Quote:
Originally posted by Retro
I don't follow how you think the inclusion of digital downloads is problematic. There have been solid digital charts in Japan, primarily thanks to Recochoku, for years now, and the RIAJ has certified ringtones and downloads for years with relatively respectable numbers still being seen for hits. The Japan Hot 100 is a solid chart, and the only combined chart ever offered to a great extent. I find it more reliable than Oricon in determining what people actually listen to in modern Japan - in no way is purely physical sales a good representation of the market there.
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Because the digital market didn't really take off until 2013. I don't think it's included in the Japan Hot 100 (they do radio and Soundscan Japan). Think of it this way: Imagine if the Official Charts Company started a new chart in the U.S. just using sales (and not even sales from our traditional retailers but excluding major stores like Walmart and Target) and then included free downloads, too. That's literally what Billboard tried to do to Japan; their radio isn't really regulated because it never mattered too much and Soundscan Japan is not as reliable as Oricon.
I mean, look at Soundscan's Singles mid-year for 2014 compared to Oricon's:
Soundscan Top Ten:
1 Arashi GUTS! (CD + DVD) (Limited Edition) 425,942
2 Arashi Bittersweet (CD + DVD) (Limited Edition) 416,768
3 Arashi Daremo Shiranai [ (CD + DVD) (Limited Edition) 390,140
4 Arashi Bittersweet 178,323
5 Arashi GUTS! 170,729
6 Kanjani ∞ King of Otoko! (CD + DVD) (Limited Edition A) 151,655
7 Kanjani ∞ Hibiki (CD + DVD) (Limited Edition) 149,947
8 Kanjani ∞ King of Otoko! (CD + DVD) (Limited Edition B) 144,715
9 Arashi Daremo Shiranai 125,354
10 Kanjani ∞ Hibiki 118,419
Oricon Top Ten:
1. Labrador Retriever – AKB48 (1,764,489)
2. Mae Shika Mukanee – AKB48 (1,151,372)
3. Suzukake no Ki no Michi de “Hohoemi wo Yume ni Miru” to Itte Shimattara Bokutachi no Kankei wa Dou Kawatte Shimau no ka, Bokunari ni Nan-nichi ka Kangaeta Ue de no Yaya Kihazukashii Ketsuron no You na Mono – AKB48 (1,086,491)
4. Bittersweet – Arashi (591,130)
5. GUTS! – Arashi (582,995)
6. Kidzuitara Kataomoi – Nogizaka46 (538,090)
7. Mirai to wa? – SKE48 (502,835)
8. Dare mo Shiranai – Arashi (497,374)
9. Takane no Ringo – NMB48 (443,069)
10. King of Otoko! – Kanjani∞ (388,826)
Soundscan Japan breaks down sales in the way Mexico does certifications (i.e. different versions chart differently) which is so stupid. If you release a single with/without music videos to make it more accessible to your fans, your charting weakens
They also started in like the late 2000s
Quote:
Originally posted by Nano
Wow, is that it?  |
It used to be much harder to top global charts. Imagine how many #1s Mariah, Christina, J. Lo, Shakira and Britney would've had if they peaked in the digital age.
