCompilation album
2005B'zB'z The Best "Pleasure II"MillionCompilation album
2008B'zB'z The Best "Ultra Pleasure"MillionCompilation album
2001Backstreet BoysThe Hits: Chapter OneMillionCompilation album
2000The Beatles12× MillionCompilation album
2002BoAListen to My HeartMillion
2003BoAValentiMillion
2005BoABest of SoulMillionCompilation album
1994Bon JoviCross RoadMillionCompilation album
1995Bon JoviThese DaysMillion
1998BoøwyThis BoøwyMillionCompilation album
1998The Brilliant GreenThe Brilliant GreenMillion
1991EmotionsMillion
1993Music BoxMillion
1994Merry Christmas2× Million
1995DaydreamMillion
1997ButterflyMillion
1998Number 1's3× MillionCompilation album
1995Seishun no Kagayaki: 22 Hits of the Carpenters2× MillionCompilation album
1991Chage and AskaTree3× Million
1992Chage and AskaSuper Best II2× MillionCompilation album
1992Chage and AskaGuysMillion
1993Chage and AskaRed HillMillion
1997CharaJunior SweetMillion
2001ChemistryThe Way We Are2× Million
2002ChemistrySecond to None2× Million
1982'MillionCompilation album
1992UnpluggedMillionLive album
1999'2× MillionCompilation album
2001Da PumpDa Best of Da PumpMillionCompilation album
1994DeenDeenMillion
1997Let's Talk About LoveMillion
1999All the Way… A Decade of Song2× MillionCompilation album
2005Def TechDef Tech2× Million
2006Def TechCatch the WaveMillion
1998Dragon AshBuzz SongsMillion
1999Dragon AshViva la Revolution2x Million
2001Dragon AshLily Of Da ValleyMillion
1989Dreams Come TrueDreams Come TrueMillion
1989Dreams Come TrueLove Goes On...2× Million
1990Dreams Come TrueWonder 3Million
1991Dreams Come TrueMillion Kisses3× Million
1992Dreams Come TrueThe Swinging StarMillion
1993Dreams Come TrueMagic2× Million
1995Dreams Come TrueDelicious2× Million
1996Dreams Come TrueLove UnlimitedMillion
1997Dreams Come TrueThe Best of Dreams Come TrueMillionCompilation album
1997Dreams Come TrueSing or DieMillion
1999Dreams Come TrueThe MonsterMillion
2000Dreams Come TrueGreatest Hits "The Soul"2× MillionCompilation album
2015Dreams Come TrueDreams Come True The Best! Watashi no DorikamuMillionCompilation album
1997EnyaPaint the Sky with StarsMillionCompilation album
2001EnyaThemes from Calmi Cuori AppassionatiMillionCompilation album
1997Every Little ThingEverlastingMillion
1998Every Little ThingTime to Destination4× Million
1999Every Little ThingEvery Best Single +32× MillionCompilation album
2000Every Little ThingeternityMillion
2001Every Little Thing4 ForceMillion
2003ExileExile EntertainmentMillion
2005ExilePerfect BestMillionCompilation album
2007ExileExile LoveMillion
2008ExileExile Catchy BestMillionCompilation album
2008ExileExile Ballad Best2× MillionCompilation album
2009ExileAisubeki Mirai eMillion
2011ExileNegai no TōMillion
1993CallingMillion
1995M-Collection: Kaze wo SagashiteruMillionCompilation album
1999Magnum Collection 1999 "Dear"MillionDouble-disc compilation album
2001FMillion
2011Girls' GenerationGirls' GenerationMillion
1996GlayBelovedMillion
1997GlayReview5× MillionCompilation album
1998GlayPure Soul3× Million
1999GlayHeavy Gauge2× Million
2000GlayDrive: Complete Best2x MillionDouble-disc compilation album
1996GlobeGlobe4× Million
1997GlobeFaces Places3× Million
1998GlobeLove Again2× Million
1998GlobeRelation2× Million
1999GlobeCruise Record 1995-20002× MillionDouble-disc compilation album
2001GospellersLove NotesMillion
2008GreeeenA, Domo. Ohisashiburi Desu.Million
