Hello Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw back number win against KinKi Kids. back number is back again this week, along with 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:  (Recochoku #11 / iTunes #31)

Ronald: Ughh, this is like a Fuji TV mid-year / year end music special collaboration that I didn’t want to hear. I don’t like HKT48 nor Kishidan, so to put them together is not a good thing. This song is like HKT48 trying to do one of Kishidan’s songs, but keeping some of their own style. Both acts normally do cheesy, upbeat songs, something I’m not fond of. This song is no different. And I really don’t like any song that has those canned squelchy guitars. It’s so annoying and just reminds me of hair metal bands from the 80s. 1/10

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Recochoku #1 / iTunes #1: back number – Christmas Song (Oricon #24)

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. Recochoku #1 / iTunes #1: back number – Christmas Song

2. Oricon #1: HKT48 feat. Kishidan – Shekarashika!

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