Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw Mr.Children defeat TWICE. TWICE is back again this week, facing off against two newcomers. Find out what various staff members thought of the songs that topped the singles charts this week and share your thoughts on them too!

Oricon #1 / Billboard Hot 100 #1: Hey! Say! JUMP – Mae wo Muke (not available for download or streaming)

Ronald: Meh. I tend me be fond of Hey! Say! JUMP’s singles, but this one is just… not single-worthy. This could’ve been a B-side or an album track. It’s not just interesting, not catchy. 4/10

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Oricon Digital Singles #1 / Billboard Download Songs #1: Yonezu Kenshi – Lemon (not available physically / Billboard Hot 100 #2 / not available for streaming)

Ronald: Kenshi is a mixed bag. I liked him at first, then he fell out of my favor. I hated the singles from this last album, but the album itself was surprisingly strong. I think that may be happening again, because I’m not really wowed by this. There are some moments where I like the production, but overall, it sounds like something any other male singer-songwriter / male-front band would do. 5/10

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Billboard Streaming Songs #1: TWICE – Candy Pop (Oricon #4 / Billboard Hot 100 #4 / not in the Oricon Digital Singles top 20 / Billboard Download Songs #28)

Ronald: Same review as before: Just as juvenile as before, if not more so. Another song that sounds like an updated version of AKB48, but less cute than E-girls. How are they different exactly? 3/10

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Ronald’s Rank:

1. Oricon Digital Singles #1 / Billboard Download Songs #1: Yonezu Kenshi – Lemon

2. Oricon #1 / Billboard Hot 100 #1: Hey! Say! JUMP – Mae wo Muke

3. Billboard Streaming Songs #1: TWICE – Candy Pop

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