2009GreeeenShio, KoshōMillion
1989Wasted TearsMillion
2000The History of Shogo Hamada "Since 1975"MillionCompilation album
1999A Song for ××Million
1999"A"Million14-track CD single
1999Loveppears2× Million
2000Duty3× Million
2001A Best4× MillionCompilation album
2002I am...3× Million
2002Rainbow2× Million
2003A BalladsMillionCompilation album
2003Memorial AddressMillionEP
2004My StoryMillion
2006UnderstoodMillion
1998hide with Spread BeaverJa, ZooMillion
1999The Miseducation of Lauryn HillMillion
2003HYStreet StoryMillion
1993Memories of BlueMillion
1995SinglesMillionCompilation album
2000The Changing SameMillion
2001Gaining Through LosingMillionCompilation album
2003Life Is...Million
2005Ken Hirai 10th Anniversary Complete Single Collection '95-'05 "Uta Baka"2× MillionCompilation album
1993Single is Best MillionCompilation album
1998The Best "Love Winters"2× MillionCompilation album
1999Greatest Hits 1990-1999MillionCompilation album
2010Ikimonogakari'MillionCompilation album
1989IvoryMillionCompilation album
1993Ivory IIMillionCompilation album
1997PrideMillion
1997MagmaMillion
1999Golden BestMillionDouble-disc compilation album
1994Judy and MaryOrange SunshineMillion
1995Judy and MaryMiracle DivingMillion
1997Judy and MaryThe Power SourceMillion2× Million
1998Judy and MaryPop LifeMillionMillion
2000Judy and MaryFreshMillionMillion
2001Judy and MaryWarpMillion
2001Judy and MaryThe Great EscapeMillion
1996Love Brace2× Million
1997StorytellingMillion
1997Makoto KawamotoMillion
1997Love3× Million
2003KetsumeishiKetsunopolis 3Million
2005KetsumeishiKetsunopolis 42× Million
1997KinKi KidsA AlbumMillion
1998KinKi KidsB AlbumMillion
2000KinKi KidsKinKi Single SelectionMillion
1998KiroroNagai Aida: Kiroro no MoriMillion
2005KobukuroNameless WorldMillion
2006KobukuroAll Singles Best3× MillionCompilation album
2007Kobukuro5296Million
2012KobukuroAll Singles Best 2MillionCompilation album
1992Kome Kome ClubOctave3× Million
1995Kome Kome ClubDecadeMillion
2005'2× MillionCompilation album
2006'2× MillionCompilation album
2006Black CherryMillion
2000ExpansionMillion
1986Shake It ParadiseMillion
1987GroovinMillion
1988Such A Funky Thang!Million
1989The BaddestMillionCompilation album
1990Bonga WangaMillion
2000Delicious Way3× Million
2001Perfect CrimeMillion
2004Wish You the BestMillionCompilation album
1992From YesterdayMillionCompilation album
1994Kodoku no TaiyouMillion
2002Rock and Roll HeroMillion
2002Top of the PopsMillionDouble-disc compilation album
1996L'Arc-en-CielTrueMillion
1998L'Arc-en-CielHeartMillion
1999L'Arc-en-Cielark2× Million
1999L'Arc-en-CielRay2× Million
2000L'Arc-en-CielRealMillion
2001L'Arc-en-CielClicked Singles Best 13MillionCompilation album
2011Lady GagaThe FameMillion
2002Let GoMillion
2004Under My SkinMillion
2007The Best Damn ThingMillion
2001Love PsychedelicoThe Greatest HitsMillion
1997Luna SeaSinglesMillionCompilation album
1998Luna SeaShineMillion
1992Kimi wa Boku no TakaramonoMillion
1993Self PortraitMillion
1994PharmacyMillion
1997SmilingMillionCompilation album
1999Ricky MartinMillion
1989Love WarsMillion
1990The Gates of Heaven 2× Million
1991Dawn Purple2× Million
1992Tears and ReasonsMillion
1993U-mizMillion
1994The Dancing Sun2× Million
1995KathmanduMillion
1997Cowgirl DreaminMillion
1998Neue Musik: Yumi Matsutoya Complete Best Vol.13× MillionDouble-disc compilation album
2001Sweet, Bittersweet: Yuming Ballad BestMillionDouble-disc compilation album
