We have always known that SB19 will make waves around the world and this latest triumph may be one of their greatest achievements. During their Simula at Wakas world tour, the P-pop kings have hit a major milestone that no Filipino act has done before and something that even foreign artists struggle with.
SB19 made history when their EP debuted on Billboard Japan’s Top Albums Sales chart, making the group the first Filipino act to do so. The release also quickly climbed to #14 on Japan’s Oricon Weekly Album Chart, another first for P-pop. In addition to this, as of September 24, 2025, SB19 has sold-out the Zepp Haneda in Tokyo. These record-setting moments are incredibly significant, not just for a Filipino group, but for another reason entirely.
When it comes to the music market, Japan is the second largest in the world, second only to the US. The moment a foreign artist is able to chart in Japan becomes a significant deal since Japan is known to love their J-pop and idol groups a lot more. This can make Japan feel as if the country seems closed off to outsiders.
When an outsider like SB19 breaks through, it is a massive achievement showing that P-pop can become a global phenomenon. It becomes an amazing feeling, knowing that the boys have grown beyond being local stars and are now taking the genre well beyond the Philippines and onto foreign soil. For A’TIN, it echoes their sentiments of pride, knowing the mahalima is making waves. This isn’t the first time the any of the boys made waves in the land of the rising sun, however.
Ken’s solo push in Japan: The trailblazer that showed the way
During his solo run, Ken, otherwise known as Felip, would take his 7sins album to Japan with a physical CD release and in-store events that included autograph signings at Tower Records in Shibuya. As Ken was the first member to release a full solo album and concert, his Japan activity would strengthen the narrative that SB19 are trailblazers for P-pop as both individuals and collectively. He would pave the way for the group so they could all achieve monumental success together.
Other than their record-breaking performances and Ken/Felip’s successful solo run, SB19 would have other achievements under their belts. On July 1, 2024, SB19 would be invited to the YouTube channel, THE FIRST TAKE, to do a one-off performance of their song, “GENTO.” According to their channel’s description, THE FIRST TAKE is a YouTube Channel dedicated to shooting musicians and singers performing in a single take.
This would become a notch under their belt as SB19 would become the first Filipino act to participate in the channel as they knocked their performance out of the park. Not only that, but their one-off performance would then be released on Spotify, YouTube, and other music sources.
Another milestone of SB19 in Japan is the group releasing a Japan-edition physical CD of their EP, Simula at Wakas, that was made for pre-order with a September 17, 2025 release date. It had Japan-exclusive extras that became available through Tower Records Japan and CDJapan.
This becomes very important when you realize that Japan still values CDs, collector editions, and localized physical formats. This local release and in-store activity helped the EP chart on Oricon and Billboard Japan, allowing SB19’s push into the Japan Music Market scene. More importantly, it included real physical sales and fan engagement, not just online buzz.
Closing thoughts
A’TIN around the world couldn’t be prouder for SB19. From their humble beginnings as trainees to their amazing performances across the world’s stages, the boys have become ambassadors for Pinoy music. Every achievement they make grows their legend despite their young career.
We know they are only getting started as they still have so much to do. SB19’s Japan success is not just a win for the group but a win for all who believe in P-pop and their message. Mabuhay, SB19! May you have continued success in your music journey.
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