J-pop, Anime Songs and the Oricon Charts — 2026-09-19
The week of September 12–19, 2026, saw M!LK shatter initial sales records with their new album, while veteran artist Fukuyama Masaharu claimed the top spot on the weekly album charts. In the anime sector, high-profile collaborations between legendary bands like Qururi and Hitsujibungaku for new seasonal openings were announced, signaling a strong autumn lineup.
J-pop, Anime Songs and the Oricon Charts — 2026-09-19
M!LK Achieves Highest First-Day Album Sales of Fiscal Year
On September 16, 2026, it was confirmed that idol group M!LK’s latest album LOVE ENG!NE sold 725,000 copies on its first day, securing the #1 spot on Oricon’s Daily Album Ranking. This figure represents the highest first-week sales recorded so far in the current fiscal year, highlighting the continued dominance of major idol groups in physical media markets despite the rise of streaming. The group’s ability to mobilize such massive immediate sales reinforces their position as a leading force in the post-Snow Man era of Japanese idol pop.
Fukuyama Masaharu Tops Weekly Album Chart with "Super Nova"
For the week dated September 21, 2026, singer-songwriter Fukuyama Masaharu debuted at #1 on the Oricon Weekly Album Ranking with his new album Super Nova. This achievement extends his record for the most number-one albums by a male solo artist in Japan. The release underscores the enduring commercial power of legacy artists who maintain relevance through consistent high-quality releases and broad demographic appeal, contrasting with the youth-centric trends of idol and anime genres.
SixTONES Secures 17th Consecutive #1 Single
The boy band SixTONES claimed the top spot on the Oricon Weekly Single Ranking with their double A-side single Dance Forever / My Only, selling over 300,000 copies in its first week. This marks their 17th consecutive number-one single since debut, a streak that places them among the most commercially successful male idol groups in recent history. Their consistent performance highlights the robust health of the physical CD market for established Johnny’s (now STARTO ENTERTAINMENT) successor groups.
Qururi and Hitsujibungaku Announce Historic Collaboration for Anime OP/ED
In a major announcement for the upcoming autumn anime season, rock band Qururi and indie band Hitsujibungaku revealed they will collaborate on the opening and ending themes for the TV anime Kaze wo Tsugu Mono (The One Who Inherits the Wind). Qururi will perform the opening theme "Kaze wo Tsugu Mono," while Hitsujibungaku will handle the ending theme "Namida no Kawa," which will also serve as the theme for the theatrical prequel version releasing in November. The track "Namida no Kawa" is set for pre-release streaming on October 12, 2026. This collaboration brings together two of Japan’s most respected alternative acts, promising significant chart impact and critical attention.
Local view
Japanese music outlet Natalie.mu reported on September 18 that Abe Nanami, a prominent member of the idol group Fullcourse (formerly the center of Last Idol), will graduate from the group and retire from the entertainment industry by the end of December 2026. This news was widely shared on social media, reflecting the ongoing cycle of graduations that defines the lifecycle of major idol projects. The announcement marks another significant transition for fans of the Akimoto Yasushi-produced idol ecosystem, as members from earlier generations exit the stage to make way for newer talent.
Context & numbers
- First-Day Sales: M!LK’s LOVE ENG!NE achieved 725,000 first-day sales, the highest for any album in the current fiscal year to date.
- Chart Streak: SixTONES has now secured 17 consecutive weekly #1 singles, maintaining a streak that began with their debut.
- Historical Record: Fukuyama Masaharu’s #1 album debut adds to his record for the most number-one albums by a male solo artist in Oricon history.
On the radar
- Pre-Release Streaming: Hitsujibungaku x Qururi’s track "Namida no Kawa" will be available for streaming on October 12, ahead of the anime’s theatrical and TV releases.
- Anime Season Launches: The fall anime Shio Ama (Salt Water) begins broadcasting on October 6, 2026, with new key visuals and main PVs released this week.
- Movie Themes: The upcoming film Shuiro no Kamen (The Vermilion Mask) announced MAN WITH A MISSION as the OP theme and yutori as the ED theme on September 19, 2026.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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