2010 in Japanese music

• January 10 – RIAJ certifies pop/dance group Exile's album Aisubeki Mirai e (released December 2009) as a million selling album. Namie Amuro's Past Future received a double platinum certification.{{cite web | script-title=ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2009年12月 | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200912.html | work=RIAJ |language=ja | date=January 10, 2010 | access-date=April 20, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100503120044/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200912.html| archive-date= May 3, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• January 13 – Pop musician Ayumi Hamasaki extends the own record for the artist with most top 10 singles (45), with the release of her single "You Were.../Ballad".{{Citation needed|date=March 2010}}
• January 15 – February 12 – Hikaru Utada holds her first tour of the United States/United Kingdom, Utada: In The Flesh 2010.{{cite web|url=http://www.utada.com/news/default.aspx?nid=5679 |title=Utada Returns To The U.S. For Tour |date=November 18, 2009 |publisher=Utada.com |access-date=February 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100125234935/http://www.utada.com/news/default.aspx?nid=5679 |archive-date=January 25, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}
• January 21 – The second annual CD Shop Taishō awards are announced, with The Bawdies' This Is My Story and Lady Gaga's The Fame winning the grand prizes. The awards are voted on by individual members of the National Japanese CD Shop Employee Union.{{cite web | url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/26634 | title=「CDショップ大賞」にTHE BAWDIES、清竜人、Superfly | date=January 21, 2010 | publisher=Natalie | language=ja | access-date=April 6, 2010}}
• January 22 – Voice actress Nana Mizuki reached #1 on the Oricon single charts with her single "Phantom Minds", making her the first voice actress in charting history to have a #1 single (she broke this record for the album charts in 2009 with Ultimate Diamond).{{cite web | url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/confidence/72565/full/ | script-title=ja:紅白初出場の水樹奈々、デビュー10年目で声優史上初のシングル首位「感謝の気持ちでいっぱい」 | date=January 19, 2010 | publisher=Oricon | language=ja | access-date=February 16, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100325204441/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/confidence/72565/full/| archive-date= March 25, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• January 23 – The mother of Hello! Project/Avex musician Maki Goto, Tokiko Goto, falls from her home and dies. The resulting funeral on January 28 is heavily publicised, with many Hello! Project-associated people attending the funeral.{{cite web | url=http://www.hello-online.org/index.php?act=helloonline&CODE=article&topic=1008 | title=Goto Maki's mother passed away: Goto Tokiko (55) | date=January 24, 2010 | publisher=Hello! Online | access-date=February 16, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100127183226/http://www.hello-online.org/index.php?act=helloonline&CODE=article&topic=1008| archive-date= January 27, 2010 | url-status=live}}{{cite web|url=http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/100128/gnj1001280509022-n1.htm |script-title=ja:ゴマキ母の通夜で憔悴、気丈に振舞う... |date=January 28, 2010 |publisher=Sanspo |language=ja |access-date=February 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100211142722/http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/100128/gnj1001280509022-n1.htm |archive-date=February 11, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}
• January 29 – R&B singer Double announces her return to musical activities, after last year going on hiatus due to illness.{{cite web | url=http://www.artimage.co.jp/artists/double/info.html | title=DOUBLE、活動休止から待望カムバック！新曲を含む初の"バラード・ベスト"のリリースが決定！ | date=January 29, 2010 | publisher=Artimage | language=ja | access-date=February 16, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100221023412/http://www.artimage.co.jp/artists/double/info.html| archive-date= February 21, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• January 29 – U-ka Saegusa in dB perform their final live, at Big Cat in Osaka.{{cite web | url=http://www.uka-saegusa.com/news/index.html | title=三枝夕夏 IN db 待望のライブツアー「U-ka saegusa IN db FINAL LIVE TOUR 2010」!! | publisher=Uka-Saegusa.com | language=ja | access-date=February 16, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100310141230/http://www.uka-saegusa.com/news/index.html | archive-date=March 10, 2010 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}
• January 31 – The first Billboard Japan Music Awards are held in Tokyo, with Exile winning the Artist of the Year award.{{cite web | url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/awards2009/winner/ | title=受賞アーティスト 結果発表｜Billboard JAPAN Music Awards 2009 開催! | date=February 1, 2010 | publisher=Billboard Japan | language=ja | access-date=February 16, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100206155208/http://www.billboard-japan.com/awards2009/winner/ | archive-date=February 6, 2010 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}

