Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw GOT7 defeat THE IDOLM@STER, Beverly, and TrySail. 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: AKB48 – Negaigoto no Mochigusare (Recochoku #21 / iTunes #37)

https://vimeo.com/221152824

Ronald: This is pleasant. It’s a nice chanson-style song. It doesn’t really go anywhere, but at least it’s not some overly cutesy thing like they often do. It would be nice to listen to in the background while doing something else, but not something to intently listen to. 5/10

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Recochoku #1 / iTunes #1: Namie Amuro – Just You and I (Oricon #6 / Billboard #2)

Watch here

Ronald: More like “Just Me and Boredom.” Namie, this should’ve been an album track, not a single. I know I drag Namie a lot for being an old idol who doesn’t contribute to her music, but she does have a number of good songs. Too bad she hasn’t had one since “Mint.” This plodding ballad reminds me of another single of hers from last year that bored the crap out of me, “Hero.” I didn’t like “Hero”, so why would I like a sequel? At least it’s not the dated EDM that she’s so fond of doing… 3/10

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Ronald’s Rank:

1. Oricon #1 / Billboard #1: AKB48 – Negaigoto no Mochigusare

2. Recochoku #1 / iTunes #1: Namie Amuro – Just You and I

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