Hello AramaJapan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week, Namie Amuro came in first yet again, beating Che’Nelle for the second time as well as newcomers KinKi Kids. This week though, we have 2 new acts battling it out! 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!
AKB48 broke another record, thanks to the release of their 25th consecutive chart topping single “Kibouteki Refrain”. Oricon officially recognized that AKB48 has become the first female artist in Japan to sell over 30 million singles.
“Kibouteki Refrain” sold over 1.1 million copies in its debut week bringing AKB48’s total single sales to 31 million. AKB48 reached this milestone faster than any other artist in Japans history, having debuted 8 years ago. The girls are expected to eventually break the record for most singles sold, which is currently held by B’z who has sold over 35 million singles. As for solo female artists the title of most singles sold still belongs to Ayumi Hamasaki, who has managed to push over 21 million units.
Meanwhile, AKB48’s still untitled 4th studio album will be released January 21st.
Gospellers – Hitori / Christmas Choir
SKE48 – 12gatsu no Kangaroo
Chris Hart – Yuki no Christmas
JUJU – ANNIVERSARY
Miyuki Watanabe – Yasashiku Suru Yori Kiss wo Shite
Creephyp – Hyakuhachi Yen no Koi
Aqua Timez – Ikite
Today Tower Records Japan have announced the releases which stand at the top of their Bestseller lists for the year 2014. These rankings reflect the combined total sales of the Japanese, Imported, Limited, Analog, etc. versions of each Album/DVD from December 1st of last year through November 30th of this year.
The Japanese Year-End chart is topped by BUMP OF CHICKEN’s “RAY”, while the Foreign Year-End chart has been topped by Pharrell William’s latest album “GIRL”. The Jazz category was ruled by Uehara Hiromi The Trio Project’s “ALIVE”, with Martha Argerich and Claudio Abbado’s interpretation of Mozart’s 20th and 25th Piano Conciertos (in D Minor) taking the top spot in the Classical category. As for DVDs, the Japanese category was ruled by Miyazaki Hayao’s “Kaze Tachinu”, with the Western category of course being dominated by Disney’s animated juggernaut “Frozen”.
Congratulations of course go to all of the victors, and the full Top 20s for the Japanese and Western Music charts will follow after the cut.
Ayumi Hamasaki’s fanclub Team Ayu is finally going global! Team Ayu, commonly known by fans as TA, celebrated it’s 15th anniversary as of December this year. To celebrate this milestone membership has finally been opened to fans living outside of Japan.
Membership registration is a breeze, simply click this link and follow the short instructions. Team Ayu has an annual fee of 3,200 yen and has many incentives making it tough for any fan to resist. These include a digital membership card, exclusive content (access to Ayumi’s blog, special wallpapers, special videos etc), original goods, and advanced ticket reservations for concerts and events.
In the upcoming months Team Ayu promises many exciting updates and content for the international crowd to enjoy. Perhaps this is the start of a mini global expansion, we’re waiting for you to announce a world tour Ayu!
The intro of this MV symbolize Mako-chan’s graduation as she said “I’m leaving” to the other members. Makoto Okunaka, the most popular PASSPO☆ member will graduate on January 1, 2015 at Tokyo Dome City Hall.
TRACKS is also the name of their new “best of” album, will release at December 10 and will includes all of their hit songs since Shoujo Hikou. This album will have four versions, First Class, Economy Class, Low-cost Carrier Ban Peach and Low-cost Carrier Ban Vanilla. The Vanilla version will feature only Makoto Okunaka, a special version dedicated to her.
Short version of TRACKS is available on Universal Music Japan’s Youtube Channel right after the jump.