• February 3 – One Ok Rock release their first single since their hiatus, "Kanzen Kankaku Dreamer." The band went on hiatus in May 2009 due to guitarist Alex's arrest for assault, who is now no longer a member of the band.{{cite web | url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/24421 | title=ONE OK ROCK理屈抜きの新曲「完全感覚Dreamer」完成 | date=November 29, 2009 | publisher=Natalie | language=ja | access-date=February 16, 2010}}{{cite web | url=http://www.tokyograph.com/news/id-4802 | title=ONE OK ROCK to return in summer, minus ALEX | date=May 15, 2009 | publisher=Tokyo Graph | access-date=February 16, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100203233928/http://www.tokyograph.com/news/id-4802| archive-date= February 3, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• February 10 – RIAJ certifies band Ikimono-gakari's album Hajimari no Uta (released December 2009) as double platinum album.{{cite web | script-title=ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2010年1月 | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/201001.html | work=RIAJ |language=ja | date=February 10, 2010 | access-date=April 20, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100317051757/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/201001.html| archive-date= March 17, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• February 10 – Rapper You the Rock was arrested for cannabis possession, after 2mgs of dried cannabis, along with related cannabis paraphernalia such as a pipe, were found at his home in Meguro, Tokyo.{{cite web | url=http://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/p-et-tp0-20100211-594779.html | script-title=ja:ＹＯＵ ＴＨＥ ＲＯＣＫ★大麻で逮捕 | date=February 11, 2010 | publisher=Nikkan Sports | language=ja | access-date=March 23, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100317023221/http://www.nikkansports.com/entertainment/news/p-et-tp0-20100211-594779.html| archive-date= March 17, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• February 15 – R&B singer Shion has her trial for possession/use of the drug ketamine. She pleaded guilty, and was given a one-year sentence, suspended for three years.{{cite web | url=http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/100215/gnd0215000-n1.htm | script-title=ja:詩音、麻薬使用で有罪...法廷で自殺未遂告白 | date=February 16, 2010 | publisher=Sanspo | language=ja | access-date=February 21, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100402134053/http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/100215/gnd0215000-n1.htm | archive-date=April 2, 2010 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}
• February 22 – Mika Nakashima's song "Always" is the first song released in 2010 to receive a digital certification. It was certified gold by the RIAJ for Chaku-Uta Full (cellphone digital downloads) for the January 2010 period.{{cite web | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/chart/w100222.html | script-title=ja:レコード協会調べ 1月度有料音楽配信認定 ＜略称：1月度認定＞ | date=February 22, 2010 | publisher=RIAJ | language=ja | access-date=March 22, 2010}}
• February 23 – AKB48's single "Sakura no Shiori" sells 318,000 copies in its first week, making it the biggest opening sales for a female group single since Morning Musume's "Mr. Moonlight (Ai no Big Band)" in July 2001.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/73632/full/|title=AKB48が2作連続首位、女性アーティスト初動売上30万枚突破は宇多田以来7年ぶり |date=February 23, 2010|work=Oricon|publisher=Oricon Style|language=ja|access-date=March 12, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100224061446/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/73632/full/| archive-date= February 24, 2010 | url-status=live}} This record was later beaten by their single "Ponytail to Chouchou."
• February 23 – Korean boy band Tohoshinki's first greatest hits album, Best Selection 2010, sells 413,000 copies in its first week. This gives the band their first #1 album, as well as breaking the record for the highest first week sales by a foreign group. The previous record holder was Bon Jovi's These Days in 1995, with 379,000 copies.{{cite web | url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/73631/full/ | script-title=ja:東方神起が初ベスト盤でデビュー5年目初の首位、海外グループ歴代最高の初動41.3万枚を記録 | date=February 23, 2010 | publisher=Oricon | language=ja | access-date=February 24, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100301142543/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/73631/full/| archive-date= March 1, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• February 24 – The 24th Japan Gold Disc Awards are held in Tokyo. Arashi wins the domestic Artist of the Year award, making them the first Johnny's boyband to win this award. Hilcrhyme wins the New Artist of the Year award.{{cite web | url=http://www.golddisc.jp/award/24/index.html | title=THE JAPAN GOLD DISC AWARD 2010 | date=February 24, 2010 | publisher=RIAJ | language=ja | access-date=February 24, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100402001347/http://www.golddisc.jp/award/24/index.html| archive-date= April 2, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• February 24 – Minori Chihara releases her eight CD single Yasashii Bōkyaku. The song won the Best Singing Award at the fifth annual Seiyu Awards held in 2011 in Tokyo for Chihara's performance. It is used as the ending theme to the anime film The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya.

