Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw Keyakizaka46 defeat ONE OK ROCK to take the top spot. This week, we have 2 newcomers facing off. Find out what various staff members thought of the songs that topped the physical and digital charts this week and share your thoughts on them too!

Oricon #1: HKT48 – 74 Okubun no 1 no Kimi e (Recochoku #11 / not in the iTunes top 50)

Ronald: Hmm, what can I say that I haven’t already said? It’s another 48 song, like the million other ones I’ve heard before. At least it’s not sickeningly cute. 4/10

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Recochoku #1 / iTunes #1: Utada Hikaru – Hanataba wo Kimi ni (not released physically)

Listen here

Ronald: When I first heard this song, I was quite disappointed. “This isn’t the way to make a comeback after being on hiatus for years”, I thought. And I still do think that. I really expected more from Utada, not something that ayaka would release as a regular single. But the song is decent, and it does give a glimpse of Utada’s musical charm. But after all this time, I wanted more than a glimpse. I wanted to get punched. This song has a simplicity to it which is more akin to a tap on the shoulder. But that tap does get harder at the end, the best part of the song, with the vocal harmonies, strings, piano, and drums coming together to give us the Utada that we’ve come to know over the years. 6.5/10

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Ronald’s Rank:

1. Recochoku #1 / iTunes #1: Utada Hikaru – Hanataba wo Kimi ni

2.  Oricon #1: HKT48 – 74 Okubun no 1 no Kimi e

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