Billboard Japan Unveils 2026 Mid-Year Charts: Kenshi Yonezu’s "IRIS OUT" and BTS’s "ARIRANG" Lead the Pack

Billboard Japan has officially released its highly anticipated mid-year charts for 2026, providing a comprehensive overview of the most impactful music trends and artists in the Japanese market from November 24, 2025, to May 24, 2026. The comprehensive rankings across various categories, including the all-genre Japan Hot 100, Japan Hot Albums, Japan Artist 100, and the international-facing Global Japan Songs Excl. Japan, highlight a dynamic blend of established titans and rising stars.

Kenshi Yonezu Dominates the Japan Hot 100 with "IRIS OUT"

The undisputed champion of the mid-year Japan Hot 100 is Kenshi Yonezu’s powerful anthem "IRIS OUT." This track, serving as the theme song for the critically acclaimed anime film Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, has not only captured the domestic market but has also made significant waves internationally. "IRIS OUT" achieved the remarkable feat of surpassing 100 million streams in just four weeks, setting a new record for the fastest song to reach this milestone on Billboard Japan. Its global reach was further solidified by peaking at number 5 on the Billboard Global 200 chart for the week of October 4, 2025, marking the highest position ever attained by a Japanese-language song on the prestigious global ranking.

The immense popularity of "IRIS OUT" can be attributed to the synergistic effect of Yonezu’s unique artistic vision and the widespread appeal of the Chainsaw Man franchise. The anime’s global fanbase has undoubtedly contributed to the song’s international traction, demonstrating the growing power of cross-media collaborations in the music industry. Yonezu’s prolific success is further evidenced by his dominance across the charts, securing a total of 11 mid-year chart titles, including this top honor.

Reflecting on the song’s success, Kenshi Yonezu expressed his profound gratitude and pride. "I’m proud that ‘IRIS OUT’ has become a song so many people have taken to heart," Yonezu stated. "Listening back to it now, I can’t help but laugh at what an outrageously unhinged song it is, but having put something like this out into the world at this particular moment in time, and being able to keep making music from here, is the greatest happiness I could ask for as a pop musician. I want to express my gratitude once again to Chainsaw Man, a truly extraordinary work. Thank you." His candid remarks underscore the artist’s commitment to creative expression and his appreciation for the opportunities that allow him to connect with a global audience.

The Japan Hot 100 reflects a diverse sonic landscape, with artists from various genres and backgrounds showcasing their appeal. Following Yonezu, the idol group M!LK secured the second position with their infectious track "Sukisugite Metsu!" The song’s success was propelled by a potent combination of its catchy hook, increased media visibility including an appearance at the 76th NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen, and significant viral traction on social media platforms. This sustained popularity resulted in an impressive 23 consecutive weeks within the top 10 during the tracking period.

Rounding out the top three is Mrs. GREEN APPLE with "lulu.," the opening theme for the second season of the acclaimed anime series Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. This placement highlights the continued strong connection between anime and music in Japan, with popular anime soundtracks consistently driving chart performance. The top five is further populated by King Gnu’s "AIZO" at number four and HANA’s "Blue Jeans" at number five, showcasing a robust mix of solo artists, idol groups, bands, and dance-and-vocal units, underscoring the breadth of talent currently resonating with Japanese music consumers.

BTS’s "ARIRANG" Claims Top Spot on Japan Hot Albums Chart

In the realm of album sales and consumption, BTS has made a triumphant return to the top of the Japan Hot Albums chart with their fifth album, ARIRANG. This release marks the group’s highly anticipated comeback after a hiatus of approximately three years and nine months. ARIRANG demonstrated exceptional performance, topping both physical sales and streaming metrics, and maintaining the number one position for an impressive eight weeks throughout the tracking period. The album’s title, referencing the iconic Korean folk song, suggests a theme of enduring connection and cultural resonance, a sentiment echoed in the group’s statement.

"We are deeply honored and overjoyed that the album we released after three years and nine months has been loved by so many," BTS shared. "Like Arirang, that gives the album its name, our hope is that this music will resonate with people across eras and borders, and be remembered for a long time to come." This statement signifies the group’s artistic ambition to create music that transcends temporal and geographical boundaries, aiming for a lasting impact akin to the timeless melody of "Arirang." The album’s success underscores BTS’s continued global dominance and their dedicated fanbase in Japan.

Following BTS, HANA’s debut album, also titled HANA, secured the second position. This achievement is particularly noteworthy given the group’s major-label debut less than a year prior, indicating a rapid ascent in popularity. King & Prince’s concept album STARRING, built around a cinema theme, captured the third spot, followed by Number_i’s second full-length project No.II at number four. The top five on the Hot Albums chart is completed by the RADWIMPS tribute album Dear Jubilee -RADWIMPS TRIBUTE-, showcasing a diverse range of musical offerings from established acts to tribute projects.

Mrs. GREEN APPLE Achieves Unprecedented Three-Year Reign on Japan Artist 100

The Billboard Japan Artist 100 chart, which aggregates data from both the Japan Hot 100 and Hot Albums charts to measure overall artist popularity, sees Mrs. GREEN APPLE solidifying their status as a dominant force in the Japanese music scene. The popular three-man band has achieved an unprecedented feat by topping the mid-year Japan Artist 100 chart for three consecutive years. This remarkable accomplishment has never before been seen in the chart’s history, underscoring the band’s consistent appeal and broad influence.

