RIAJ Streaming Certifications Announced for October 2026
Soompi reported on 11 October 2026 that the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) has announced its latest batch of official certifications. The certifications cover online streaming of songs, and this month's list includes several K-pop acts and collaborators. The RIAJ is the body responsible for certifying music sales and streams in Japan, and its streaming certifications have become a recognised benchmark for a song's performance in the country.
The highest achievements in this batch are triple platinum certifications for Rosé and Bruno Mars's 'APT.' and ILLIT's debut track 'Magnetic'. Each surpassed 300 million streams in Japan, according to the RIAJ. In addition, aespa's 'Spicy', BABYMONSTER's 'SHEESH' and Shaun's 'Way Back Home' (featuring Conor Maynard) [Sam Feldt Edit] each earned platinum certifications for surpassing 100 million streams.
The announcement highlights the continued presence of K-pop and Korean artists in Japan's streaming landscape. The certifications serve as a measurable milestone for songs that have resonated with listeners in one of the world's major music markets. They also reflect the growing importance of streaming as a way for audiences to discover and repeatedly play music.
Understanding the RIAJ Streaming Certification System
The RIAJ introduced its streaming certification system in 2020, adding it to existing certification programmes for physical album shipments and digital download sales. The system recognises songs based on the number of streams they accumulate in Japan. It is designed to adapt to the way listeners consume music today, with streaming now a primary mode of access.
The thresholds are silver at 30 million streams, gold at 50 million streams, and platinum at 100 million streams. A triple platinum certification, therefore, indicates that a song has surpassed 300 million streams in Japan. This tiered structure allows the industry to track a song's performance over time and to compare achievements across different releases.
Streaming certifications have become an important benchmark in the music industry, reflecting how listeners engage with songs. For artists and labels, they can provide tangible evidence of a song's reach in a specific market. The RIAJ's system is one of several national certification frameworks that monitor streaming numbers, and it is closely watched by fans and industry observers in Japan and beyond.
Rosé and Bruno Mars's 'APT.' Reaches Triple Platinum
Among the triple platinum recipients is 'APT.' by BLACKPINK's Rosé and Bruno Mars. The collaboration has now surpassed 300 million streams in Japan, according to the RIAJ's latest certifications. The song pairs a K-pop soloist with a globally recognised American artist, and its streaming performance in Japan suggests a broad appeal that crosses audiences.
For Rosé, the certification adds to her profile as a solo artist, separate from her work with BLACKPINK. The group has had considerable success in Japan over the years, and a solo release achieving triple platinum streaming status indicates that her individual music is also finding a substantial audience there. The collaboration with Bruno Mars brings additional star power and a wider listenership.
Bruno Mars's involvement may have contributed to the song's reach in Japan, as he has a strong international following. Collaborations between Korean and Western artists have become a notable feature of the global music landscape, and 'APT.' is a recent example of how such partnerships can perform strongly in specific markets. The triple platinum certification is a clear marker of that success in Japan.
ILLIT's Debut Track 'Magnetic' Earns Triple Platinum
ILLIT's 'Magnetic' has also achieved triple platinum certification, meaning it has surpassed 300 million streams in Japan. The song was the group's debut track, making the milestone particularly notable for a rookie act. Debut songs often receive significant initial attention, but sustaining that attention to reach 300 million streams requires ongoing engagement.
The certification indicates that 'Magnetic' has found a lasting audience in Japan. For a new group, this level of streaming success can provide a solid foundation for future releases and promotions in the market. It may also help establish ILLIT's presence in Japan early in their career, giving them a foothold in a competitive environment.
The achievement reflects how debut tracks can become signature songs for new groups. While the certification does not provide details about the song's chart positions or release date, it confirms a high level of streaming activity. For listeners and industry observers, it is a sign that ILLIT's music has connected with a substantial streaming audience in Japan.
aespa, BABYMONSTER and Shaun Earn Platinum Certifications
Three additional songs received platinum certifications this month. aespa's 'Spicy', BABYMONSTER's 'SHEESH', and Shaun's 'Way Back Home' (featuring Conor Maynard) [Sam Feldt Edit] each surpassed 100 million streams in Japan. The list covers different types of acts, from an established girl group to a newer group and a solo artist.
This range suggests that streaming success in Japan is achievable across different career stages and musical approaches. Each certification represents a significant volume of streams, and while platinum is a step below triple platinum, it remains a meaningful achievement. It indicates that these songs have reached a wide audience in Japan and have maintained enough streaming activity to cross the 100 million mark.
