Nogizaka46’s ‘Zehin-o-yobazu’ Soars to No. 1 on Japan Hot 100

Nogizaka46 has captured the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart for the week ending July 29, powered by their latest smash single, “Zehinioyobazu.”

Serving as the flagship track from the acclaimed collective’s 42nd single—which dropped on July 22—the release marks a milestone moment as the very first center-stage performance for fifth-generation standout Miku Ichinose. The single dominated physical metrics, moving an impressive 756,354 units in its opening week. Additionally, it secured the No. 10 position in digital downloads, No. 18 in streaming metrics, and claimed No. 19 in radio airplay.

After building momentum over five weeks through an early digital rollout, the song experienced a meteoric surge from No. 42 straight to the pinnacle of the chart upon the arrival of its physical CD edition. With this achievement, Nogizaka46 extends an incredible streak, topping the single sales chart for 37 consecutive releases dating back to “Girls’ Rule.” Furthermore, “Zehinioyobazu” stands as the group’s 33rd career chart-topper on the Japan Hot 100, with CD purchases driving approximately 81% of its overall point total for the week.

Meanwhile, Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s infectious anthem “Brand New” firmly retains the No. 2 position for a second straight week. The track continues to dominate the streaming landscape with an astounding 8,441,977 streams, while also securing No. 2 in radio airplay and No. 5 in downloads. The powerhouse group maintains a massive chart presence with 10 total entries, highlighted by “lulu.” at No. 19 and “Ao to Natsu” at No. 28.

Rising boy band DXTEEN makes a stellar entrance at No. 3 with “Wanna.” The lead single from their seventh musical offering launched strongly at No. 2 on the sales charts with 187,422 copies sold, alongside a solid No. 6 placement in radio airplay.

M!LK’s vibrant track “You!Joy!Parade!” makes an enormous leap from No. 20 to No. 4. Originally issued digitally on July 17, the song only had a three-day tracking window during its initial charting period, making this current frame its true debut full week of tabulation. The buoyant tune conquered radio waves while landing at No. 3 in downloads, No. 12 in streaming, and No. 2 in video views. Bolstered by fan favorites “Sukisugite Metsu!” at No. 8 and “Bakuretsu Aishiteru” at No. 9, the dynamic five-piece sensation commands three spots within the upper tier and an impressive seven positions overall.

Rounding out the upper tier are three notable newcomers: STARGLOW’s “Drivin’ My Life” at No. 5, Angerme’s energetic “BaBaBa Burning Love!” at No. 6, and aoen’s uplifting “Hajimari COLOR” at No. 7.

Further down the tally, CUTIE STREET’s “CUTIE SPHERE” skyrockets from No. 83 to No. 29, fueled by an extraordinary surge in physical CD purchases that propelled the track from No. 81 to No. 8 in that specific metric. Kento Nakajima’s “Onigoto”—serving as the fierce opening theme for the second season of the acclaimed anime series The Elusive Samurai—debuts at No. 92, heavily supported by strong download numbers (No. 31). Additionally, ROIROM’s digitally released “GHOST HOUSE” captured the crown for digital downloads, entering the chart at No. 93, while Meiyo Densetsu’s “New Goddess” climbed from No. 32 to No. 27, anchored by a No. 3 showing in radio airplay.

In global and seasonal highlights, Shakira and Burna Boy’s “Dai Dai”—the official anthem of the recently concluded 2026 FIFA World Cup—surges from No. 64 to No. 25, boasting download figures roughly 6.4 times higher than the previous week. As summer temperatures peak, legendary acts are also making their presence felt: Southern All Stars’ classic “Manatsu no Kajitsu” ascends 77-36, Keisuke Kuwata’s “Johnny the Surfer” climbs 87-60, and ZONE’s nostalgic favorite “secret base” makes a triumphant re-entry at No. 85.

The comprehensive Billboard Japan Hot 100 calculates its rankings by amalgamating physical CD sales, digital downloads, audio streaming metrics, radio broadcasts, video view counts, and karaoke data.

Explore the complete Billboard Japan Hot 100 rankings for the tracking week of July 20–26. For deeper insights into the Japanese music industry and real-time chart updates, visit Billboard Japan’s official English X account.

This article originally appeared on Billboard Japan.

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