Triple Platinum Honors
The November certifications also saw several artists achieve Triple Platinum status, recognizing over 750,000 cumulative net shipments. These include:
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Nogizaka46’s single “Biriyani”
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&TEAM’s album “&TEAM KR 1st Mini Album ‘Back to Life’”
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Arashi’s video release “ARASHI LIVE TOUR Popcorn”
Nogizaka46, a cornerstone of the idol world, continues to demonstrate its enduring appeal with “Biriyani.” The group’s signature blend of grace and charm, often seen in their vibrant, celebratory visuals, resonates strongly.
&TEAM, a rising force in the global idol scene, secured Triple Platinum with their Korean mini-album. Their cool, artistic aesthetic, often featuring striking neon accents and unique fashion, continues to captivate a growing international fanbase.
Veteran group Arashi’s live tour video, “ARASHI LIVE TOUR Popcorn,” further solidifies their legendary status. The tour’s playful, retro circus-inspired theme, vividly captured in its artwork, evokes a sense of joyful entertainment that has delighted fans for years.
Double Platinum and Platinum Success
Further demonstrating the breadth of talent, several other acts earned Double Platinum (over 500,000 shipments) and Platinum (over 250,000 shipments) certifications:
Double Platinum:
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CUTIE STREET’s single “Cue ni Stop Dekimasen! / Chikyu Makeup Keikaku”
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timelesz’s single “Steal The Show / Recipe”
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TOMORROW X TOGETHER’s album “Starkissed”
CUTIE STREET’s vibrant and playful aesthetic, often featuring colorful, pop-art inspired visuals, has clearly charmed a significant audience. Their energetic style, reminiscent of a whimsical journey, leaves a lasting impression.
timelesz, with their dynamic and stylish presence, delivered a powerful message through their music, reflected in their ensemble of colorful suits and spirited expressions.
TOMORROW X TOGETHER, known for their dreamy and fantastical concepts, created a serene and imaginative world with “Starkissed,” captivating listeners with their distinctive sound and visuals.
Platinum:
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HKT48’s single “Hansode Tenshi”
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STU48’s single “Kizutsuku Koto ga Seishun da”
HKT48’s “Hansode Tenshi” brought a bright, retro American diner charm, showcasing the group’s cheerful and engaging persona.
STU48’s “Kizutsuku Koto ga Seishun da” offered a delicate and elegant aesthetic, reflecting their unique blend of youthful energy and sophisticated artistry.
Additionally, nine other works (three singles, four albums, and two videos) achieved Gold certification, meaning over 100,000 shipments, further underscoring the robust health of the Japanese music market.
Understanding the Gold Disc Certifications
The RIAJ’s Gold Disc Certifications are awarded based on cumulative net shipments of physical recordings. The thresholds are as follows:
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Gold: 100,000 units
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Platinum: 250,000 units
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Double Platinum: 500,000 units
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Triple Platinum: 750,000 units
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Million: 1,000,000 units
These certifications serve as a key indicator of commercial success and fan engagement within the Japanese music landscape. For a complete list of certified works, please visit the official RIAJ website: https://www.riaj.or.jp/data/gd/
The Future of Kawaii Culture in Music
The consistent success of idol groups and artists in these certifications highlights the enduring power and global appeal of Japanese and Korean pop culture, often intertwined with the concept of “Kawaii.” From the meticulously crafted aesthetics of album art to the vibrant performances that define these artists, the cultural impact extends far beyond Japan’s borders. As these artists continue to break sales records, they not only solidify their place in music history but also pave the way for a broader appreciation of Kawaii culture worldwide, showcasing its dynamism and universal charm.
