Oricon recently released its rankings for the first half of 2018, and in the comic category of the chart, volume 88 of “One Piece” commands a massive lead at number 1 with 2,283,589 copies sold. Taking second place with nearly 1 million less copies sold is “Attack on Titan” with sales of 1,376,248. What makes these numbers even more impressive is that One Piece 88 only contains 2 months of sales compared to attack on titans 5. “Attack on Titan” Volume 25 rounds out the top 3 with 1.1 million copies sold.

This week’s guests were MAN WITH A MISSION, Shonan no Kaze, aiko, Sezy Zone, and Miyakawa-kun.

MAN WITH A MISSION – Winding Road

Shonan no Kaze – Gaki no Ore e

aiko – Straw

Sexy Zone – Innocent Days

Miyakawa-kun – Starland

On June 8, AKLO will release a new digital single, “FUEGO.” This song is a collabration with ZORN. The rapping duo recently released the music video for the song. The clip features AKLO and ZORN rapping on a fire truck, tying into the “fuego” theme of the song. Check it out below, along with the digital single’s cover!

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.

KAT-TUN is dropping their newest album “CAST” on July 18.  The group last released their best album “10TH ANNIVERSARY BEST “10Ks!” on March 2016 prior to their break. Restarting after a roughly 2 year recharging period, it’s been 3 months since the release of the single “Ask Yourself”, “CAST” is their first original album in roughly 4 years, and is infused with the feelings this group has for [the future] from the three members, each releasing their own unique qualities, and packages up KAT-TUN as they continue to walk forward.

To reward their waiting fans, “CAST” will have 17 new songs including album lead song “Unstoppable” and 3 member solo songs. And as if to give a nod to the remaining 3 member letters remaining in the group, the album will also contain project song “薫 (Kun)” CASTing special movie featuring the three members of KAT-TUN in a special dramatic format.

Also, along with the release of this album, the “KAT-TUN LIVE TOUR 2018 CAST” arena tour has also been announced, starting on August 4th at Marine Messe Fukuoka and continuing to 8 locations across the country. Please look forward to the restarted KAT-TUN’s hot summer!

The new ratings chart is up! We are now nearing the end of Spring Jdramas season, with few dramas airing their last episodes this week.

It’s Friday, so it’s Open Post time! Feel free to chat with your fellow readers about whatever you like! Enjoy!

This week’s guests were HiHi Jets, Tokyo B Shonen, Sandaime J Soul Brothers, Superfly, MAN WITH A MISSION, Yamazaki Ikusaburo, and Ikuta Erika.

HiHi Jets x Tokyo B Shonen – Summer Station / Minami na Summer

Sandaime J Soul Brothers – Koi to Ai

Superfly – Fall

MAN WITH A MISSION – Take Me Under

Yamazaki Ikusaburo & Ikuta Erika – Aishiteire ba Wakariaeru (Musical “Mozart!” yori)