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.

As we’ve already reported, fusion duo Sukima Switch will be releasing their seventh studio album “Shinkuukan Algorithm” next month on March 14th.  Ahead of its release, the pair have now announced that the record’s lead track “Miraika” has already been selected as the newest CM track for Johnson & Johnson’s ACUVUE contact lens brand.

This commercial, a sequel to one of the company’s previous advertisements, stars actresses Erika Toda and Sayu Kubota as a pair of sisters.  The “Haru wa Yuugure” version of the CM focuses on a small change in Kubota’s character which results from the use of the contact lenses.

You’ll find this special Short Movie, which features a section of “Miraika”, right after the cut.

Up-and-coming rock band Ryokuoushoku Shakai will be releasing their first full-length album next month on March 14th.  This self-titled release will include several of the group’s already released tracks, like “Mata ne” and “Hajimari no Uta”, as well as a number of new songs.

The PV for one of these new tracks, titled “Otona Gokko”, was recently uploaded to the band’s Youtube channel.  Directed by DRAWING AND MANUAL’s Kyoutaro Hayashi, this video focuses on the contrast between light and shadow, with the group performing the song within a darkened room.

Read on below to find not only this music video, but also the cover and track list for Ryokuoushoku Shakai’s debut album.

FLOWER FLOWER has announced the release of their 2nd studio album titled Spotlight, it will be released on March 14th, 2018.

FLOWER FLOWER released their first digital single on July 7th, 2013 just 7 months after YUI announced she would be taking a break from the music scene. Since then it has become YUI’s main musical project, with her not releasing any new material under her own name since originally announcing her break.

Spotlight will be released in a CD only and limited edition CD+DVD version. 12 songs will appear on the album, DVD content will include music videos for the songs Chizu and Mannequin, additionally the limited edition comes with a 24 page booklet.

Starting on March 25th the band will embark on a short 1 month long tour titled have a nice day, it will conclude on April 30th.

Check out the covers and tracklist for Spotlight below.

A new group has been announced by Sakamichi Series called Yoshimotozaka46.

For those unfamiliar with Sakamichi Series, it’s a general term used to address the idol groups Nogizaka46 and Keyakizaka46, the sisters/rivals of the “48” groups.

This new group serves as a collaboration between Yoshimoto Kogyo and the mastermind behind the 46/48 groups Yasushi Akimoto. Yoshimoto Kogyo is one of the most prominent entertainment conglomerates in Japan with many Japanese entertainers belonging to them.

Comedian PikoTaro is back with a brand new single titled Vegetable.

For this release he joined forces with the now 4 piece girl group Momoiro Clover Z, who is billed as “Momoclo-chan”. After becoming a worldwide sensation using fruits thanks to PPAP, vegetables were the only logical step right?

The simple song has a bit of a funky arrangement, with the lyrics consisting of PikoTaro and the girls continually repeating vegetable names over and over again including tomato, potato, pumpkin, and parsley. Just like the PPAP MV, Vegetable takes place in a stark white room with the song’s lyrics appearing as subtitles. 

This week, TWICE topped the Oricon single chart with their new single “Candy Pop”, selling 265,758 copies in its first week.

Morning Musume. 20th topped the Oricon album chart with their new mini album “Hatachi no Morning Musume”, selling 47,607 copies in its first week.

Mr.Children retook the top spot on the Oricon digital single chart with their single “here comes my love”, selling 19,764 copies in its third week.

Yasutaka Nakata topped the Oricon digital album chart with his debut solo album “Digital Native”, selling 2,124 copies in its first week.

Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw KinKi Kids defeat Mr.Children and DAOKO x Yonezu Kenshi. DAOKO x Yonezu Kenshi are back again this week, facing off against two newcomers. Find out what various staff members thought of the songs that topped the singles charts this week and share your thoughts on them too!