Rakuten Announces '2026 First-Half Entertainment Ranking TOP5' Based on Data from Its Entertainment Services

Rakuten Group, Inc. (hereinafter 'Rakuten') today announced the '2026 First-Half Entertainment Ranking TOP5,' derived from data collected across three of its entertainment-related services: the online bookstore 'Rakuten Books,' the subscription-based music streaming service 'Rakuten Music,' and the e-book store 'Rakuten Kobo e-Book Store.'

In addition, across four entertainment services—'Rakuten Books,' 'Rakuten Music,' the subscription magazine service 'Rakuten Magazine,' and the video streaming platform 'Rakuten TV'—Rakuten has published individual '2026 First-Half Rankings' based on user engagement trends. Furthermore, using data from 'Rakuten Books,' 'Rakuten Magazine,' and 'Rakuten Music,' the company has also released its '2026 Second-Half Entertainment Trend Forecast.'

■ 2026 First-Half Entertainment Ranking TOP5

The '2026 First-Half Entertainment Ranking TOP5' evaluates entertainment content that received the strongest user support during the first half of the year, based on correlated trends observed across 'Rakuten Books,' 'Rakuten Music,' and 'Rakuten Kobo.'

Topping the list is the long-running, immensely popular 'ONE PIECE.' On 'Rakuten Books,' the bundled edition 'ONE PIECE magazine Special Feature Heroines 021 (with Card)' ranked first, while 'ONE PIECE (Monochrome Edition)' secured second place on 'Rakuten Kobo e-Book Store.' The ongoing TV anime 'ONE PIECE: Elbaf Arc,' which began airing in April 2026, has further boosted its popularity, drawing significant support across both platforms. Additionally, the opening theme song 'Luminous' by Aina the End has generated major buzz, surpassing 100 million total views on social media, following the success of her previous release 'Revolution Dochu - On The Way.' That earlier track also ranked 6th on 'Rakuten Music,' highlighting how rising artists are amplifying the momentum of popular titles through music.

The historical manga 'Kingdom,' known for its enduring popularity, ranked second. The series claimed the top spot on 'Rakuten Kobo e-Book Store,' driven by anticipation for the film 'Kingdom: Soul Battle,' set for release on July 17, 2026, which has increased demand for the original manga and related books. The film's theme song, 'Yotaka' by Kenshi Yonezu, has also been confirmed. Kenshi Yonezu's track 'IRIS OUT' continues to dominate, with its music video surpassing 200 million views and securing first place on 'Rakuten Music,' demonstrating his overwhelming popularity.

Products related to the 'Nintendo Switch 2' ranked third, generating significant buzz. Three related items made the 'Rakuten Books' top rankings. 'Poké a Pokémon' (released March 5, 2026), Pokémon's first slow-life sandbox game, ranked fourth. The console itself (Japanese, domestic version) placed fifth, while the latest series installment 'Tomodachi Collection: Wakuwaku Life' (released April 16, 2026) ranked sixth. The game, which allows users to create Mii avatars and enjoy observing laid-back daily life, has captivated a wide range of generations as a revival of a beloved Heisei-era series.

Fourth place went to titles that received anime adaptations in 2026. 'Frieren: Beyond Journey's End,' whose second season premiered on January 16, 2026, ranked fifth on 'Rakuten Kobo e-Book Store,' while its opening theme 'lulu.' by Mrs. GREEN APPLE placed tenth on 'Rakuten Music,' showcasing strong synergy between the anime and its music. Fifth place overall went to the girl group 'HANA,' whose two songs ranked on 'Rakuten Music.' Their emotionally resonant, message-driven tracks have sustained high popularity throughout the first half of 2026.

Below are summaries and details of each service's '2026 First-Half Ranking.'

■ Rakuten Books Ranking
The 'Rakuten Books' ranking features numerous works related to artists from STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, including Snow Man, Travis Japan, and Naniwa Danshi, reflecting their high popularity. Additionally, a product with exclusive 'Rakuten Books' original bonus content ranked seventh. For the first time, Rakuten also released a toy category ranking. In this inaugural category, the talking plush toy 'SunSun' claimed first place. Full ranking details are available on the 'Rakuten Books' feature page.

· Data Collection Period: January 1, 2026 (Thu) – May 31, 2026 (Sun)

· Methodology: Sales volume on 'Rakuten Books,' including pre-orders

· Overall Ranking Page URL: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/event/firsthalf-ranking/

· Toy Ranking Page URL: https://books.rakuten.co.jp/event/firsthalf-ranking/?junle_id=9

■ Rakuten Magazine Ranking
The top spot went to 'VERY,' a fashion and lifestyle magazine with strong support among female readers in their 30s. 'Oggi,' another popular magazine among women in their late 20s to 30s, ranked second, indicating that publications targeting women in their 30s dominated the top positions. Multiple weekly magazines targeting male readers also made the list, showing that both women's and men's magazines are widely read.

· Data Collection Period: January 1, 2026 (Thu) – May 30, 2026 (Sat)

· Methodology: Popularity calculated based on unique user counts and page views per issue across magazines available on 'Rakuten Magazine'

· Ranking Page URL: https://magazine.rakuten.co.jp/lp/ranking26_1h/

■ Rakuten Music Ranking
On 'Rakuten Music,' Kenshi Yonezu's 'IRIS OUT' claimed the top position. Other trending tracks, such as HANA's 'Blue Jeans' and 'ROSE,' and M!LK's 'Sukisugite Horobi!' also made the top 10, reflecting songs that gained popularity through social media and media coverage. Additionally, enduring hits like Mrs. GREEN APPLE's 'Lilac' and Vaundy's 'Kaibutsu no Hanauta' continue to receive strong support.