NiziU Tops Japanese Charts with Mini Album ‘AWAKE’

JYP Girl Group NiziU Tops Japanese Charts with Mini Album ‘AWAKE’—#1 on Oricon & Billboard Japan

JYP Entertainment’s girl group NiziU has dominated various Japanese music charts with their first mini-album AWAKE.

Released on February 5, AWAKE and its title track YOAKE quickly rose to the top of the charts. The album scored 191,047 points, securing #1 on Oricon’s Weekly Combined Album Ranking (covering February 3–9, 2025). This marks NiziU’s fifth No.1 on this chart, following their pre-debut digital mini-album Make you happy, first full album U, second full album COCONUT, and first EP RISE UP.

NiziU also achieved #1 on Oricon’s Weekly Album Ranking for the fourth consecutive time, making them the third female group in history to reach this milestone. Their four-album winning streak is the first in over seven years, since Nogizaka46 in January 2018. Additionally, they topped the Oricon Weekly Digital Album Ranking, earning an Oricon triple crown for the week.

Beyond Oricon, NiziU also dominated Billboard Japan by claiming #1 on Top Album Sales, Hot Albums, and Download Albums charts (covering February 3–9, 2025), further proving their immense popularity.

AWAKE is NiziU’s first-ever mini album since their official Japanese debut in December 2020. As the title suggests, meaning “to wake up,” the album reflects the group's renewed determination and growth. The title track YOAKE conveys the nine members' journey of self-discovery and ambition to explore a wider world.

The album also includes eight tracks across various genres, including:

• AlwayS – A heartfelt ballad written and composed by Omori Motoki of Mrs. GREEN APPLE
• CRUSH & Made of Love – Unit songs showcasing diverse vocal styles

With these achievements, NiziU continues to solidify their position as one of Japan’s top girl groups.

Written by Kim Su Jin

Translated by Lee So Yun

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