Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw Hoshino Gen defeat A.B.C-Z. 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: NEWS – EMMA (not released digitally)

Ronald: Eww, this is gross. Things go to hell right from jump, with the intro that reminds me of “Cotton Eye Joe”, and unfortunately the bit that reminds me of that horrid song pops up throughout the rest of the song. It’s even mixed with a swirly sounding bit that reminds me of “The Wizard of Oz.” Like WTF? Who makes this crap, let alone signs off to release it? I’m just completely lost. 2/10

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Recochoku #1 / iTunes #1: Doughnuts Hole – Otona no Okite (not released physically / Billboard #4)

Ronald: Ringo gets another check! Ash is going to kill me, but I like this a lot. You can definitely tell that Ringo is behind this, even moreso than with some other songs she’s given away. At times, it even seems like she’s doing background vocals on this, which I wouldn’t be surprised it was true. There’s a dramatic tension in the song that I really enjoy. I also like the combination of male and female vocals. I’m actually a bit surprised how much I like this because it has such an old time feel to it, like early 20th century. 8.5/10

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Ronald’s Rank:

1. Recochoku #1 / iTunes #1: Doughnuts Hole – Otona no Okite

2. Oricon #1 / Billboard #1: NEWS – EMMA

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