ILLIT reverses Japanese charts with 'Almond Chocolate'...local popularity in full swing

Group ILLIT's first original song in Japan, "Almond Chocolate," is gaining rapid popularity locally.

According to Apple Music Japan on March 2, "Almond Chocolate" ranked No. 8 on the weekly song rankings for the period of March 24-30. This is the highest ranking ever for a Japanese original song by a K-pop group on Apple Music Japan. The song debuted at No. 56 on the March 10-16 chart following its February 14 release, and quickly climbed to No. 23 and then No. 8. Along with other top Japanese artists such as Mrs. GREEN APPLE and timelesz, "Almond Chocolate" is the only K-pop girl group song to reach the top 10.

The song also broke ILLIT's own record for highest ranking on the Oricon Weekly Streaming Rankings and Digital Singles Rankings, which were released on the same day, at #12 and #23 respectively. The song also continued to climb the Billboard Japan Streaming Songs chart, rising from No. 60 on March 19 to No. 16 on April 2.

The reverse trend is even more pronounced on the daily charts. "Almond Chocolate," which started at No. 94 on March 7, rose to No. 5 on Line Music's daily chart by March 31. This is an unusual trend for a song to enter the top 10 a month after its release.

Local music broadcast appearances and stage performances have gone viral, adding momentum to the song's popularity. It is said that the melodies with a nostalgic feel, combined with ILLIT's lovable and confident charm, have stirred the emotions of Japanese listeners. In conjunction with the "Almond Chocolate" challenge trending on the shortform platform, the "Almond Chocolate (Sped Up)" version of the song reached No. 5 on the TikTok Japan Music Chart on March 20, the highest ranking of any international artist.

Meanwhile, ILLIT will hold her first fan concert, "2025 ILLIT GLITTER DAY," in Korea and Japan from June. It will start at Olympic Hall at Olympic Park in Songpa-gu, Seoul on June 7 and 8, followed by Pia Arena MM in Yokohama on August 10 and 11, and Osaka Castle Hall in Osaka on September 3 and 4.

The group will meet with fans in Osaka.