M!LK Claims No. 1 on CDTV's 2026 Mid-Year Chart with 'Bakuretsu Aishiteru' as Arashi and Mrs. GREEN APPLE Dominate Top Spots

On July 6, 2026, TBS's popular music program CDTV Live! Live! broadcast its highly anticipated "2026 First-Half Music Ranking," sparking massive excitement among music fans. Amidst a fierce battleground of major hits, the five-member vocal and dance group M!LK claimed the coveted number-one spot with their smash hit, "Bakuretsu Aishiteru" (Explosive Love).

M!LK Achieves Long-Awaited No. 1; Congratulations Flood Social Media

Standing at the very top of the mid-year charts, M!LK’s "Bakuretsu Aishiteru" has captivated a wide audience with its catchy melody and passionate message. Immediately following the announcement, social media was flooded with celebratory comments from ecstatic fans, with messages like "Congratulations on #1!", "It's such a beautiful song, I get emotional every time I hear it," and "This is proof of how widely loved they are across generations."

On the live broadcast, M!LK treated viewers to a full-sized performance of the chart-topping song alongside "Idol Power," which ranked at No. 34. Performing on a specially designed stage featuring glittery microphones and customized on-screen name graphics for each member, the group delivered an electrifying show that thrilled audiences at home.

Heavyweights Mrs. GREEN APPLE, Arashi, and Number_i Also Secure Top Rankings

The mid-year chart also featured some of the biggest names defining the 2026 Japanese music scene in the top positions.

No. 2: Mrs. GREEN APPLE – "lulu."
As one of the biggest releases of the first half of 2026, "lulu." surpassed a staggering 150 million streams, safely securing the runner-up spot. The band also saw their other track, "Kaze to Machi," rank at No. 24.

No. 5: Arashi – "Five"
Marking their first new song in five years, legendary group Arashi's "Five" landed fittingly at No. 5. Fans expressed amazement and joy, commenting, "It's incredible that they can just step right back into this position" and "I got goosebumps."

No. 6: Number_i – "3XL"
Drawing immense attention both domestically and internationally, Number_i's "3XL" clinched the No. 6 spot, raising anticipation for their upcoming appearances on major summer music specials.

No. 8: INI – "PULSE"
Known for their high-caliber performances, the global boy group INI proved their strong presence by successfully landing in the top 10.

A Diverse Lineup and Unscripted Live TV Drama

The ranking showcased a rich diversity of talent, with Bullet Train (Chotokkyu)'s "Gachi Muchu" ranking at No. 17, BE:FIRST's "ALL DAY" at No. 20, and JI BLUE's "Keshiki" at No. 29. The live broadcast also featured heartwarming moments typical of live TV. Notably, when SixTONES's "Ichibyo" was being introduced, Hey! Say! JUMP's Yuri Chinen was spotted on the reaction screen (picture-in-picture) happily singing along, much to the delight of viewers.

This mid-year ranking serves as a perfect summary of the fast-paced and dynamic Japanese music scene in the first half of 2026. Fans are already looking forward to seeing how the charts shape up in the latter half of the year.

The context

To help international readers understand the significance of this ranking, here is some background. CDTV Live! Live! (Count Down TV) is one of Japan's most influential weekly music television shows, broadcast by the major network TBS. Its charts combine physical sales, digital downloads, streaming numbers, and social media metrics, making it a highly accurate reflection of domestic music trends.

The artists featured in the top spots represent a transition period in J-pop. M!LK, a group under Stardust Promotion that debuted in 2014, has steadily built a dedicated fanbase, making this No. 1 achievement a monumental milestone for their career. Meanwhile, the chart highlights the enduring legacy of Arashi, one of Japan's most successful boy bands of all time, who went on indefinite hiatus in 2020. Their surprise release "Five" represents a historic moment for J-pop fans. Additionally, groups like Number_i (formed by former members of King & Prince) and global groups like INI and BE:FIRST showcase the modern, dance-heavy direction of today's Japanese music industry.

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