ONE OK ROCK's 'Wherever you are' has charted for 228 weeks on the Billboard JAPAN Hot 100 — roughly 4.5 years. Originally a deep cut from their 2010 album, the ballad became Japan's most beloved wedding song after a TV commercial boosted its popularity. With 400M+ streams and 536 consecutive weeks in the streaming top 300, it's an extraordinary long-hit story. What's your favorite ONE OK ROCK song?
Vocaloid producer Rusino's 'Loop the Room (feat. Hatsune Miku)' has topped the Billboard Japan Songs chart in the US while entering the top 10 in the UK, Brazil, and South Africa. Fueled by a viral TikTok looping trend, the track proves Hatsune Miku's global relevance in 2026 and highlights how deeply Vocaloid culture has penetrated international audiences.
Storm Labels, the music arm of STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, opened its first official online store on April 1, 2026, with international shipping and support for 5 languages. Over 700 titles from Arashi, SUPER EIGHT, Hey! Say! JUMP and others are available, a shift for overseas fans who previously relied on proxy services.
In 2026, Fujii Kaze and Creepy Nuts play Coachella, YOASOBI and Ado join Lollapalooza, and the first-ever Zipangu festival in LA showcases Ado, HANA, CHANMINA, and 10-FEET. A deep dive into how Japanese music is making its biggest mark yet on the American festival scene.
Japan-born global group XG will perform at 88rising's Head in the Clouds 2026 festival on August 8 at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, on a bill headlined by KATSEYE. The lineup includes Rich Brian, UMI, and more. We cover ticket details, 88rising's role in elevating Asian artists, and the festival's first-ever Japan edition at Makuhari Messe.
KAT-TUN surprise-released all 312 songs on streaming platforms on their 20th debut anniversary, March 22, 2026. From 'Real Face' to their final album 'Fantasia,' every single and album is now available worldwide — a major milestone in the former Johnny's (STARTO) streaming revolution.
16-time Grammy winner Bruno Mars has signed a global music publishing partnership with Avex Music Group. After selling out seven consecutive Tokyo Dome shows and breaking streaming records in Japan, Mars will move his publishing administration to the Tokyo- and LA-based company once his BMG/Warner Chappell deal expires. With 'The Romantic' debuting at No. 1 on Billboard 200 and 2.1 million Romantic Tour tickets sold in a single day, here's the full story.
Ado debuted her new song 'Ai Ai A' on YouTube's THE FIRST TAKE on March 16, 2026, with a simultaneous surprise digital release. Written by renowned Vocaloid producer Kikuo, the chaotic carnival-like track features backup vocals from Phantom Siita, the idol group Ado herself produces. With a world tour of 500,000+ fans and a sold-out stadium show ahead, Ado continues her global dominance.
BABYMETAL's historic sold-out show at LA's Intuit Dome — the first solo performance by a Japanese artist at the venue — is coming to Blu-ray and DVD on June 17, 2026. Featuring 15 tracks including surprise guest Courtney LaPlante of Spiritbox and a spectacular center-stage production. Pre-order details and THE ONE exclusive edition info included.
Japanese startup DOT P unveiled PONKEY, a solenoid-powered instrument robot, at SXSW 2026 in Austin, Texas. Featuring 16 custom-designed keys that light up, produce sound, and physically pop out, PONKEY functions as a drum machine, digital synthesizer, and AI communication device. Backed by Tokyo's TOKYO SUTEAM program, it's set for public release in 2027.
Music Natalie published an in-depth feature on Yorushika's latest work 'Second Person.' Composer n-buna discusses the creative vision behind a 32-envelope epistolary novel paired with a 22-track digital album, while vocalist suis shares her thoughts via a mail interview. With 4.8 million monthly Spotify listeners worldwide, discover why this literary-musical fusion is captivating fans across the globe.
