BTS ranks first on Billboard Japan’s mid-year album sales chart

South Korean sensation BTS has made waves once again, this time topping Billboard Japan’s album sales chart for the first half of 2026. Their fifth studio album, ‘ARIRANG,’ sold an impressive 706,961 copies, securing the number one spot on the mid-year ‘Top Album Sales’ chart in Japan.

‘ARIRANG’ didn’t stop at just claiming the top spot in sales; it also dominated Billboard Japan’s comprehensive mid-year album chart, ‘Hot Albums.’ Additionally, the title track of the album, ‘SWIM,’ and the B-side track, ‘2.0,’ made their mark by entering the mid-year ‘Hot 100’ chart at positions 38 and 87, respectively.

The influence of K-pop was evident in Japan’s music market, with six K-pop acts making it to the top 20 on the charts. HYBE artists showed their dominance in the upper ranks, with &TEAM, a Japan-based boy group, securing the second spot with their mini-album ‘We on Fire,’ selling 705,543 copies. Other HYBE affiliates like ENHYPEN, TOMORROW X TOGETHER (TXT), and TWS also made their presence known, ranking at positions 4, 7, and 10, respectively. YG Entertainment’s TREASURE also entered the chart at No. 13 with ‘LOVE PULSE.’

Even more impressive was BTS ranking at No. 6 on the comprehensive artist chart, ‘Artist 100.’ Amidst prominent Japanese acts dominating the upper ranks, BTS was the only international artist to make it to the top 10. ‘ARIRANG’ has consistently performed well on the Japanese charts ever since its release in March, spending a total of nine weeks at No. 1 on Billboard Japan’s weekly ‘Hot Albums’ chart, showcasing the strong support of their dedicated fan base and broad mainstream appeal.

The results from the mid-year charts underscore the significant influence of K-pop in Japan’s music scene. The rapid climb of &TEAM, a localized group giving BTS a run for their money, highlights the unwavering strength of K-pop in Japan and its ability to resonate with a wide audience.

BTS continues to break records and push boundaries, with ‘ARIRANG’ setting a new Spotify record by topping the global album chart. Their success is a testament to the global phenomenon that is K-pop and the immense impact it has had on the music industry worldwide.