Babymetal: Japan’s Billboard Top 10 Breakthrough
Thuy Fang
When people talk about Japanese music, whether J-rock or J-pop, one name always pops up—Babymetal! This fantastic group has captured the hearts of fans not just in Japan but worldwide. And guess what? They recently became the first all-Japanese group to land in Billboard’s Top 10! So who are they, and how did they reach such an incredible milestone? Let’s dive in and find out together!
Who is Babymetal?
Babymetal is a one-of-a-kind music group from Tokyo that started in 2010 with a bold and playful idea. They mix sparkly Japanese pop with the roaring power of heavy metal, and this mix is called “kawaii metal.” Their name comes from “baby”, which means something fresh and new, and “metal”, showing their strong sound that makes crowds go wild.
The group started as part of Sakura Gakuin, a school-themed idol group. At first, the members were Sumetal (Suzuka Nakamoto), Moametal (Moa Kikuchi), and Yuimetal (Yui Mizuno). After Yuimetal left in 2018, Momometal (Momoko Okazaki) joined in 2023. Together with the influential Kami Band, they make music that feels both cute and fierce at the same time!
Their shows are like a mix of a rock concert and a dance performance. Fans love their high energy, colorful outfits, and perfectly timed moves. They have performed worldwide, from Europe to America, and released many hit albums.
Babymetal’s songs talk about things that matter to young people, like standing up for yourself, enjoying simple joys, and having fun with friends. They’ve made history by blending idol pop and metal in a way no one else has before. With unstoppable energy, catchy style, and fearless music, Babymetal keeps surprising the world, and they’re only getting brighter!
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How did Babymetal become the first Japanese group in Billboard’s Top 10?
Babymetal’s new album, Metal Forth, was released on August 8, 2025, and reached the U.S. Billboard Top 10. Packed with ten powerful tracks, this record pushed them higher than ever. It sold 36,000 units in its first week, including 33,500 physical sales, showing strong support from fans. The album debuted at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 thanks to this success.
Metal Forth is also special because it celebrates the band’s 15th anniversary. The songs include exciting collaborations with artists worldwide, such as Ratatata with Germany’s Electric Callboy and Metali!! with guitarist Tom Morello. These global connections gave the album a fresh sound that attracted listeners from many backgrounds. On other Billboard charts, it hit No. 1 in Hard Rock and No. 2 in Vinyl, proving its broad appeal!
For the members, this moment was more than numbers on a chart. They expressed gratitude and were happy to see fans everywhere enjoying the new music. The group described Metal Forth as a step “Beyond Heavy Metal,” showing their wish to keep evolving and surprising people.
Does the group have any other well-loved albums?
Babymetal has released several albums that fans love, each with a story and style. Metal Galaxy from 2019 was a colorful ride through many music styles. It even featured global artists like Joakim Brodén and Alissa White-Gluz. The album reached No. 13 on the U.S. Billboard chart, showing its worldwide success. The group toured Japan and the world to celebrate, including a big show at The Forum in California.
Before that came Metal Resistance in 2016, which marked an essential step in their growth. Songs like Karate showed stronger voices and more mature sounds. The album was released worldwide at the same time, and it reached high spots on international charts. It carried the message of bringing people together with music.
Then in 2023, Babymetal came back with The Other One! This album was described as a “restoration project”. It had ten songs, each exploring a different sound and idea. Snippets were teased before the release, making fans excited for months. When it finally dropped, listeners heard a new side of Babymetal that felt mysterious yet exciting.
Why did Babymetal become so famous?
Babymetal is beloved because it dared to try something new while staying true to its playful spirit. Although its mix of idol pop and heavy metal initially felt unusual, it quickly grew into something fans everywhere could enjoy. Over time, its albums grew with fresh ideas, adding new layers to its story. Tours across countries also let it share energy and create unforgettable concerts.
The group’s journey also reflects how music can cross borders and bring people together. Each album, stage performance, and collaboration opened another door, connecting different cultures through sound. Their success on Billboard’s Top 10 is just one part of a much larger path unfolding.
Overall, their story reminds us that music is not only about rhythm or lyrics but also about courage, joy, and connection. Have you listened to any of the group’s songs or albums? In the comments, let us know which one is your favorite!
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