"Shinjuku Anison Scope," a column by 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 May 11th to 17th was "WEATHER," the second mini-album by Haru Kaida, a member of the VTuber project "Nijisanji."
◇Last week's results
"WEATHER" was released on April 15th, topped the rankings from April 13th to 19th, and has now reclaimed the number one spot. Kaida Haru is a VTuber who is a researcher of "magic," engrossed in his research in his mansion, and few people know what he really looks like...and has gained popularity with over 720,000 subscribers on his YouTube channel. From "Nijisanji," the first mini-album "Nighthawks" by the male unit "3SKM" ranked 2nd, and Lauren Iroas's first mini-album "No One" ranked 4th.
In sixth place is "Hatsuboshi Gakuen Remix Album 'ReCollection' vol.1," a remix album for "Gakuen Idolmaster," a game in the popular "Idolmaster" series. This remix album traces the history of Hatsuboshi Gakuen and features contributions from a host of renowned creators.
In 9th place was "NANA BEST," a best-of album featuring songs from the TV anime "NANA," and in 10th place was "Transparent Palette/Star," the 12th single by "Leo/need," a band that appears in the smartphone game "Project Sekai Colorful Stage! feat. Hatsune Miku (ProSekai)."
◇This week's trends
I'm paying attention to the second singles from Yume Hanami and Misuzu Hataya of "Gakuen Idolmaster": "Yume Hanami 2nd Single 'Goosupi'" and "Misuzu Hataya 2nd Single 'Superlative'".
◇Tower Records Shinjuku Store Anime Song Corner Ranking (From left: Title, Artist, Titles omitted)
1st Place: "WEATHER" by Haru Kaida (Album)
2nd Place: "Nighthawks" - 3SKM Album
3rd Place: "Fear Nothing" - Roselia (Single)
4th Place: "No One" - Lauren Iroas (Album)
5th Place: "Ex-Otogibanashi" by ryo (supercell) - Single
6th Place: "Hatsuboshi Gakuen Remix Album 'ReCollection' vol.1" (Hatsuboshi Gakuen Album)
7th Place: "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End Season 2 Original Soundtrack" by Evan Call (Album)
8th place: "Dokidoki Date" - Poppin'Party (single)
9th place: "NANA BEST" by Anna Tsuchiya and OLIVIA (album)
10th Place: "Transparent Palette / Star" Leo / need (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."