2012The Best of Yumi Matsutoya 40th AnniversaryMillionCompilation album
1996MaxMaximumMillion
1997MaxMaximum IIMillion
1998MaxMaximum GrooveMillion
1999MaxMaximum CollectionMillionCompilation album
1998MisiaMother Father Brother Sister2× Million
2000MisiaLove Is the Message2× Million
2001MisiaMarvelous2× Million
2002MisiaKiss in the SkyMillion
2003MisiaMisia Greatest Hits2× MillionCompilation album
1995Do the BestMillionCompilation album
2000Morning Musume3rd-Love ParadiseMillion
2001Morning MusumeBest! Morning Musume 12× MillionCompilation album
1992Mr.ChildrenKind of LoveMillion
1993Mr.ChildrenVersusMillion
1994Mr.ChildrenAtomic Heart3× Million
1996Mr.ChildrenShinkai2× Million
1997Mr.ChildrenBolero3× Million
1999Mr.ChildrenDiscoveryMillion
2000Mr.ChildrenQMillion
2001Mr.ChildrenMr. Children 1992-19952× MillionCompilation album
2001Mr.ChildrenMr. Children 1996-20002× MillionCompilation album
2002Mr.ChildrenIt's a Wonderful WorldMillion
2004Mr.ChildrenShifuku no OtoMillion
2005Mr.Children"Four Dimensions"MillionEP
2005Mr.ChildrenI Love UMillion
2007Mr.ChildrenHomeMillion
2008Mr.ChildrenSupermarket FantasyMillion
2012Mr.ChildrenMr. Children 2001–2005 <micro> MillionCompilation album
2012Mr.ChildrenMr. Children 2005–2010 <macro> MillionCompilation album
1996My Little LoverEvergreen3× Million
1989ShowaMillion
2002TrueMillion
2003LoveMillion
2005BestMillionCompilation album
1991Oh! Yeah!Million
2002Jiko Best3× MillionCompilation album
1993Da Da DaMillion
1994Eien no Yume ni MukatteMillion
1995La La LaMillion
1995Back Beats #13× MillionCompilation album
1997Power of Dreams2× Million
1997SmileMillion
2001InsomniaMillion
2004Orange RangemusiQ2× Million
2005Orange RangeNaturalMillion
1991Seventeen's Map MillionReissue
1992Confession for Exist MillionPosthumous album
1996For All My Loves MillionCompilation album
2001Porno Graffittifoo?Million
2004Porno GraffittiPorno Graffitti Best Red'sMillionCompilation album
2004Porno GraffittiPorno Graffitti Best Blue'sMillionCompilation album
1989Princess PrincessLoversMillion
1990Princess PrincessPrincess PrincessMillion
1992Princess PrincessSingles 1987–1992MillionCompilation album
1996PuffyAmiYumiMillion
1998PuffyJet-CDMillion
2004QueenJewelsMillionCompilation album
2002Rip SlymeTokyo ClassicMillion
2015Sandaime J Soul BrothersPlanet SevenMillion
1995Scatman JohnScatman's WorldMIllion
1995Sharam QGamblerMillion
1996Sharam QSingle Best 10MillionCompilation album
1998ShaznaGold Sun and Silver MoonMillion
1999Muzai MoratoriumMillion
2000Shouso Strip2× Million
2001SMAPSmap Vest2× MillionCompilation album
2016SMAPSmap 25 YearsMillionCompilation album
1997SpeedStarting Over2× MillionStudio album
1998SpeedRise3× MillionStudio album
1998SpeedMoment3× MillionCompilation album
1999SpeedCarry On My WayMillionStudio album
1990Southern All StarsSouthern All StarsMillion
1990Southern All StarsInamura JaneMillionMotion picture soundtrack
1992Southern All StarsYo ni Manyou no Hana ga Saku nari3× Million
1996Southern All StarsYoung Love2× Million
1998Southern All StarsUmi no Yeah!!4× MillionDouble-disc compilation album
1998Southern All StarsSakuraMillion
2000Southern All StarsBallad 3: The Album of Love2× MillionDouble-disc compilation album
2005Southern All StarsKiller StreetMillionDouble album
1995SpitzHachimitsuMillion
1996SpitzIndigo ChiheisenMillion
1999SpitzRecycle: Greatest Hits of SpitzMillionCompilation album
