Billboard Japan Charts for 2025 Revealed: Mrs. GREEN APPLE Takes the Lead with Snow Man & Creepy Nuts Topping Album and Global Charts

Billboard Japan has revealed its 2025 year-end rankings, covering the period from November 25, 2024, to November 23, 2025. Claiming the title of the years top song on the Japan Hot 100 is Mrs. GREEN APPLE with Lilac. Originally released on April 12, 2024, as the opening theme for the anime Oblivion Battery, the track initially placed fifth in the 2024 year-end charts. However, renewed popularity carried it back to the top in 2025, where it held the number-one position for five weeks.

The band also secures the second spot with Darling, which served as the theme for NHKs special featuring their collaboration with teenagers, broadcast on December 25, 2024. APT. by ROS and Bruno Mars ranks third, while Kenshi Yonezus September 2025 release IRIS OUT lands at number four. Mrs. GREEN APPLE rounds out the top five with KUSUSHIKI. The group impressively places three songs in the top five and five in the top ten overall.

Commenting on their success, frontman Motoki Omori said, I feel pure happiness and the significance of this recognition. We will continue working hard but also enjoy the music-making process. Guitarist Hiloto Wakai added that having Lilac recognized a year after its release was a joy, while keyboardist Ryoka Fujisawa expressed pride in seeing Omoris lyrics reach and resonate with a wide audience.

On the Hot Albums chart, Snow Man claims Album of the Year for the second consecutive year with their compilation THE BEST 2020 2025, making them the first act to earn this honor three times. Frontman Hikaru Iwamoto noted the album celebrates the groups fifth anniversary and hopes it continues to introduce new listeners to their music. Mrs. GREEN APPLE follows with three albums in the top four, while Vaundys strobo debuts at number five.

The Artist of the Year award goes to Mrs. GREEN APPLE, marking the first time an act has topped the Artist 100 chart two years in a row. Veteran band back number ranks second, followed by Kenshi Yonezu. HANA, the rising girl group, ranks fifth, with their producer CHANMINA appearing at number ten.

Reflecting the growth of Japanese music internationally, Creepy Nuts leads the Global Japan Songs Excl. Japan chart with Otonoke. The track topped charts in five countries and regions outside Japan. R-Shitei, the groups rapper, highlighted the impact of touring Asia on discovering their international fanbase, while DJ Matsunaga emphasized maintaining the Japanese languages essence in their music.

Top 10 Japan Hot 100 Songs of 2025

1. Lilac / Mrs. GREEN APPLE
2. Darling / Mrs. GREEN APPLE
3. APT. / Ros & Bruno Mars
4. IRIS OUT / Kenshi Yonezu
5. KUSUSHIKI / Mrs. GREEN APPLE
6. ROSE / HANA
7. Kaiju / sakanaction
8. Que Sera Sera / Mrs. GREEN APPLE
9. Bitter Vacances / Mrs. GREEN APPLE
10. Plazma / Kenshi Yonezu

Top 10 Hot Albums of 2025

1. THE BEST 2020 2025 / Snow Man
2. ANTENNA / Mrs. GREEN APPLE
3. Attitude / Mrs. GREEN APPLE
4. 10 / Mrs. GREEN APPLE
5. strobo / Vaundy
6. replica / Vaundy
7. No. / Number_i
8. Hello! Were timelesz / timelesz
9. BAD HOP / BAD HOP
10. LOST CORNER / Kenshi Yonezu

Top 10 Artists of 2025

1. Mrs. GREEN APPLE
2. back number
3. Kenshi Yonezu
4. Snow Man
5. Official HIGE DANdism
6. Fujii Kaze
7. CHANMINA

Top 10 Global Japan Songs Excluding Domestic Streams of 2025

1. Otonoke / Creepy Nuts
2. Bling-Bang-Bang-Born / Creepy Nuts
3. TOKYO DRIFT (FAST & FURIOUS) / TERIYAKI BOYZ
4. IRIS OUT / Kenshi Yonezu
5. Shinunoga E-Wa / Fujii Kaze
6. Mayonaka no Door / Stay With Me / Miki Matsubara
7. Idol / YOASOBI
8. KICK BACK / Kenshi Yonezu
9. NIGHT DANCER / imase
10. Yoru Ni Kakeru / YOASOBI

Analysis of Billboard Japan’s 2025 Year-End Rankings

The 2025 year-end rankings from Billboard Japan highlight a dynamic and competitive music landscape, with Mrs. GREEN APPLE dominating the year-end charts. The band’s track “Lilac,” which had initially ranked fifth in 2024, surged to number one in 2025, a testament to its enduring popularity. The song’s success, which included five consecutive weeks at the top of the Japan Hot 100, underscores how tracks can grow and maintain momentum well after their initial release.

Another key takeaway is Mrs. GREEN APPLE's remarkable performance on the Hot Albums chart. With three albums in the top four, the group continues to solidify its position as one of Japan’s leading acts. Their consistent success reflects a blend of strong songwriting and connection with a wide audience. The band’s ability to land multiple songs in the top five of the Hot 100, including “Darling” at number two, is a further indication of their impact across different platforms.

In addition to Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s dominance, Snow Man’s achievement as the top album artist for two years in a row emphasizes the group’s strong and sustained presence in Japan’s music scene. Their compilation album, “THE BEST 2020 – 2025,” marking their fifth anniversary, proves that legacy acts continue to thrive and resonate with listeners. Snow Man's milestone of being the first act to win this honor three times further reinforces their significance in the industry.

The presence of new artists and collaborations in the rankings also indicates a healthy diversification of genres and sound within the Japanese music industry. The appearance of international collaborations, such as “APT.” by ROSÉ & Bruno Mars, and the growing influence of acts like Creepy Nuts in the Global Japan Songs Excl. Japan chart, point toward the increasing global reach of Japanese artists and their ability to connect with international audiences.

Overall, the 2025 year-end rankings from Billboard Japan not only showcase the success of established artists but also highlight the continuing evolution of Japanese music both domestically and internationally. The mix of top-tier acts, innovative collaborations, and diverse genre representation offers a clear snapshot of the current trends shaping the country's vibrant music scene.

Sources:

• 2025 Year-End Billboard Japan Charts Unveiled: Mrs. GREEN APPLE Dominates as Snow Man & Creepy Nuts Top Album, Global Lists