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Japan Music Charts: January 3rd, 2012 (1st week of Jan)
9nine comes out with their newest hit, "Chikutaku2NITE". It is at #12 this week's Oricon charts.
Ikimono Gakari's "Aruite Ikou" comes in at #24 this week.
This week's Oricon features some iconic bands climbing their way to the top, some Johnny's bands, and a slew of idol groups. Let's take a look at who's popular this week.
The mega-popular Johnny's band, Arashi, is lurking on this week's Oricon. Their song "Meikyū Love Song" is #16. Another famed band, Alice Nine, rocks out with "Niji no Yuki". The song has been getting positive reviews from music reviewers and critics alike, as it has been rising on the charts. Their newest hit is at the #7 slot this week. Rounding the rock scene, UVERworld comes in at #13 with "BABY BORN & GO".
Idol groups have taken this week's charts by storm. Between AKB48, Fairies, and 9Nine, the "army of teenage girls" concept is popular in Japan these days. Speed, bubblegum pop backed with girls with skirts is a winning combination. The highest ranked song is AKB48's very own "Ue kara Mariko", placing at #6.
As for iconic bands, Amuro Namie, L'Arc~en~Ciel, and SMAP are all in the top 5. Legends of Japanese music, such as the after-mentioned three, are unique in Japan as they can continue their careers well past their 20s. While youthful, idol bands may be popular, the iconic Japanese talents show that they can sustain their success in the long run.
Since we're on the topic of iconic singers, this week's winners is legendary Johnny's band SMAP. With their newest hit "Boku no Hanbun", they're still going strong after 20+ years. Check out the rest of this week's Oricon songs below:
Fairies' "Hero" flies away to #9 on the Oricon.
The Oricon wouldn't be complete with some female idol groups. "Kaze wa Fuiteiru" by AKB48 and "Okie Dokie" by SKE48 are popular pop beats this week. They place at #14 and #8 respectively.
This week's winners goes to the five-guy group Sexy Zone. Their aptly named song "Sexy Zone", features much dancing and a slew of teenage boys. Their catchy tune takes the gold this week.
Check out the rest of the top 20 below:
Here are some highlight songs from the top 30:
Fairies — "HERO" at #9
Alice Nine — "Niji no yuki" at #7
SMAP — "Boku no hanbun" at #1
The top 30 Japanese charts rundown:
A special thanks goes to Youtube user Rina93, who volutneers the time to compile and upload the Japanese top 30 charts below. The music data has been provided by the offical Oricon and Music Japan.
The top 20 list breakdown:
1. "Boku no Hanbun (僕の半分)" — SMAP
2. "CHASE" — L'Arc~en~Ciel
3. "CRISIS" — Acid Black Cherry
4. "We never give up!" — Kis-My-Ft2
5. "Love Story" — Namie Amuro
6. "Ue kara Mariko" — AKB48
7. "Niji no Yuki" — Alice Nine
8. "Yasashiku Naritai" — Kazuyoshi Saito
9. "HERO" — Fairies
10. "Believe... ~Kimi Wo Shinjite~" — JUNO
11. "Sexy Zone" — Sexy Zone
12. "ChikuTaku☆2NITE" — 9nine
13. "BABY BORN & GO" — UVERworld
14. "Happiness" — Ai (1)
15. "Singing!" — Houkago Tea Time
16. "Meikyū Love Song" — Arashi
17. "Unmei♪waa♪Endless!" — Houkago Tea Time
18. "Kaze wa Fuiteiru" — AKB48
19. "Fuyu ga Owaru Mae ni" — Shota Shimizu
20. "Koisuru Kimochi (恋スルキモチ)" — Emi Takei
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