1999SA2× Million
2000Infinity Eighteen Vol. 1Million
1995Martini IIMillionCompilation album
1992Quiet LifeMillion
1994Impressions3× MillionCompilation album
2001Bon Appetit!Million
2008ExpressionsMillionCompilation album
2003t.A.T.u.200 km/h in the Wrong LaneMillion
1998T.M. RevolutionTriple JokerMillion
1999T.M. RevolutionThe ForceMillion
1992T-BolanSo BadMillion
1993T-BolanHeart of StoneMillion
1996T-BolanSinglesMillionCompilation album
1999TLCFanMailMillion
2005VocalistMillion
2007Vocalist 3Million
2003Twelve Girls BandBeautiful EnergyMillion
1994TRFWord GrooveMillion
1994TRFBillionaireMillion
1995TRFDance to Positive2× Million
1995TRFHyper Mix 4Million
1995TRFBrand-New TomorrowMillion
1998TRFWorksMillionCompilation album
1989TubeTubestMillionCompilation album
1993TubeRoman no NatsuMillion
1994TubeOwaranai Natsu niMillion
1994TubeMelodies & MemoriesMillion
1995TubeYuzurenai NatsuMillion
1996TubeTubest IIMillionCompilation album
2000TubeTubest IIIMillionCompilation album
1996UlfulsBanzaiMillion
1993UnicornThe Very Best of UnicornMillionCompilation album
1999First Love8× Million
2001Distance4× Million
2002Deep River3× Million
2004Utada Hikaru Single Collection Vol. 13× MillionCompilation album
2004ExodusMillionReleased under the stage name "Utada"
2006Ultra BlueMillion
2008Heart StationMillion
1993WandsToki no Tobira2× Million
1993WandsLittle Bit…Million
1995WandsPiece of My SoulMillion
1991X JapanJealousyMillion
1993X JapanX SinglesMillionCompilation album
1995TreasuresMillionCompilation album
1998CozyMillion
1996The Yellow MonkeyTriad Years Act 1: The Very Best of the Yellow MonkeyMillionCompilation album
1999YuzuYuzuenMillion
2000YuzuTobiraMillion
1996Beauty and HarmonyMillion
1993Enoshima: Southern All Stars Golden Hits MedleyMillion
1992ZardHold MeMillion
1993ZardYureru Omoi3× Million
1994ZardOh My Love2× Million
1995ZardForever YouMillion
1996ZardToday Is Another DayMillion
1997ZardZard Blend: Sun & Stone2× MillionCompilation album
1999ZardEienMillion
1999ZardZard Best the Single Collection: Kiseki3× MillionCompilation album
1999ZardZard Best: Requested MemorialMillionCompilation album
2006Zard'MillionCompilation album
1992'2× MillionMotion picture soundtrack
2003Various artistsWinter SonataMillionKorean drama soundtrack
2007Various artistsR35 Sweet J-Ballads MillionCompilation album
2014Various artistsAnna and the Snow Queen Original SoundtrackMillionMotion picture soundtrack

Best-selling albums by year

Sales figures derived from Oricon.
YearTitleArtistSales
1989Delight Slight Light KISSYumi Matsutoya
1990Love WarsYumi Matsutoya
1991The Gates of HeavenYumi Matsutoya
1992Super Best IIChage and Aska
1993Yureru OmoiZard
1994MagicDreams Come True
1995DeliciousDreams Come True
1996globeglobe
1997ReviewGlay
1998B'z The Best "Pleasure"B'z
1999First LoveHikaru Utada
2000Delicious WayKuraki Mai
2001DistanceHikaru Utada
2002Deep RiverHikaru Utada
2003Second to NoneCHEMISTRY
2004SINGLE COLLECTIONS VOL.1Hikaru Utada
2005musiQORANGE RANGE
2006Ken Hirai 10th Anniversary Complete Single Collection '95-'05 UtabakaKen Hirai
2007HOMEMr. Children
2008Exile LoveExile
2009All the Best! 1999–2009Arashi
2010Boku no Miteiru FūkeiArashi
2011Beautiful WorldArashi
2012Mr. Children 2005–2010 <macro>Mr. Children
2013LoveArashi
2014Tsugi no AshiatoAKB48
2015JaponismArashi
2016Are You Happy?Arashi
2017FinallyNamie Amuro
2018FinallyNamie Amuro