Kenshi Yonezu’s enchanting track “Plazma” has made a triumphant return to the top spot on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart, shaking up the music scene with its powerful resonance. Serving as the theme song for the latest Mobile Suit Gundam installment, titled GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-, this digital gem first graced our ears on January 20. The song skyrocketed to No. 1 upon its debut, and now, after the release of the double-A side single “Plazma / BOW AND ARROW” on June 11, it has reclaimed its throne atop the chart.
With a remarkable 310,981 copies sold in its debut week, Yonezu’s single has set a new bar for first-week sales among solo artists for the entire 2025 chart year. Not just stopping there, the CD release triggered a domino effect of growth across various metrics. The track witnessed a surge of 108% in downloads compared to the previous week, while karaoke requests spiked by 106%. Video views shot up by a staggering 198%, and radio airplay witnessed an unprecedented 745% surge, solidifying Yonezu’s prowess in captivating audiences across different platforms.
Emerging at a close second on the chart is HANA’s enchanting melody “Burning Flower,” a fresh arrival by the newly formed girl group that has struck a chord with listeners. This digital anthem dropped on June 9 and has quickly risen to the top ranks, leading the charts in downloads, capturing the third spot in streaming, and securing the 22nd position on radio airwaves. HANA is making waves on the Japan Hot 100, with three other tracks – “ROSE” at No. 7, “Drop” at No. 16, and “Tiger” at No. 23 – further solidifying their presence in the music scene. The group has exciting plans ahead, including the digital release of “Blue Jeans” on July 14, followed by the “Blue Jeans” CD single featuring “Burning Flower” on July 16.
Meanwhile, Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s invigorating tune “breakfast” holds strong at No. 3, maintaining its grip on various metrics with a notable 120% surge in streaming and a 140% increase in radio airplay week-over-week. Sliding into the chart at an impressive fourth position is ≒JOY’s “Blue Hawaii Lemon,” a vibrant offering from the girl group that has made a mark with 207,790 CDs sold, their personal best achievement to date. The track secures the second spot on the metric scale, showcasing the group’s growing influence and appeal among music enthusiasts.
Not far behind, Mrs. GREEN APPLE makes another notable appearance at No. 5 with “KUSUSHIKI,” presenting a track that may have slipped two places on the chart from the previous week but continues to draw in a steady stream of listeners. The overall points for the song have remained consistent over the past few weeks, indicating a devoted fan base and enduring popularity.
Elsewhere on the Japan Hot 100, Fujii Kaze’s lead single “Hachikō,” released on June 13 as a precursor to the upcoming album Prema, makes a splashing debut at No. 29. The track shines in the digital arena, claiming the second spot for downloads, and also makes notable appearances at No. 88 for streaming, No. 10 for radio airplay, and No. 12 for video views, showcasing the artist’s multifaceted talent and appeal.
The Billboard Japan Hot 100 is a melting pot of physical and digital sales, audio streams, radio airplay, video views, and karaoke data, offering a comprehensive snapshot of the dynamic music landscape in Japan. Dive deeper into the chart for the week from June 9 to June 15 and explore the full range of musical talent shaping the industry. For a closer look at Japanese music and the charting trends, don’t miss the opportunity to delve into Billboard Japan’s English X account – where the pulse of the music scene beats loudest.
In a melodic symphony of talent and innovation, these chart-topping artists are carving their paths in the music industry, weaving captivating narratives that resonate with audiences worldwide.
