Keeping with tradition, this month’s edition of Japanese entertainment magazine Only★Star contains the results of their annual Favorite Artist poll.  This ranking is based on a survey that the Oricon-owned publication runs each year which polls 20,000 Japanese citizens of various different age groups in order to acquire a respectable representation of the public’s opinion. While it is likely not totally accurate, the poll remains a very interesting statistic to consider, particularly when compared to the results for previous years.

Though there were a number of shifts over the past year, popular idol act Arashi has retained the #1 spot for the sixth year in a row, the group further extending their own record for most years at the top; they’re followed by veteran pop-rock band Mr.Children at #2 and pop trio Ikimonogakari at #3.  Of note, Arashi also topped the rankings for both the 10s and 20s demographics, with Mr.Children and hard rock duo B’z on top for the 30 and 40-year olds respectively.

Read on below for a look at both the full Favorite Artist ranking and the Demographic breakdowns.

-’Only★Star’ Favorite Artist Ranking 2015-

1. Arashi (-)
2. Mr.Children (-)
3. Ikimonogakari (↑1)
4. B’z (↓1)
5. Utada Hikaru (-)
6. Yuzu (↑1)
7. aiko (↓1)
8. DREAMS COME TRUE (↑3)
9. BUMP OF CHICKEN (↓1)
10. SMAP (↓1)
11. Spitz (↑8)
12. Southern All Stars (↑1)
13. Fukuyama Masaharu (↑5)
14. Nishino Kana (↑14)
15. Amuro Namie (↓3)
16. AKB48 (-)
17. miwa (↑6)
18. Perfume (↓3)
19. Kobukuro (↑7)
20. Kyary Pamyu Pamyu (↑1)

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