SB19 Makes History as First Filipino Group to Chart in Japan with Simula at Wakas

SB19 Makes History as First Filipino Group to Chart in Japan with Simula at Wakas

By C.M. Ong | Sept. 25, 2025

Photo By TV Ten Asia - YouTube , CC BY 3.0, via wikimedia commons

TOKYO, September 2025 – SB19, the pioneers of P-pop, have broken new ground by becoming the first Filipino group to enter Billboard Japan’s Top Album Sales Chart. Their EP Simula at Wakas debuted at No. 17, marking a historic milestone for Philippine pop in one of the world’s most competitive music markets.

SB19’s Japan Debut with Simula at Wakas

Released in Japan on September 17, 2025, the EP sold 3,578 units in its first week. A Tower Records Shibuya fan signing event and a sold-out Zepp Haneda concert on September 24 helped propel the release onto Japanese charts. The album also hit #14 on Oricon Daily Albums Chart and topped Amazon Japan’s Hot New Releases (International).

Why SB19’s Billboard Japan Entry Matters

SB19’s Japan chart success proves that P-pop has global potential. Already chart-toppers in the Philippines and the US (with DAM hitting #1 on Billboard’s World Digital Song Sales in March 2025), this marks their first entry into the Japanese market.

For the P-pop industry, this milestone shows that Filipino artists can thrive in international markets, inspiring more groups to launch albums and tours abroad.

Media and Fan Reactions

Philippine media hailed the feat as “historic,” while Japanese blogs and Rolling Stone Japan noted SB19’s rising local presence. Fans trended hashtags like #SB19 and #SimulaAtWakas, calling the achievement a proud moment for the Philippines.