Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw AKB48 defeat BUMP OF CHICKEN and Aimyon. Aimyon is back this week, facing off against a newcomer and a blast from the past. Find out what Ronald thought of the songs that topped the singles charts this week and share your thoughts on them too!

Oricon Combined #1 / Billboard Hot 100 #1 / Oricon Physical #1: Matsuri nine. – Uchouten Shooter (not in the Oricon Digital Singles top 20 / not in the Billboard Download Songs top 100 / not in the Oricon Streaming top 20 / not in the Billboard Download Songs top 100)

Just when you think things couldn’t get any cheesier than the Johnny’s boybands, here comes Matsuri nine. 0/10

Oricon Digital Singles #1 / Billboard Download Songs #1: back number – HAPPY BIRTHDAY (Oricon Combined #8 / Billboard Hot 100 #3 / Oricon #33 / not available for streaming)

Same review as before: At first listen, this is like a non-Christmas version of their song “Christmas Song.” Also, the vocals sound quite different, as if they have a new frontman. They’re a lot softer than usual. The song is decent, but it’s nothing new. 5/10

Oricon Streaming #1 / Billboard Streaming Songs #1: Aimyon – Marigold (not in the Oricon Combined top 10 / Billboard Hot 100 #2 / not in the Oricon Physical top 50 / Oricon Digital Singles #4 / Billboard Download Songs #5)

Same review as before: This is actually somewhat enjoyable. There is a nostalgia to the song that brings a sense of comfort. It’s nothing groundbreaking, but it is quite pleasant. 6.5/10

Rank:

1. Oricon Streaming #1 / Billboard Streaming Songs #1: Aimyon – Marigold
2. Oricon Digital Singles #1 / Billboard Download Songs #1: back number – HAPPY BIRTHDAY
3. Oricon Combined #1 / Billboard Hot 100 #1 / Oricon Physical #1: Matsuri nine. – Uchouten Shooter