Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw Hoshino Gen defeat NMB48. Gen is back again this week, facing off against 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!

Note: Since we’re covering the Billboard charts now, I’ve decided to throw that in as well.

Oricon #1: Busaiku – Michishirube (not released digitally / Billboard #2)

Ronald: This isn’t what I expected. This reminds me of a song that would do well digitally rather than a song that would top Oricon. It’s nice enough, but nothing special. A typical sappy ballad. The vocals aren’t very good on this, but they do seem like they’re trying so I can’t fault them as much as I normally would. 5/10

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Recochoku #1 / iTunes #1 / Billboard #1: Hoshino Gen – Koi (Oricon #4)

Ronald: Same review as before: Hoshino Gen has quickly risen to be one of the big names on the scene today. He’s is one of the two surviving breakout acts of 2015 along with back number (RIP Gesu no Kiwami Otome.), and it’s easily to see why. His song are just so bright and full of energy, but with a sound that is able to crossover to different audiences. “Koi” is a mix of old and new. It incorporates traditional Japanese music, jazz, and funk, but with a pop edge. I like the bridge on this song, and it’s pretty much the opposite of how I felt about the one in the Kanjani8 song. This one is organic and complex and it feels right. That being said, I would like to see Gen switch things up on his next single because I don’t want him to make a bunch of “SUN” clones. 7.5/10

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Ronald’s Rank:

1. Recochoku #1 / iTunes #1 / Billboard #1: Hoshino Gen – Koi

2. Oricon #1: Busaiku – Michishirube

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