Kenshi Yonezus Karasu Tops Japan Hot 100 as Michael Jacksons Catalog Rides Biopic Wave

Kenshi Yonezu‘s “Karasu” debuts atop the Billboard Japan Hot 100, on the chart released June 24.

The hitmaker wrote the song to be featured as the theme of NHK’s 2026 World Cup broadcasts. The track bows at No. 1 for downloads and streaming, and at No. 2 for radio airplay and video views. “Karasu” is Yonezu’s 11th chart-topper — his first since “IRIS OUT” — and marks his 32nd week at No. 1 on the Japan Hot 100.

List of Kenshi Yonezu’s Japan Hot 100 No. 1 Singles

“IRIS OUT”
“Plazma”
“KICK BACK”
“M87”
“Pale Blue”
“Uma to Shika”
“Spirits of the Sea”
“Lemon”
“Flamingo”
“Peace Sign”
“Karasu”

Ae! group’s “Dekoboko Life” follows at No. 2. The theme song for the film Osomatsusan The Movie first dropped digitally on May 11 to debut at No. 6 on the tally, and returns this week at No. 2 following the CD release on June 17. M!LK’s “Bakuretsu Aishiteru” climbs to No. 3 from No. 6 the week before, as the group places five titles in the top 50 simultaneously: “Bakuretsu Aishiteru” (No. 3), “Sukisugite Metsu!” (No. 5), “Idol Power” (No. 16), “Shin Unmei (Shunta Sono & Jutaro Yamanaka)” (No. 17), and “Iijan” (No. 43). CUTIE STREET’s “CUTIE SPHERE” also makes a significant move, vaulting 39-7.

Meanwhile, Michael Jackson’s biopic is powering his catalog up the Japan Hot 100: “Beat It” rises 50-32, “Billie Jean” 61-37, while “Thriller” and “Bad” re-enter at No. 84 and No. 96, respectively — bringing the late King of Pop’s simultaneous entries to four this week. Meanwhile, Arashi places 13 titles within the top 100, the group’s catalog continuing to hold steady across the chart although down from 19 last week.

The Billboard Japan Hot 100 combines physical and digital sales, audio streams, radio airplay, video views and karaoke data.

See the full Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart, tallying the week from June 15 to 21, here. For more on Japanese music and charts, visit Billboard Japan’s English X account.