We’re back with this week’s edition of Oricon Flashback! This is where we look back on what topped the charts this week 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 years ago. Think of it as a way to reminisce and learn about the past of Japanese music.
On February 19, The Chainsmokers will release the Japanese edition of their album, “World War Joy.” Per usual with Japanese releases of Western albums, there are a number of bonus tracks on this release. One of these bonus tracks is a Japanese remake of their hit “Closer”, featuring Arata Mackenyu.
The decision to work together came about due to The Chainsmokers looking for a Japanese collaborator, and then finding Mackenyu. He said that “Closer” is a popular song that everyone knows, but singing it in Japanese, mixed with English, is something new.
This new version of “Closer”, titled “Closer (Tokyo Remix)”, is set for digital release on February 6. The song’s short music video can be seen below!
After over a decade Yumi Ito, formerly known as ICONIQ, has parted ways with Avex Mangement. The actress and former singer made the announcement on January 31st, via her official blog. The day she made the announcement was also the final day with avex.
In the statement she still referred to herself as “inexperienced”, despite being in the industry since 2002, but would like to “expand” her activities. She thanked fans for their support over the years and hopes they will watch over her warmly, promising to do her best.
Great news for fans of Arashi! The albums from Japan’s national boy group will be available on all your favorite streaming services, such as Apple Music and Spotify! Not to worry if you’re outside of Japan, fans worldwide will also be able to get their Arashi fix.
On February 3rd Arashi’s official Twitter account shared a mysterious tweet. It was a blank video counting up from 0, until stopping at 256. Fans were curious what this was in reference to, but the mystery has finally been solved.
This week, SixTONES topped the Hot 100 single chart with their debut single “Imitation Rain”, with 41,992 points.
King Gnu topped the Hot Albums chart for the second consecutive week with their album “CEREMONY.”
King Gnu also topped the Streaming chart for the second consecutive week with their single “Hakujitsu.”
Arashi topped the Download Songs chart with their new digital single “Turning Up (R3HAB Remix).”
King Gnu also topped the Download Albums chart for the second consecutive week with “CEREMONY.”
This week, SixTONES vs Snow Man topped the Combined Single chart with their debut single “Imitation Rain / D.D.”, with 1,328,206 points in its first week.
King Gnu topped the Combined Album chart for the second consecutive week with their album “CEREMONY”, with 56,770 points in its second week.
SixTONES vs Snow Man also topped the Single chart with “Imitation Rain / D.D.”, selling 1,328,206 copies in its first week.
NCT DREAM topped the Album chart with their debut mini album “THE DREAM”, selling 40,386 copies in its first week.
Official HIGE DANdism topped the Digital Single chart for the second consecutive week with their digital single “I LOVE…”, selling 27,963 copies in its second week.
King Gnu also topped the Digital Album chart for the second consecutive week with “CEREMONY”, selling 7,772 copies in its second week.
King Gnu also topped the Streaming chart with for the second consecutive week their single “Hakujitsu”, with 5,278,576 streams in its 49th week.
This week’s guests were Snow Man, Leo Ieiri, and SHISHAMO.
Snow Man – D.D.
Leo Ieiri – Mikansei
SHISHAMO – Kumori Yozora wa Ame no Yohou
This week’s guests were AI, Little Glee Monster, w-inds., and Tohoshinki.
AI x Little Glee Monster – Happniess
w-inds. – DoU
Little Glee Monster – STARTING OVER
Tohoshinki – Manazashi
AI – Bokura wo Matsu Basho