Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw Hey! Say! JUMP defeat DA PUMP. DA PUMP is back this week, facing off against two newcomers. Find out what Ronald thought of the songs that topped the singles charts this week and share your thoughts on them too!

Oricon #1 / Billboard Hot 100 #1: Nogizaka46 – Jikochuu de Ikou! (Oricon Digital Singles #6 / Billboard Download Songs #5 / Billboard Streaming Songs #6)

This is giving me more AKB48 than Nogizaka46. It’s veering too much on the cherry, cute side for them. I know it’s supposed to be a summer single, but I’m not just a fan of the way they conveyed summer. They could’ve done something with a tropical, Latin feel like “Influencer” had. And the canned guitar! 4/10

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Oricon Digital Singles #1: MISIA – Ai no Katachi feat.HIDE (GReeeeN) (not released physically / Billboard Hot 100 #10 / Billboard Download Songs #2 / not available for streaming)

From the begining, I knew that this was going to be a heartwarming song that I would like. It gives me a wintry feel, even thought it is summer. MISIA’s vocals are superb, as usual. I do feel the influence of GReeeeN in the song. It’s nice to have a song of theirs, but without their usual horrible shouting. 7/10

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Billboard Download Songs #1 / Billboard Streaming Songs #1: DA PUMP – U.S.A. (Oricon #19 / Billboard Hot 100 #2 / Oricon Digital Singles #2)

Same review as before: The eurobeat, the eurobeat, the eurobeat… I’m a bit of a sucker for it. It’s just so fun and nostalgic. It doesn’t take itself too seriously. It is what it is. 6.5/10

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Rank:

1. Oricon Digital Singles #1: MISIA – Ai no Katachi feat.HIDE (GReeeeN)

2. Billboard Download Songs #1 / Billboard Streaming Songs #1: DA PUMP – U.S.A.

3. Oricon #1 / Billboard Hot 100 #1: Nogizaka46 – Jikochuu de Ikou!

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