In a remarkable turn in the J-pop scene, SixTONES' latest single "Barrier" has soared to the top of the charts, selling a staggering 319,265 copies between March 17 and March 19, 2025. This sensational success not only cements SixTONES' position in the music industry but also highlights a strong connection with the upcoming film "Obake to Ban犬kun," a romantic comedy featuring popular actor Jessie alongside Riko Fukumoto.
"Barrier" marks SixTONES' 14th single and serves as the titular theme song for "Obake to Ban犬kun." Enthusiasm for the film undoubtedly contributed to the song's impressive sales figures. The project is based on a beloved manga and follows the complicated relationship between a yakuza heir, played by Jessie, and the granddaughter of a yakuza boss, setting the stage for a thrilling love story.
Jessie, who plays the 26-year-old character Kaoru in the film, expressed his overall delight at being cast for the role. Reflecting on the opportunity, he stated that his previous experience, particularly his role in the 2012 film "Sprout," shaped his approach: "I was thrilled when I received the offer. I had previously worked with a manga-based story, and I felt I could relate to my character's youth and maturity. I saw this role as a chance to showcase my appeal as an adult actor."
In developing Kaoru's character, Jessie paid close attention to the character’s traits as presented in the original manga. He observed, "Kaoru is a straight shooter—he has this unwavering focus on what he holds dear, and that mixture of vulnerability and ferocity is what makes him intriguing. I worked hard to keep my voice low and steady to reflect his calm demeanor and intensity on screen." This performance methodology allowed Jessie to convey Kaoru's uniqueness while also engaging viewers.
Completing the film allowed Jessie to see his hard work come to life. He noted that viewing the final product filled him with joy, especially scenes where Kaoru interacts closely with his co-star. These moments not only showcased Jessie’s acting skills but also reflected on the film’s direction, which encouraged taking pauses in dialogue to build tension. “I loved how the director said we could create space in our conversations—a strategic pause could truly capture the essence of our characters' relationship,” he said, discussing how he aimed to create a convincing dynamic with Riko.
The single "Barrier" includes not just the title track, but also fresh works like "ABRACADABRA" and "Snooze," as well as remixes of previous hits like “GONG” and “Come Back Here.” Fans can also look forward to the MTV Unplugged edition of the single, which features a DVD capturing the entire "MTV Unplugged: SixTONES" performance, further enriching their listening experience.
As "Barrier" holds its prominent position at number one, it significantly outpaces the competition. Following, in second place, is the debut single from Roji Chronicle, "Hey!らっしゃい! ~Nippon de aimashou~/Wu-Bu to Zul," with sales of 74,025 copies. Meanwhile, Boku ga Mitaかった青空's "Koi wa bai速" sits in third place with 66,110 units sold, while Shiritsu Ebisu Chugaku's "SCHOOL DAYS" and Miracle2's "Zenhoui Kyun" fill out the top five.
This dominant performance indicates not only the popularity of SixTONES but also the potential for "Obake to Ban犬kun" to resonate with audiences as it unfolds in theaters. As the buzz builds ahead of the film's release, avid fans eagerly await to experience the combination of music and storytelling that has captivated a broad audience.
With the triumph of "Barrier" and Jessie’s compelling performance in "Obake to Ban犬kun," the collaborations and narratives shaping the J-pop industry are gathering momentum. As audiences eagerly consume both the music and the film, the atmosphere is rife with anticipation for what comes next for SixTONES and its star-studded cast in this evolving cultural landscape.
