Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw Hoshino Gen top AKB48. Gen is back again this week, facing off against a newcomer. 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: Morning Musume. ’16 – Sexy Cat no Enzetsu / Mukidashi de Mukiatte / Sou Janai (none were in the Recochoku or iTunes top 50 except “Mukidashi de Mukiatte” which was #41 on iTunes)

Ronald: Sexy Cat no Enzetsu – This is annoying. The staccato nature of the chorus really gets on my nerves. And I hate that canned horn. It reminds me of Ariana Grande for some reason. 2/10

Mukidashi de Mukiatte – This song reminds me of JPop from last decade. That’s not a bad thing though. I do like the round that they do before the chorus. It’s a nice touch that isn’t really heard that often. 5/10

Sou Janai – This also reminds me of last decade’s JPop, and again, I’m not mad at it. I like the driving electronic feel of this one. I reminds me of a video game almost. 5.5/10

Single average: 4.2/10

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Recochoku #1 / iTunes #1: Hoshino Gen – Koi (Oricon #21)

Ronald: Same review as before: Hoshino Gen has quickly risen to be one of the big names on the scene today. He’s is one of the two surviving breakout acts of 2015 along with back number (RIP Gesu no Kiwami Otome.), and it’s easily to see why. His song are just so bright and full of energy, but with a sound that is able to crossover to different audiences. “Koi” is a mix of old and new. It incorporates traditional Japanese music, jazz, and funk, but with a pop edge. I like the bridge on this song, and it’s pretty much the opposite of how I felt about the one in the Kanjani8 song. This one is organic and complex and it feels right. That being said, I would like to see Gen switch things up on his next single because I don’t want him to make a bunch of “SUN” clones. 7.5/10

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Ronald’s Rank:

1. Recochoku #1 / iTunes #1: Hoshino Gen – Koi

2. Oricon #1: Morning Musume. ’16 – Sexy Cat no Enzetsu / Mukidashi de Mukiatte / Sou Janai

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