Hello Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw back number win against HKT48 featuring Kishidan. back number is back again this week, along with 2 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: Kanjani8 – Samurai Song (not released digitally)

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Ronald: It seems like I like every other Kanjani8 single. They have a lot of cheesy, happy crap, but then they actually do have some songs of substance. This is one of them. This is pretty decent. They should just stay in band mode all the time because it suits them a lot better. 7/10

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Recochoku #1: Urashima Taro (Kiritani Kenta) – Umi no Koe (not released physically / iTunes #2)

Ronald: I’m not a fan. This just seems like a bad parody. His voice on this just seems like a shout a lot of the time. It’s like he’s trying to be emotive, but he’s missing the mark. It makes everything seem like a joke. 3.5/10

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iTunes #1: back number – Christmas Song (Oricon #19 / Recochoku #3)

Ronald: Same review as last week – This is pleasant. I like the Christmas feel of the song. It is done in a grand way, without being being overbearing or cheesy. That being said, I do feel as if the Christmas-y parts of the song are added on to what is basically the same framework as their other songs. back number’s songs tend to sound a bit too samey and get dull after a while. The Christmas-y additions to this song really helps make it a bit more interesting than most of their other work. 6/10

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Ronald’s Rank:

1. Oricon #1: Kanjani8 – Samurai Song

2. iTunes #1: back number – Christmas Song

3. Recochoku #1: Urashima Taro (Kiritani Kenta) – Umi no Koe

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