Motoki Ohmori, frontman of Mrs. GREEN APPLE, expressed his excitement and motivation. "Winning three years in a row is an incredible honor," Ohmori commented. "We’re actually right in the middle of working on an album slated for release later this year, so this gives us motivation, or energy, to make that record as good as it can be. Thank you so much." The band’s ongoing creative output and their ability to maintain such a high level of popularity speak to their strong connection with their fanbase and their commitment to producing high-quality music.

The Artist 100 chart also features HANA at number two, further highlighting their significant impact in the past year. back number lands at number three, a testament to their strong catalog with 14 songs charting on the mid-year Japan Hot 100. Kenshi Yonezu, whose "IRIS OUT" continues its chart reign, is positioned at number four, while M!LK rounds out the top five, acknowledging their powerful momentum throughout the tracking period. The presence of artists like BTS and Snow Man further illustrates the diverse and competitive nature of Japan’s music industry.

Global Reach: "IRIS OUT" Tops Global Japan Songs Excl. Japan Chart

The Global Japan Songs Excl. Japan chart, which tracks the performance of Japanese music worldwide (from November 21, 2025, to May 21, 2026), also sees Kenshi Yonezu’s "IRIS OUT" taking the top position. This chart not only highlights the international appeal of specific tracks but also measures their performance across various global territories. "IRIS OUT" further solidified its global footprint by reaching number one in six different countries and regions on the respective Japan Songs lists, demonstrating its broad appeal beyond its domestic success.

The chart also features enduring hits like TERIYAKI BOYZ’s "TOKYO DRIFT (FAST & FURIOUS)," King Gnu’s "AIZO," and the iconic "Mayonaka no Door / Stay With Me" by Miki Matsubara, indicating a mix of contemporary hits and evergreen favorites that resonate with international audiences. The inclusion of XG’s "HYPNOTIZE" and Creepy Nuts’ "Bling-Bang-Bang-Born" and "Otonoke" points to the growing international influence of J-Pop and hip-hop artists on the global stage.

Mid-Year Chart Highlights and Analysis

The Billboard Japan mid-year charts for 2026 offer a compelling snapshot of the current music landscape. Kenshi Yonezu’s dominance with "IRIS OUT" underscores the power of anime tie-ins and his ability to craft universally appealing music. His multi-chart success, including an unprecedented position on the Billboard Global 200, signals a maturing Japanese music market that is increasingly capable of producing global hits.

The consistent success of artists like Mrs. GREEN APPLE, HANA, and M!LK highlights the enduring popularity of idol culture, J-Rock, and dynamic pop acts in Japan. Their ability to maintain strong chart positions across singles and albums indicates a deep and engaged fanbase. The presence of BTS, even with a significant hiatus, demonstrates the unparalleled global reach and dedicated fandom that K-pop groups continue to cultivate.

The inclusion of tribute albums and diverse genres on the Hot Albums chart suggests a discerning audience that appreciates both new releases and curated musical experiences. The Japan Artist 100’s methodology, which combines single and album performance, provides a holistic view of artist influence, with Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s three-year reign serving as a landmark achievement.

The Global Japan Songs Excl. Japan chart further validates the growing international interest in Japanese music. The fact that "IRIS OUT" is not only a domestic chart-topper but also a global phenomenon signifies a shift in how Japanese artists are being perceived and consumed worldwide. This trend is likely to encourage more artists and labels to focus on international promotion and distribution strategies.

As the year progresses, the trends observed in these mid-year charts will likely continue to shape the trajectory of the Japanese music industry. The interplay between domestic appeal, global ambition, and the ever-evolving digital consumption landscape will undoubtedly lead to further innovation and success for Japanese artists on both national and international platforms.

Billboard Japan Hot 100 Mid-Year Chart 2026 Top 10:

1. "IRIS OUT" / Kenshi Yonezu
2. "Sukisugite Metsu!" / M!LK
3. "lulu." / Mrs. GREEN APPLE
4. "AIZO" / King Gnu
5. "Blue Jeans" / HANA
6. "Bakuretsu Aishiteru" / M!LK
7. "ROSE" / HANA
8. "On The Way" / AiNA THE END
9. "JANE DOE" / Kenshi Yonezu, Hikaru Utada
10. "CHARISMAX" / Snow Man

Billboard Japan Hot Albums Mid-Year Chart 2026 Top 10:

1. ARIRANG / BTS
2. HANA / MHANA
3. STARRING / King & Prince
4. No.II / Number_i
5. Dear Jubilee -RADWIMPS TRIBUTE- / Various Artists
6. Cosmic Princess Kaguya! / Various Artists
7. THE CORE / XG
8. ANTENNA / Mrs. GREEN APPLE
9. BE:ST / BE:FIRST
10. Prema / Fujii Kaze

Billboard Japan Artist 100 Mid-Year Chart 2026 Top 10:

1. Mrs. GREEN APPLE
2. HANA
3. back number
4. Kenshi Yonezu
5. M!LK
6. BTS
7. CHANMINA
8. Official HIGE DANdism
9. Vaundy
10. Snow Man

Billboard Japan Global Japan Songs Excl. Japan Mid-Year Chart 2026 Top 10:

1. "IRIS OUT" / Kenshi Yonezu
2. "TOKYO DRIFT(FAST & FURIOUS)" / TERIYAKI BOYZ
3. "AIZO" / King Gnu
4. "JANE DOE" / Kenshi Yonezu, Hikaru Utada
5. "KICK BACK" / Kenshi Yonezu
6. "Mayonaka no Door / Stay With Me" / Miki Matsubara
7. "HYPNOTIZE" / XG
8. "Bling-Bang-Bang-Born" / Creepy Nuts
9. "On The Way" / AiNA THE END
10. "Otonoke" / Creepy Nuts