Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw Utada Hikaru defeat HKT48 and Mr.Children. Mr.Children is back again this week, facing off against 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 / iTunes #1: Nogizaka46 – Nigemizu (Recochoku #12 / iTunes #10)

Ronald: I don’t mind this, but then 46 group songs tend to be more tolerable than 48 group songs. I like the mix of electronic sounds and along with instruments. There is also times in this song where the electronic part sounds a bit on the eurobeat side, which is an interesting touch. I am a bit confused though as to why I’m hearing male vocals in the chorus. With all these members, why do they need backup singers? 6/10

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Recochoku #1: DAOKO x Yonezu Kenshi – Uchiage Hanabi (not released physically / iTunes #3 / Billboard #3)

Ronald: This is basiacally 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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iTunes #1: Mr.Children – himawari (Oricon #15 / Recochoku #2 / Billboard #2)

Watch here

Ronald: Same review as before: I find myself running into the same problem with Mr.Children: their songs are nice, but not really all that exciting. There’s nothing really unexpected here; it’s fairly by the numbers. This one does get more interesting towards the end though because there is an actual vocal and instrumental climax. 6/10

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Ronald’s Rank:

1. Oricon #1 / iTunes #1: Nogizaka46 – Nigemizu

1. iTunes #1: Mr.Children – himawari

3. Recochoku #1: DAOKO x Yonezu Kenshi – Uchiage Hanabi

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