Rock star and composer YOSHIKI continues his latest string of chart-topping hits with his newest song “Imitation Rain,” which was written and produced for the SixTONES, a new Japanese vocal group gaining international buzz as the “next BTS.”

The single – written and produced by YOSHIKI – sold over 1.3 million physical units in less than a week after its January 22 release and scored the #1 position on the Oricon singles chart (Japan), marking the first time ever that a debut artist has achieved 1.3 million in sales.

The first-week sales numbers shocked audiences and the music industry, with massive CD sales considered nearly impossible in the digital music age. Fans stood in line for hours to purchase copies of the CDs, with major retailers selling out due to overwhelming demand.

The new music video for “Imitation Rain” has been viewed over 9.5 million times since its Christmas debut, including over 1 million views in the first 24 hours. Watch the VIDEO for “Imitation Rain,” below.

“Writing for another artist is always a challenge, but it’s a really gratifying experience to connect to people through music this way. I’m so proud of this group and I’m looking forward to what they’ll achieve in the future,” says YOSHIKI, who posted a piano performance of the song to his Instagram account, congratulating SixTONES on their debut.