Sakurazaka46’s ‘Ai MUST BE’ Tops Japan Hot 100 as iiONDO’s Debut Single ‘Hatsukoi ONDO’ Bows at No. 5

Sakurazaka46’s “Ai MUST BE” reached No. 1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, following the release of its single on 14 October. Its first-week sales of 736,759 copies helped secure the top spot, while strong results across downloads, radio and streaming added to its chart performance.

EBiDAN’s “Yes! Tokyo” rose to No. 2, and Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s “Kyohan” held at No. 3. iiONDO, an eight-member group launched from EBiDAN, debuted at No. 5 with “Hatsukoi ONDO”, whose single sold 202,345 copies; other new entries included MATSURI at No. 6 and Travis Japan at No. 8. The chart combines physical and digital sales with streams, radio airplay, video views and karaoke data, and covers the week of 12 to 18 October.