Keyakizaka46, Perfume, and DA PUMP Top the Billboard Japan Charts for the Week of 8/13 – 8/19

This week, Keyakizaka46 topped the Hot 100 single chart with their  single “Ambivalent.”

Perfume topped the Hot Albums chart with their new album “Future Pop.”

DA PUMP topped the Streaming Songs chart for the ninth non-consecutive week with their single “U.S.A.”

Keyakizaka46 also topped the Download Songs chart with “Ambivalent.”

Perfume also topped the Download Albums chart with “Future Pop.”

Oricon to Create Combined and Streaming Charts

As technology changes the way people listen to music, music charts must keep up in order to be relevant. Oricon has long faced criticism due its lagging in keeping up with technological changes. In an attempt to keep up, Oricon created a digital album chart in November 2016, followed by a digital single chart in December 2017.

When the creation of the digital single chart was announced, Oricon said that it was looking into creating a chart that combined physical and digital sales. That chart will make its debut on December 19.

Oricon Flashback: Week of 8/27

We’re back with this week’s edition of Oricon Flashback. This is where we look back on what topped Oricon this week 5, 10, 15, and 20 years ago. Think of it as a way to reminisce and learn about the past of Japanese music.

iri Ventures to Paris for “Only One” PV”

On August 29, iri will release her new single, “Only One.” The song serves as the CM song for the Kokusai Fashion Senmon Shoku Daigaku, a fashion school which opens next year. iri is in charge of songwriting for “Only One”, while Yaffle of Tokyo Recordings serves as producer.

Tying into the CM that “Only One” is the song for, the music video was shot in the world’s fashion capital, Paris. The clip showcases parts of the city not usually exposed in the media. Check it out below, along with more information on iri’s new single!

KICK THE CAN CREW and Okamura Yasuyuki Join Forces for “Jusho”

KICK THE CAN CREW reunited last year after a 13 year hiatus, with the release of the album “KICK!” Now the group is set to release their first post-hiatus single, “Jusho.” Out August 29, it’s KICK THE CAN CREW’s first single since December 2003’s “Nounai VACATION.””Jusho” is a collaboration with Okamura Yasuyuki, and serves as the September theme song for Nippon TV’s “Sukkiri!!”

The limited edition of the single comes includes a live CD that features the album “KICK!” performed in its entirety.

Check out more information on this release below!

BENI Gets Moody with “PULLBACK”

Last month, BENI announced that she will release one digital single a month for the next four months. Last month’s release was “Chasin’”, a collaboration with IO of KANDYTOWN. On August 29, BENI will release this month’s digital single, “PULLBACK.” The song is a collaboration with Meiyu SUNNY BOY and sees BENI continuing in the R&B direction she returned to with “Chasin’.” Check out the cover and video teaser for “PULLBACK” below!

DAOKO Announces New Album for November!

Breakthrough popstar DAOKO has announced her third major album due out on November 14. The yet untitled release is a followup to last years’ hit album “THANK YOU BLUE” is set to have two different versions (First Press Limited w/DVD and Regular).

Takizawa Hideaki Named as Johnny Kitagawa’s Successor

There have been rumors for years about who will take over Johnny & Associates after founder Johnny Kitawaga leaves his post as president. The main contenders were Johhny’s sister Mary Kitagawa, her daughter Julie Keiko Fujishima, and Iijima Michi. With Michi out of the picture after SMAP’s demise, things looked certain for Julie. However, Shukan Bunshun is reporting that Johnny has chosen his successor, and it is not one of his relatives.

Shukan Bunshun is reporting that Johnny has chosen Takizawa Hideaki to succeed him as president of Johnny & Associates.