In a remarkable achievement for solo artists in Japan, Ryosuke Yamada, a member of the popular boy band Hey! Say! JUMP, has made headlines with the release of his first solo album, titled RED. The album recorded an impressive 117,864 points (PT) in the latest Oricon Weekly Total Album Ranking, securing the number one spot as announced on April 24, 2025.
The breakdown of Yamada's weekly points is quite revealing: 114,910 PT came from CD sales, while digital album sales contributed 1,200 PT, and streaming added another 1,754 PT. This diverse accumulation of points showcases the album's broad appeal across different music consumption platforms.
Yamada's debut solo effort not only topped the Oricon Weekly Album Ranking with first-week sales of 115,000 copies but also debuted at number three on the Oricon Weekly Digital Album Ranking. The surge in CD sales was a significant factor in this success, but the contributions from downloads and streaming cannot be overlooked, allowing RED to achieve a rare double crown in the Oricon Weekly Music Ranking.
With these accomplishments, Yamada has set a new benchmark for solo artists this year, achieving the highest weekly points recorded for a solo artist in 2025. The year’s rankings began on December 23, 2024, indicating that Yamada's success comes at a competitive time in the industry.
The album RED is not just a commercial success but also a creative collaboration. The title track, also named RED, was produced in collaboration with fellow Hey! Say! JUMP member Daiki Arioka, alongside renowned artists Yuge Murayu and Ito Akira, both of whom have previously worked on many of the group's songs. This collaborative effort has brought a unique flavor to Yamada's solo project, appealing to both fans of his band and new listeners alike.
To celebrate this milestone, Yamada plans to embark on a nationwide solo arena tour titled Ryosuke Yamada LIVE TOUR 2025 RED, kicking off on April 26, 2025, at the Shizuoka Ecopa Arena. The tour will span six cities, showcasing Yamada's new material and further solidifying his presence as a solo artist.
Yamada's journey from being part of a successful group to establishing himself as a solo artist reflects a growing trend among J-pop stars. Many artists are exploring solo careers, often leading to significant achievements in the music charts. Yamada’s success with RED not only highlights his individual talent but also sets a precedent for his peers.
According to the Oricon survey, the data was collected from April 14 to April 20, 2025, and the results were published on April 28, 2025. This timely release allows fans to celebrate Yamada's success almost immediately, creating a buzz within the J-pop community.
As the music industry continues to evolve, Yamada's success story serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists. It demonstrates that with talent, hard work, and the right collaborations, it is possible to achieve remarkable feats in the competitive world of music.
In conclusion, Ryosuke Yamada’s debut solo album RED has not only topped the charts but also redefined what it means to be a solo artist in the J-pop industry. With a successful album launch and an upcoming tour, Yamada is poised to make a lasting impact on both his fans and the broader music landscape.
