Group ATEEZ has shot to the top of the Oricon chart in Japan with their latest comeback.
Their second full-length Japanese album Ashes to Light, released on the 17th, debuted at No. 1 on Oricon’s Daily Album Ranking on the day of release. The album also entered iTunes Top Albums charts in 26 countries, including No. 1 in Australia and Singapore, and Apple Music Top Albums charts in 41 countries, including Japan, Taiwan, and Hong Kong—once again showcasing their unrivaled “world-class” popularity.
The title track Ash charted on iTunes Top Songs in 11 countries, entered LINE MUSIC’s Album TOP100, and its music video also hit LINE MUSIC’s Music Video TOP100. On YouTube, the MV reached No. 1 on both Worldwide Music Video Trending and Worldwide Video Trending, proving explosive global interest.
Additionally, previously released Japanese tracks included in Ashes to Light—NOT OKAY and Birthday—also re-entered iTunes Top Songs, further highlighting ATEEZ’s strong local popularity. Ashes to Light marks ATEEZ’s first full-length Japanese release in about four years and six months. Its title track Ash conveys the album’s theme of “new hope rising from hardship,” blending dreamy textures with dynamic beats, while ATEEZ’s evolved vocals and powerful rap leave a strong impression.
The album features a total of nine tracks, including five new songs—12 Midnight (about late-night loneliness and struggles), Tippy Toes (on the importance of believing in oneself despite uncertainties), FACE (emphasizing the value of dreams), and Crescendo (a song about treasuring everyday moments with their fandom ATINY)—plus four previously released tracks: NOT OKAY, Days, Birthday, and Forevermore.
Following their 2025 World Tour “IN YOUR FANTASY” shows in Saitama from September 13–15, ATEEZ held a comeback showcase in Tokyo on the album’s release day, performing Ash and communicating fluently in Japanese, officially kicking off local promotions.
With strong chart performance immediately upon release, ATEEZ is signaling a successful comeback. They will continue local activities including radio appearances, and will bring their world tour to Nagoya on September 20–21 and Kobe on October 22–23, keeping the excitement going.
Written by Kim Su Jin
Translated by Lee So Yun
