This week, Mr.Children topped the Oricon single chart with their new single “Hikari no Atelier”, selling 100,170 copies in its first week.

ONE OK ROCK topped the Oricon album chart with their new album “Ambitions”, selling 232,710 copies in its first week.

ONE OK ROCK’s “Ambitions” also topped the Oricon digital album chart, selling 34,287 copies in its first week.

Yoshiki performed two back-to-back sold-out shows at New York’s iconic venue, Carnegie Hall, earlier in the month. The drummer, pianist, composer, and leader of X Japan played a selection of his band’s popular songs, his original classical compositions from the album Yoshiki Classical, and works from renowned composers Beethoven and Tchaikovsky. The Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra were also featured as special guests. This marks the conclusion of his Yoshiki Classical Special World Tour 2016-2017.

Yoshiki also included a surprise performance of The Star-Spangled Banner after a heartfelt speech about his personal pursuit of the American Dream…

“There is a thing called ‘The American Dream’. I came here to pursue that dream a long time ago. It hasn’t been easy but I kept trying and will keep on trying… I hope America will continue to give all of us the chance to pursue that Dream, regardless if you’re Asian, Hispanic, Black, or White. I really respect this country and always will.”

The last song of the night was Endless Rain, the second major label single released by X-JAPAN. The entire room was filled with the voices of fans as they joined in singing. What’s next for Yokishi? X Japan is currently preparing for the release of their latest single La Venus (a potential Academy Award nominee), a new album, and a concert that will be held at the SSE Wembley area! The concert was originally supposed to take place last year, but was postponed due to their guitarist Pata falling ill. The concert will take place on March 4th 2017.

Yokishi’s Carnegie hall setlist, photos from the show, and a teaser for X Japan’s upcoming concert can be seen under the cut.

Nakata Yasutaka’s official youtube account has uploaded a preview of the music video for his latest project Crazy Crazy feat. Charli XCX & Kyary Pamyu Pamyu.

In the video Nakata, Charli, and Kyary form a fictional band and are seen practicing in what appears to be an industrial apartment. What makes this video so…”special” is that the three of them actually aren’t performing in the video. Instead, their faces have been put on the actors performing via “face swap” technology, made popular by the smartphone application Snapchat.

Crazy Crazy feat. Charli XCX & Kyary Pamyu Pamyu was released physically on January 18th and is currently #8 on the Oricon daily charts. Check out the preview under the cut.

Not too long ago Arama!Japan had reported that Yasutaka Nakata and one of his muses Mito Natsume were planning to release ‘Puzzle‘; the ending song for “Puzzle & Dragon X“. Those curious about the release now have a little sample of what to expect, since the PV for the song has been uploaded to Mito Natsume’s official youtube channel. What can be mostly described as typical Nakata work, the song is very light, playful and carefree with some restraint. Nakata has also chosen to mostly use instruments with a more a organic sound for this number.  The PV features Miss Natsume’s  trademark quirkiness as she creates a puzzles of herself. Come take a look at ‘ Puzzle ‘!

Hello, Arama! Japan readers and welcome to this week’s installment of #1 Song Review! Last week saw Hoshino Gen defeat NMB48. Gen is back again this week, facing off against a newcomer. 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!

Suiyoubi no Campanella‘s new album “SUPERMAN” is coming in less than a month, so the leading track of the album “Ikkyuu-san”, already released via iTunes, has received its own MV! The title refers to the anime series of the same name which tells the story of a young buddhist monk called “Ikkyuu-san” who always finds a way to solve problems with intelligence, avoiding violence. In the MV, KOM_I bumps with a modern version of Ikkyuu-san and immediately falls in love, keeping an eye on him while enjoying the rather vibrant party. However, Ikkyuu-san is not what everyone thinks and hides something from all the assistants to the party. Check the MV and a pic she shared five days ago from the shooting just after the jump!

As we recently reported, a new Utada Hikaru MV was just about to be released today, January 19th, her 34th birthday. And it didn’t make us wait for too long because it is already here! As the M-ON list (unintentionally?) leaked, the clip was indeed for “Fantôme”‘s track 9 “Boukyaku featuring KOHH”. The artistic and simple MV features both artists singing as their figures get blurred and dazzled. Light is present throughout the video with a strong metaphorical use, emphasizing silhouettes and even visualizing parts from the lyrics. Check the clip, thankfully uploaded full to YouTube, just after the jump!

After skipping an album release last year, Kanjani8 made several announcements regarding upcoming releases during the last day of their current Dome Tour. This includes a new DVD release in spring and a new album and dome tour in summer. Details are not yet available but tour schedule is already out!

Before that, the group will be releasing their newest single, “Naguri Gaki BEAT” on January 25. The title song is the theme song for the movie starring Yokoyama Yu, “Hamon Futari no Yakubyoogami” The first-run limited edition includes the “Recital” Remixes of “Maemuki Scream!” and “Tsumi to Natsu”. RE will include “Tokyholic” with lyrics, music, and arrangement by Nishikido Ryo and a newly recorded version of “BJ” with arrangement from Nishikido.

Since the single is for Yokoyama’s movie, he’s gotta get some limelight, so watch out for trumpets and his grand entrance in the PV.