"Shinjuku Anison Scope" is a segment where Sho Higuchi, the anime buyer at Tower Records Shinjuku store, known for its extensive selection of anime songs, shares the latest anime song sales trends and firsthand accounts from the sales floor. The number one seller at the store from September 21st to 27th was the soundtrack to the hit animated film "The Secret of the Chiikawa Mermaid Island," titled "'The Secret of the Chiikawa Mermaid Island' Original Soundtrack."
◇Last week's results
The "Chiikawa: The Secret of the Mermaid Island" movie original soundtrack was released on July 24th and has frequently ranked in the top 10 of this ranking, but this time it has reached the number one spot for the first time. It includes "Kutsuzure" sung by Hachiware, "Tsukue Sasuru" sung by Haruka Aoki, who plays Chiikawa, as well as the film's score and songs from the movie.
In fifth place is "Ike/Tobidase! Wandapyoi," the 13th single from the unit "Wonderlands x Showtime," which appears in the smartphone game "Project Sekai Colorful Stage! feat. Hatsune Miku (ProSeka)," making its debut on the chart.
In sixth place is "Love Live! Ishikawa Daikanko II," an album by the school idol group "Hasunozora Girls' Academy School Idol Club," who appear in the smartphone app "Link! Like! Love Live!", part of the popular anime series "Love Live!". Also from the "Love Live!" series, "Nijigasaki High School Idol Club," the 4-member unit "QU4RTZ" released their 4th single, "Shiokaze Cycling," which ranked in at eighth place.
◇This week's trends
We're highlighting "THE IDOLM@STER MILLION BATTLE OF THE@TER 09 100-ten☆Number One!", which features songs from in-game events in the popular game "THE IDOLM@STER MILLION LIVE! THEATER DAYS (Mirishita)", and "TV Anime ' A Witch's Life in Mongol' Original Soundtrack", the soundtrack to the TV anime "A Witch's Life in Mongol", which aired from July to September and became a hot topic.
In addition, strong initial sales are expected for "Narasu," the debut single from "millsage," a new band appearing in the new rhythm game "BanG Dream! Our Notes" from the popular anime and game series "BanG Dream!", as well as "Peaceful Pieces!", the debut single from another new band "Ikkadanran," and "Kore wa Bokutachi no Seizon no Routai," the 5th single from "Mugendai Myutype," a band that has also garnered attention for its TV anime "BanG Dream! Yume∞Mita."
◇Tower Records Shinjuku Store Anime Song Corner Ranking (From left: Title, Artist, Titles omitted)
1st Place: "The Secret of the Chiikawa Island Movie: Original Soundtrack" by Shugo Tokumaru and Riki Kamimizutaru (Album)
2nd Place: "Song of LIFE" - Asaka (Album)
3rd Place: "THE IDOLM@STER SHINY COLORS Song for Prism SUPER DUPER DREAMER/BEAST MODE" Σ Desire Single
4th Place: "Kessoku Band" (Kessoku Band Album)
5th Place: "Go! / Jump Out! Wanda Pyoi" Wonderlands x Showtime Single
6th Place: "Come on over! Ishikawa Grand Sightseeing II" - Hasuno Sora Girls' Academy School Idol Club Album
7th place: "Lehre der Rose" - Roselia album
8th Place: "Shiokaze Cycling" QU4RTZ Single
9th place: "Ave Musica" (Ave Mujica album)
9th place: "Kanata" (Beyond) - FictionJunction - Single
◇Profile
Sho Higuchi is the anime buyer for the 10th floor (Japanese music and sales promotion) at Tower Records Shinjuku store. His passion for anime began with works from the 1990s such as "Neon Genesis Evangelion," "BLUE SEED," and "VS Knight Ramune & 40 Flame." Among anime songs, he particularly enjoys character songs, especially those related to idol anime. His anthem is "Up! 10sion Pleeeeeeeeease!" from "THE IDOLM@STER Million Live!". His favorite anime and game titles include "Pretty Rhythm," "THE IDOLM@STER," "Photo Kano," and "Sakura Wars."