• March 7 – Idol group Idoling!!! announces five new members to their line-up, after auditions were held on March 6. The new members are Kaoru Gotō (後藤郁), Yūna Itō (伊藤祐奈), Ruka Kurata (倉田瑠夏), Manami Nomoto (野元愛) and Chika Ojima (尾島知佳), all between 13 and 15 years of age. Approximately 5,000 girls auditioned for the group.{{cite web | url=http://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/4644023/ | script-title=ja:アイドリング!!!、4期生5人加入で過去最多の20人編成に | date=March 7, 2010 | publisher=Natalie | language=ja | access-date=March 8, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328102419/http://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/4644023/ | archive-date=March 28, 2012 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}
• March 9 – Boy band Arashi's "Troublemaker" sells 542,000 copies in its first week, making it the current #1 single of the year.{{cite web | url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/74104/full/ | title=嵐が初週54万枚で今年最高売上記録、2年連続初動50万枚達成はB'z以来9年ぶり | date=March 9, 2010 | publisher=Oricon | language=ja | access-date=March 10, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100310070058/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/74104/full/| archive-date= March 10, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• March 9 – Kōichi Nakamura (中村耕一), vocalist of the 1980s rock band Jaywalk, was arrested for illegal stimulant possession. The band was put into hiatus, with their 30th anniversary releases/events cancelled and their contract with Warner Music Japan nulled.{{cite web | url=http://www.daily.co.jp/gossip/article/2010/03/10/0002771158.shtml | title=JAYWALK所属事務所社長が会見 | date=March 9, 2010 | publisher=Daily Sports | language=ja | access-date=March 23, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100311203620/http://www.daily.co.jp/gossip/article/2010/03/10/0002771158.shtml | archive-date=March 11, 2010 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}
• March 10 – RIAJ certifies two albums for double platinum status: Kaela Kimura's 5 Years and Tohoshinki's Best Selection 2010. Both albums are the first to be released in 2010 to receive double platinum certifications.{{cite web | script-title=ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2010年2月 | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/201002.html | work=RIAJ |language=ja | date=March 10, 2010 | access-date=April 20, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100413223720/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/201002.html| archive-date= April 13, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• March 12 – Kana Nishino's song "Best Friend" tops the RIAJ Digital Track Chart for the third week.{{cite web|url=http://satsuki.musicdb.gr.jp/all_info/ranking_weekly/WeeklyRankingAction.do?term=2010f&weeklyCd=20100309&rankKbn=50 |title=レコード協会調べ 2010年03月03日～2010年03月09日 ＜略称：レコ協チャート（「着うたフル(R)」）＞ |date=March 12, 2010 |publisher=RIAJ |language=ja |access-date=March 22, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140929101513/http://satsuki.musicdb.gr.jp/all_info/ranking_weekly/WeeklyRankingAction.do?term=2010f&weeklyCd=20100309&rankKbn=50 |archive-date=September 29, 2014 }}
• March 20 – Shonen Knife's drummer Etsuko Nakanishi retires from the band after five years, during the band's 13th Fandango concert (十三ファンダンゴ) in Osaka.{{cite web | url=http://www.shonenknife.net/news/index.php | script-title=ja:少年ナイフからのお知らせ | publisher=Shonenknife.net | language=ja | access-date=February 16, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090831110617/http://www.shonenknife.net/news/index.php | archive-date=August 31, 2009 | url-status=dead }}
• March 21 – Rock musician Gackt performs the first men's only concert in Kawasaki, Kanagawa.{{cite web | url=http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/100322/gnj1003220506008-n1.htm | script-title=ja:ＧＡＣＫＴ女禁ライブ、ニューハーフ連行 | publisher=Sanspo | language=ja | access-date=March 23, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100324044640/http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/100322/gnj1003220506008-n1.htm | archive-date=March 24, 2010 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}
