ILLIT Scores Breakthrough in Japan with Rising Chart Success
K-pop rookie girl group ILLIT is making waves in Japan with their debut original Japanese single, ‘Almond Chocolate’. The catchy track has seen a rapid resurgence on local charts, recently jumping to 8th place on Apple Music Japan’s weekly song rankings—an unprecedented achievement for a K-pop girl group releasing a native Japanese track.
From Debut to Domination
Initially released on February 14, ‘Almond Chocolate’ entered charts modestly at 56th place but has since seen momentum build week after week. It now holds the 8th spot on Apple Music Japan and has broken personal records for ILLIT on multiple other charts. The song is currently 12th on Oricon’s weekly streaming ranking and 23rd on its digital singles chart. On Billboard Japan’s streaming chart, the single leapt from 60th to 16th place in just a short span.
Steady Climb Across Daily Rankings
ILLIT’s popularity is also being reflected in daily music rankings. Line Music Japan’s daily chart saw the song climb from 94th to 5th place, a phenomenal feat more than a month after its release. Industry insiders believe the boost came from appearances on Japanese music shows and word-of-mouth praise from fans, highlighting the group’s growing recognition in the region.
Going Viral Through Challenge Culture
Part of the appeal lies in its dreamy melody and ILLIT’s sweet yet confident aura, which resonates with Japanese listeners. Additionally, the ‘Almond Chocolate Challenge’ has exploded across short-form video platforms. The sped-up version of the track reached an impressive 5th place on TikTok Japan’s music chart among international artists, signaling viral traction beyond traditional outlets.
ILLIT’s Upcoming Fan Concert Tour
As their popularity continues to grow, ILLIT is preparing for their first fan concert series, ‘2025 ILLIT GLITTER DAY.’ Set to begin in Seoul on June 7–8 at Olympic Hall, the tour will continue to Japan with shows in Yokohama (August 10–11) and Osaka (September 3–4). The upcoming tour is expected to further bolster their rising fan base and solidify their cross-border appeal.
A Bright Future for ILLIT and K-pop
ILLIT’s impressive chart performance in Japan demonstrates their artistic potential and raises anticipation for a future global breakthrough. With fans eagerly following their next steps and ‘Almond Chocolate’ maintaining strong momentum, ILLIT is becoming one of K-pop’s most promising acts on the international stage.
“It’s sweet, catchy, and totally addictive”—Japanese fans can’t seem to get enough of ILLIT’s rising hit.
