Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw KinKi Kids defeat Mr.Children and Utada Hikaru. Mr.Children is back this week, facing off two newcomers. 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 / Billboard #1: SKE48 – Igai ni Mango (Recochoku #25 / not in the iTunes top 50)

Watch here

Ronald: Nothing new here, leading me to have nothing new to say. It’s a by the numbers 48 song, but one of the less annoying ones. 4/10

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Recochoku #1: Mr.Children – HANABI (not in the Oricon top 200 (probably out of print since it was released in 2008) / iTunes #2 / Billboard #9)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5NoFw8v72Y

Ronald: Same review as before: I’ve heard this song a bunch of times over the decade since it’s been released on various TV shows, and I still feel the same way about it: It’s nice. But that’s it. It’s something nice to hear every once in a while, in the background, but it’s not something I would seek out. It’s pleasant, but not dynamic enough to capitivate me. 6/10

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iTunes #1: EGOIST – Eiyuu Unmei no Uta (not released physically / Recochoku #5 / Billboard #12)

Watch here

Ronald: It’s dramatic, but it bores me. At this point, how many songs like this have come out of anime? It’s nice, but just isn’t fresh at this point. 5/10

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Ronald’s Rank:

1. Recochoku #1: Mr.Children – HANABI

2. iTunes #1: EGOIST – Eiyuu Unmei no Uta

3. Oricon #1 / Billboard #1: SKE48 – Igai ni Mango

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