1996

平成8年

World Events
Japanese embassy hostage crisis occurs in Peru. The Atlanta Olympics and Paralympics are held. The outbreak of O157 causes a sharp increase in food poisoning cases in Japan. The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi is established through the merger of the Bank of Tokyo and the Bank of Mitsubishi. Ryutaro Hashimoto becomes the 82nd Prime Minister of Japan in January (goes on to become re-elected as the 83rd Prime Minister).
Graphic Design's Events
Interest in digital expression on the internet grows. The "1996 Internet Graphic Design Competition" is held. The Asahi Digital Advertising Award is launched. The name of the design unit, Tomato, that created the artwork for the movie "Trainspotting," becomes widely known in Japan. Karel Martens publishes a collection of works titled "Printed Matter." Saul Bass (b. 1920), Paul Rand (b. 1914), and Josef Müller-Brockmann (b. 1914) pass away.
JAGDA New Designer Award
Issay Kitagawa（b.1965） Aoshi Kudo（b.1964） Keiko Hhirano（b.1959）
ADC Grand Prix
K. & Mikimoto Co. Ltd. Poster
TDC Grand Prix
Ikko Tanaka Man and Writing *presented as year 95-96.
Media
JP domain name registrations exceed 10,000. Yahoo! Japan begins service and starts handling banner ads. The free web-based e-mail service HotMail begins. The game console NINTENDO64 goes on sale. The game “Parappa the Rapper" (PlayStation) goes on sale.
Culture
Cell phone sales exceeds 10 million units. The streets are filled with "Amurers" imitating singer Namie Amuro's fashion. The term "stalker” spreads through the general public. Purikura (photo booths) becomes popular among junior high and high school girls.
Japanese Buzzword Award
Jibun de jibun wo hometai (I want to praise myself) (marathon runner Yuko Arimori)
Word of the Year
soccer mom（ADS）
Hit Items
Digital cameras / digital video cameras, Purikura (photo booths), import brands
Pop Music
Japanese music Puffy: “Ajia no Junsui" (Asian Innocence) JUDY AND MARY: “Sobakasu" (Freckles) Sharam Q: “Iiwake" (Excuse) Ulfuls: “Gattsu Daze!" (It’s Guts)

Western music Los Del Rio: "La Macarena" Eric Clapton: "Change the World" The Smashing Pumpkins: “1979" Jamiroquai: "Virtual Insanity" Underworld: "Born Slippy"