Billboard Japan Reveals Mid-Year 2026 Chart Leaders

Billboard Japan has released its mid-year chart rankings for the first half of 2026. Kenshi Yonezu's anime theme "IRIS OUT" topped the overall song chart, while BTS's comeback album 'ARIRANG' led the album ranking. Mrs. GREEN APPLE secured the top spot on the artist chart.

The Billboard Japan Hot 100, which combines streaming, sales, radio airplay, and video views, was led by Kenshi Yonezu's "IRIS OUT." The track, the theme song for the movie 'Chainsaw Man: Reze-hen,' reached 100 million streams on Billboard Japan's charts in a record four weeks. It also peaked at No. 5 on the Billboard Global 200 chart, the highest position ever for a Japanese song. Yonezu secured 11 total chart crowns across the mid-year rankings.

M!LK's "Sukisugite Metsu!" placed second on the Hot 100, maintaining a 23-week streak in the top 10 during the period. Mrs. GREEN APPLE's "lulu.," the opening theme for 'Frieren: Beyond Journey's End' Season 2, took third place.

On the Hot Albums chart, BTS's fifth album 'ARIRANG' debuted at No. 1, marking the group's return after three years and nine months. The album led in both CD sales and streaming metrics, securing eight total weeks at the summit during the half-year period. HANA's self-titled debut album ranked second, followed by King & Prince's concept album 'STARRING' at No. 3.

Mrs. GREEN APPLE claimed the No. 1 position on the Artist 100, which combines points from the song and album charts. This is their third consecutive year leading the mid-year Artist 100 ranking. HANA placed second, with back number at No. 3.

"IRIS OUT" also ranked first on the Global Japan Songs Excl. Japan chart.

Artist Comments

Kenshi Yonezu commented on the success of "IRIS OUT": "I am proud that IRIS OUT has become a song loved by so many people. Even listening back now, I laugh at what a ridiculous song it is. Being able to leave a song like this in this era and continue making new music is the greatest happiness as a pop musician."

A statement from BTS's label regarding 'ARIRANG' read: "We are very honored that the album released after 3 years and 9 months is loved by so many people. Like 'Arirang,' which is also the album title, we hope it will resonate with many people across times and places and be remembered for a long time."

Mrs. GREEN APPLE's Motoki Omori said of their Artist 100 win: "It's a great honor to receive this award for the third year in a row. We are currently working on an album scheduled for release in the second half of the year, so this serves as encouragement and power to make that album a good one."

Other Chart Highlights

Arashi's "Five" led the Download Songs chart. Snow Man's single "BANG. / SAVE YOUR HEART / Odorouze!" topped the Singles Sales ranking. Motoki Omori's solo album 'OITOMA' was No. 1 for Download Albums.

The Heatseekers Songs chart was topped by Crazy Wow Wow.'s "Tontsukatantan." "Delos Santos" by Yamamoto led the Niconico Vocaloid Songs ranking.

Full results are available on the Billboard Japan website.

Source: PR Times via 阪急阪神ホールディングス株式会社