Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw DAOKO x Yonezu Kenshi defeat AKB48 and UNISON SQUARE GARDEN. DAOKO x Yonezu Kenshi is back again this week, facing off against two newcomers. Find out what various staff members thought of the songs that topped the singles charts this week and share your thoughts on them too!

Oricon #1 / Billboard Hot 100 #1: Kis-My-Ft2 – Akai Kajitsu (not available for streaming or download)

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Ronald: All I can think about is how borderline juvenile this sounds. I’ve this before about this group, about how they try to present this bad ass masculine vibe, but it doesn’t really work. 4/10

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Streaming Songs #1: DAOKO x Yonezu Kenshi – Uchiage Hanabi (Oricon #139 / Billboard Hot 100 #8 / Download Songs #13)

Ronald: Same as before: This is basically a Yonezu Kenshi song featuring DAOKO. I have my problems with Kenshi, and they’re evident in this song. While listening to this, all I can think of is a rehash of a The Chainsmokers song. But I will say that DAOKO’s voice has improved. I listened to one of her albums a few years ago and I had to stop it a few songs in because her voice literally gave me a headache and made me want to vomit. I don’t have that issue now! However, I’m a bit lost as to what her point is. She was a rapper, and now she’s trying to be a popstar? I don’t get it… 5.5/10

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Download Songs #1: Kegani feat. DracoVirgo – Seiren naru Heretics (not released physically / Billboard Hot 100 #6 / not released for streaming)

Ronald: Despite the cheesy rock sound, this is actually somewhat decent, mainly because of the vocals. 5/10

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Ronald’s Rank:

1. Streaming Songs #1: DAOKO x Yonezu Kenshi – Uchiage Hanabi

2. Download Songs #1: Kegani feat. DracoVirgo – Seiren naru Heretics

3. Oricon #1 / Billboard Hot 100 #1: Kanjani8 – Akai Kajitsu

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