Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw DAOKO x Yonezu Kenshi defeat Happiness and Namie Amuro. This week, we have two newcomers facing off. 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: Touken Danshi formation of Mihotose – Shori no Gaika (not released digitally)

Ronald: So is this a cosplay boyband? Seiyuus? I’m getting a BOYS AND MEN vibe here. The song itself has a somewhat typical stereotpyical anime feel to it, but with a rockier edge. It reminds me of a better, more energetic version of the type of rock songs that Johnny’s groups try to pull off and fail at. 5/10

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Recochoku #1 / iTunes #1: Leo Ieiri x Ohara Sakurako x Fujiwara Sakura – Koi no Hajimari (not released physically / Billboard #9)

Ronald: It’s like they got a bunch of YUI clones and made them into a girl group. As expected, the song is pleasant, but nothing really exciting. Nice background music at a coffee shop. Actually, this song reminds of one of those twee songs that a KPop act releases for a drama soundtrack when they want to show a more serious side of themselves. 5.5/10

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Ronald’s Rank:

1. Recochoku #1 / iTunes #1: Leo Ieiri x Ohara Sakurako x Fujiwara Sakura – Koi no Hajimari

2. Oricon #1 / Billboard #1: Touken Danshi formation of Mihotose – Shori no Gaika

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