On December 26, 2024, music enthusiasts tuned in to TOKYO FM for the special live broadcast of the "JA全農 COUNTDOWN JAPAN年間チャート2024 from神戸," which unveiled the annual music chart’s top hits of the year. The event was held at Kobe Harborland Space Theater and showcased the standout tracks of 2024 through engaging commentary and performances by various artists.
The top honor was claimed by none other than Mrs. GREEN APPLE with their hit single “ライラック” (Lilac). Their charming performance and heartfelt gratitude marked the occasion, as they thanked fans for their unwavering support throughout the year. “Thank you so much for 'ライラック' being number one on the annual chart this year! It's awesome!” expressed the band, showcasing both excitement and nostalgia associated with the track, which was released back in April.
Listeners of the program experienced not just the music, but also the emotional narratives behind the songs and artists. The chart was compiled using TOKYO FM’s unique methodology, taking input from CD sales, weekly charts from Spotify and Apple Music, and, of course, the valuable listener requests. This comprehensive approach helped paint an accurate picture of the most popular music trends of 2024.
The countdown revealed various talented artists, starting with Number 20, ME:I's "Click," which is the leading song from their debut single, announced on December 31 during the broadcast. Following closely, at number 19, was Fujii Kaze's "満ちてゆく" (Michi Te Yuku), the theme song for the film “四月になれば彼女は” released earlier this year. A notable live performance at Nissan Stadium showcased Kaze's growing popularity, with over 140,000 fans attending across two days.
Taking the 18th spot was Suda Masaki's “くじら” (Kujira), part of his third album, which contributed to promotional efforts for upcoming athletic events. Meanwhile, star Hoshino Gen secured 17th place with “光の跡” (Hikari no Ato), adding to the buzz surrounding the “SPY×FAMILY” series after being featured prominently as its ending theme song.
A significant number of spots were occupied by the prolific Official HIGE DANDISM. Ranked 16th was their song "Same Blue," associated with the anime series “アオのハコ” (Ao no Hako). Their extensive tour—one of the most attended this year—helped bolster their presence, announcing plans for their Asia tour slated for December.
Following them, at number 15 was AIMYON’s melodious piece, “会いに行くのに” (Ai ni Ikukon ni), featuring during the drama “アンメット ある脳外科医の日記” (Unmet: A Neurosurgeon's Diary). During her nationwide tour, she pulled substantial local crowds as she performed across her home region, highlighting her connection with fans.
Next, the new hit-maker Number_i with their single “GOAT” celebrated being among the top 14. Within just weeks of its release on January 1, 2024, it garnered over 100 million views on its music video. Their spirited comments during the broadcast conveyed optimism as they discussed their active schedule and interactions with fans, noting, “2025 will be exciting! I can’t wait for what it holds!”
Breaking through to higher rankings, King Gnu landed at 13th with “ねっこ” (Nekko) following their unprecedented nationwide dome tour which saw participation of around 380,000 attendees, marking their breakthrough success over five years as artists.
Official HIGE DANDISM showcased their versatility with "Sharon", landing at 12th; their second entry on the list. With their upcoming stadium show, excitement continued to build around their dynamic catalog.
At number 11 was Creepy Nuts with “オトノケ” (Otonoke), demonstrating their growing fandom as they looked forward to their upcoming major performance at Tokyo Dome next February, eagerly selling out the tickets.
Within the top 10, renowned musicians like Kenshi Yonezu saw success with “がらくた” (Garaguta), featured as the title theme for the top-grossing movie “ラストマイル” (Last Mile). His success continued with another track, “さよーならまたいつか！” (Sayōnara Mata Itsuka), ranking 6th. The dual recognition by listeners highlighted his wide appeal among various audiences.
Back number’s emotional hit, “新しい恋人達に” (Atarashii Koibito-tachi ni), placed forth at number 4, confirming the band's justified audience affection through their touching storytelling and melodies. Similarly, Takemura Mariya’s “歌を贈ろう” (Uta wo Okurou) made its mark at number 5, showcasing her resilience as both performer and songwriter as they prepare for her arena tour next year.
The penultimate second position was taken by Creepy Nuts again with their track “Bling-Bang-Bang-Born,” showing their ability to capture listeners' imaginations and hearts through lively beats, inspired by anime trends.
Lastly, sealing the number one position for the year was Mrs. GREEN APPLE's “ライラック” (Lilac). The year had been significant for the band with not just this recognition but their celebratory remark on how “this year has been fun with numerous releases and live performances,” emphasizing their return to live music scenes after pandemic challenges.
Reflecting on their decade of work, they conveyed excitement for the upcoming 2025 milestones celebrating both the band and their dedicated fanbase. “We have various plans for our 10th anniversary next year, so please continue to support us!” they concluded on a hopeful note.
This annual chart not only celebrates the music of 2024 but sets the stage for another exciting year of creativity and talent within the Japanese music industry. The event's interactive format and the informative nature of its broadcasting showcased the significant contributions of each artist to the region's lively music culture.
