Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw Yonezu Kenshi defeat Johnny’s WEST. Kenshi is back this week, facing off against two 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 / Billboard #1: Arashi – Tsunagu (not released digitally)

Ronald: I feel like this is a bunch of songs mashed together, but it works. First it’s a country song, and then it turns into a Shintaro Sakamoto song for a moment, before taking a turn towards big band, with some elements that remind me of a circus. It’s wonderly random in a way that isn’t odd. 7/10

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Recochoku #1: SEKAI NO OWARI – RAIN (not released physically / iTunes #2 / Billboard #5)

Ronald: I’m surprised that I like a SEKAI NO OWARI song. There’s something really sweet, sentimental, and nostalgic about this, which aren’t really words that come to mind when I think of SEKAI NO OWARI. Strangely, this song reminds me of Christmas, especially the chorus. I like Fukase’s vocals on this. They’re more subdued, which is a nice change of pace. 7/10

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iTunes #1: Yonezu Kenshi – Peace Sign (Oricon #18 / Recochoku #3 / Billboard #4)

Ronald: Same review as before: When Yonezu Kenshi first debuted under a major label, I took a liking to him. His work was quirky and interesting. With his growing popularity however, his work has grown dull. “Peace Sign” for instance sounds like any other anime theme. It doesn’t sound like Kenshi, it lacks the innovative spark that drew me to him in the first place. 5/10

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Ronald’s Rank:

1. Oricon #1 / Billboard #1: Arashi – Tsunagu

1. Recochoku #1: SEKAI NO OWARI – RAIN

3.  iTunes #1: Yonezu Kenshi – Peace Sign

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