Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw KinKi Kids defeat Eir Aoi. This week, we have 3 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: Nogizaka46 – Hadashi de Summer (Recochoku #12 / iTunes #11)

Ronald: I don’t mind this. It’s fun and summery, surprisingly refreshing. This song is not overly cute like a lot of female idol songs, which is something that Nogizaka46 has become known for. The chanting would normally bother me, but it just feels right on this song. The piano and synth work on this are also a nice touch. 5.5/10

_______________

Recochoku #1: Namie Amuro – Hero (Oricon #6 / iTunes #3)

Ronald: This song needs a hero. It’s just another piece of nothing song that I’ve heard a million times before from a million other acts. If Namie was going to do something of this tempo, she should’ve taken notes from “BRIGHTER DAY” because this is just a bore, lacking in character and excitement. 4/10

_______________

iTunes #1: RADWIMPS – Zen Zen Zense (movie ver.) (not released physically / Recochoku #4)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj53ZVATT4w

Ronald: I’m not really feeling this. It’s OK, but it’s just that: OK. This could’ve been made by a bunch of other bands. There’s nothing really special here that is grabbing me and making me pay attention. Frankly, I’m bored by this song. 5/10

_______________

Ronald’s Rank:

1. Oricon #1: Nogizaka46 – Hadashi de Summer

2. iTunes #1: RADWIMPS – Zen Zen Zense (movie ver.)

3. Recochoku #1: Namie Amuro – Hero

_______________