Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s hit single “Lilac,” which debuted in April 2024, has officially clinched the summit of the Billboard Japan 2025 Year-End Hot 100. Over the tracking period—stretching from November 25, 2024, to November 23, 2025—the track ascended to the No. 1 spot five times. Furthermore, it recently eclipsed 800 million domestic streams, marking the second-fastest climb to that milestone in Japanese music history.
The trio’s dominance extended far beyond a single track. This year, they etched their names in the record books as the first musical act to surpass a staggering 10 billion cumulative domestic streams. Their presence on the year-end top 10 was pervasive, featuring four additional entries: “Darling,” “KUSUSHIKI,” “Bitter Vacances,” and “Que Sera Sera.” This broad chart representation highlights how fans have continued to champion both the band’s latest releases and their cherished catalog. For their consistent excellence, Mrs. GREEN APPLE has been named the 2025 Artist of the Year for the second year running, a title determined by their combined performance across the Japan Hot 100 and Hot Albums charts.
Individual accolades also went to frontman Motoki Omori. The guitarist and primary songwriter made history as the first person to lead both the Top Composers and Top Lyricists categories for three consecutive years.
As the group celebrates the conclusion of their “MGA MAGICAL 10 YEARS” anniversary—marking a decade since their major-label debut—Billboard Japan sat down with Omori, guitarist Hiloto Wakai, and keyboardist Ryoka Fujisawa to discuss their monumental achievements.
Reflecting on a Record-Breaking Year
“Lilac” has finished as the No. 1 song on the 2025 Japan Hot 100. Following your Artist of the Year titles in 2024 and mid-2025, how are you processing this continued success?
Motoki Omori: I’m deeply honored. I feel the significance of this achievement and intend to keep pushing myself to live up to it. However, I also want to make sure the weight of success doesn’t stifle our creativity; I want us to keep finding joy in the songwriting process.
Hiloto Wakai: Since “Lilac” was released in early 2024, seeing it remain so relevant through 2025 fills me with gratitude. Knowing that the song has resonated with people for this long is a wonderful feeling.
Ryoka Fujisawa: A primary goal for this band is to ensure Omori’s music and lyrics reach as many people as possible. Seeing “Lilac” endure and watching our diverse discography find such a wide audience is incredibly rewarding.
Mr. Omori, you have achieved an unprecedented three-year streak atop the Top Lyricists and Top Composers charts. Between your solo work and your work with the band, did you notice any new ways your music connected with listeners this year?
Omori: Because the creative source is the same, it’s difficult to distinguish the two in words. However, pursuing solo projects made me realize that my solo work is only possible because Mrs. GREEN APPLE exists. This year was a period of rediscovery, reinforcing just how vital it is for me to remain prolific as a creator.
Looking back at your 10th anniversary, what were the defining moments for the band?
Omori: The initial formation of the band remains the biggest turning point. I still vividly remember the three of us in a tiny rehearsal studio, talking about how we wanted to be so busy that we needed to prepare every song we could. Maintaining that same drive ten years later is something I hold dear.
Wakai: For me, it’s “StaRt,” our 2015 debut single. Performing it again during our FJORD anniversary show felt just as fresh as it did a decade ago. It serves as a constant reminder of where we began and why we keep moving forward.
Fujisawa: Our FJORD anniversary shows at Yokohama Stadium were unforgettable. Playing for 100,000 fans over two days, plus many more online, was overwhelming. It wasn’t just “happiness”—seeing the sheer volume of people who care about our music was a transformative experience.
If you had to choose a single word to describe your 2025, what would it be?
Omori: “Gratitude.”
Fujisawa: “Love.” I wanted to radiate love as a thank-you for our 10th anniversary, and the love we received in return was immense.
Wakai: “Rich.” The year was so packed with intense experiences and significant milestones that every moment felt incredibly dense and meaningful.
With your Tokyo Dome residency, the “Wonder Museum” exhibition, and your upcoming appearance on Kohaku Uta Gassen, what is your final message to the fans as you head into Phase 3?
Fujisawa: We’ve been incredibly lucky to perform at such massive venues and connect with so many people. Whether you’ve been with us for years or just discovered us during this 10th anniversary, we are so grateful that our music has a place in your life. As we enter Phase 3, we want to create a space where you can connect with Mrs. GREEN APPLE even more deeply. We will give it our all to ensure you continue to enjoy what we create.
Interview conducted by Mariko Ikitake for Billboard Japan.