The certifications also highlight the diversity of K-pop and Korean music that is being consumed in Japan. They show that songs from various artists, including group releases and a remix, can accumulate substantial streaming numbers. This diversity is a positive sign for the breadth of the market.
aespa's 'Spicy' Adds to the Group's Japanese Streaming Profile
aespa's 'Spicy' has earned a platinum certification for surpassing 100 million streams in Japan. The group has an established presence in the K-pop landscape, and this certification adds to their streaming achievements in the Japanese market. aespa has built a reputation for their futuristic concept and experimental sound, and 'Spicy' is one of their tracks that has resonated with listeners in Japan.
The certification is a measurable indicator of the track's reach. For aespa, the milestone may support their ongoing activities in Japan, although the certification itself is a reflection of past streaming activity. It is one of several data points that illustrate the group's connection with Japanese audiences.
aespa has a dedicated fanbase in Japan, and this certification reflects that. It also shows that their music continues to find new listeners through streaming platforms. The platinum certification is a notable addition to their growing list of achievements in the region.
BABYMONSTER's 'SHEESH' Marks a Platinum Milestone
BABYMONSTER's 'SHEESH' has been certified platinum after surpassing 100 million streams in Japan. The group is relatively new, making this certification an early career achievement. It suggests that 'SHEESH' has found a substantial audience in Japan already, which is a promising sign for a rookie act.
For a newer group, achieving platinum streaming certification can help build recognition and demonstrate market potential. It may also encourage further promotional activities in Japan, as labels often look to streaming data when planning tours and releases. The certification does not provide details about the song's release date or chart performance, but it confirms that the track has crossed a notable streaming threshold.
The milestone is a sign of the group's growing presence in Japan's music market. It indicates that BABYMONSTER's music is reaching listeners and being played repeatedly. As the group continues to release new material, this early certification could serve as a foundation for future success in the region.
Shaun's 'Way Back Home' Remix Reaches Platinum
Shaun's 'Way Back Home' (featuring Conor Maynard) [Sam Feldt Edit] has earned a platinum certification for surpassing 100 million streams in Japan. The version is a remix of the song, featuring Conor Maynard and produced by Sam Feldt. Remixes and alternate versions can sometimes extend a song's life by reaching new listeners or fitting different playlists.
The certification suggests that this particular edit has achieved significant streaming traction in Japan. It may have been included in various playlists or received radio support, although the certification itself only confirms the streaming volume. For Shaun, a solo artist, the platinum certification represents a notable streaming achievement.
It also highlights how different versions of a song can contribute to its overall performance in a specific market. The original and its remixes may collectively have a larger streaming total, but the RIAJ certification specifically recognises this edit. This is a reminder that streaming platforms often host multiple versions of a track, and each can find its own audience.
Why These Certifications Matter for K-Pop in Japan
Japan has long been a key market for K-pop, and streaming certifications provide a way to gauge a song's performance there. The RIAJ's certifications are based on streaming numbers, which reflect how often listeners choose to play a track. They are a standardised measure that can be compared across artists and time periods.
For artists and labels, certifications can serve as marketing tools and evidence of audience demand. They may also inform decisions about promotions, tours, and future releases in Japan. However, a certification is a retrospective measure, not a guarantee of future success. It captures a moment in time when a song has crossed a threshold.
The latest batch shows a range of acts achieving milestones, from a global collaboration to a rookie group's debut track. This diversity suggests that K-pop and Korean music continue to find receptive audiences in Japan across different career stages and musical styles. It also demonstrates the importance of streaming as a way to measure and celebrate that success.
What the Latest RIAJ Certifications Tell Us
The RIAJ's October 2026 certifications highlight streaming achievements for Rosé and Bruno Mars, ILLIT, aespa, BABYMONSTER and Shaun. The triple platinum nods for 'APT.' and 'Magnetic' place them in a high tier, while the platinum certifications for 'Spicy', 'SHEESH' and the 'Way Back Home' remix mark significant streaming milestones.
These certifications are a snapshot of how certain songs have performed in Japan's streaming market. They reflect listener behaviour over time and add to the documented success of the artists involved. They do not predict future outcomes, but they do provide a clear indicator of current streaming performance.
As streaming continues to shape the music industry, such certifications will remain a useful indicator of a song's reach in specific territories. For fans and observers, they offer a concrete way to understand which tracks have resonated most in Japan. The achievements of this month's recipients underline the continued strength of K-pop and Korean music in the Japanese market.