• March 22 – The 14th Space Shower Music Video Awards are aired. Namie Amuro's "Fast Car" wins the Best Video of the Year Award (as well as Best Art Direction). Ringo Shiina was awarded the Best Artist award (along with the Best Female Video award for her song "Tsugō no Ii Karada."){{cite web | url=http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000059492 | title=「SPACE SHOWER MUSIC VIDEO AWARDS」、大賞に安室奈美恵、ベストアーティストに椎名林檎 | publisher=Barks | language=ja |date=March 23, 2010 | access-date=March 23, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100325160716/http://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000059492| archive-date= March 25, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• March 24 – Hiro, leader of R&B group Exile, became the centre of a tax enquiry after failing to report approximately ¥300,000,000 in earnings at his entertainment production company LDH. Hiro later stated the discrepancy was unintentional.{{cite web | url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2010/03/25/13.html | script-title=ja:エグザイル事務所 数億円申告漏れ指摘 | publisher=Sponichi Annex | language=ja | date=March 26, 2010 | access-date=March 31, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722224438/http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2010/03/25/13.html | archive-date=July 22, 2010 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}{{cite web | url=http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/entertainment/news/20100328-OHT1T00043.htm | script-title=ja:ＨＩＲＯ「所得隠し意図ない」 | publisher=Sponichi Annex | language=ja | date=March 28, 2010 | access-date=March 31, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401154201/http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/entertainment/news/20100328-OHT1T00043.htm | archive-date=April 1, 2010 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}
• March 25 – Hip-hop/reggae group Spontania add singer Kaori Natori as a permanent female vocalist to their line-up. The band's first release as a three-member group was a digital single, "Now or Never," released 8 days earlier without any indication of the line-up change.{{cite web | url=http://www.hotexpress.co.jp/news/100325_spontania/ | script-title=ja:女性ボーカル加入の新プロジェクト"スポンテニア" ライブで新曲初披露！ | publisher=Hot Express | language=ja | date=March 25, 2010 | access-date=April 1, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100407190842/http://www.hotexpress.co.jp/news/100325_spontania/ | archive-date=April 7, 2010 | url-status=dead }}{{cite web | url=http://ameblo.jp/natori-sd/entry-10492290456.html | script-title=ja:ご報告。『スポンテニア』 | publisher=名取香りオフィシャルブログ | language=ja |date=March 27, 2010 | access-date=April 1, 2010}}
• March 29 – Soh of the band Greeeen passes his National Dentistry Examination exam, making all members of the group certified dentists. Bandmates Hide and 92 passed the exam in 2008, while Navi passed it in 2009.{{cite web | url=http://juken.oricon.co.jp/74777/full/ | title=GReeeeNのSOHが歯科医師国家試験合格！ メンバー全員が歯科医に | publisher=Oricon | language=ja |date=March 30, 2010 | access-date=March 31, 2010}}
• March 30 – Akira Akasaka, former member of Johnny's idol group Hikaru Genji, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for using illegal stimulants. His prison sentence was increased to a period of three years, however, due to his previous suspended sentence for possession of stimulants in November 2007.{{cite web | url=http://www.tokyograph.com/news/id-5963 | title=Akasaka sentenced to additional 18 months | publisher=Tokyo Graph | language=ja |date=March 30, 2010 | access-date=April 1, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100404071127/http://www.tokyograph.com/news/id-5963| archive-date= April 4, 2010 | url-status=live}}

File:TVXQ in Paris France.JPG went on an indefinite hiatus, followed by the announcement of a three-member subunit (made of Jejung, Junsu and Yuchun).]]

• April 3 – Girl band Maria perform their final live at the Akasaka Blitz, after announcing their plans to disband due to drummer Tattsu suffering from thoracic outlet syndrome.{{cite web | url=http://www.maria-6.com | title=MARIA今後の活動に関するお知らせ | publisher=MARIA6 | language=ja | access-date=February 16, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100211102856/http://www.maria-6.com/| archive-date= February 11, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• April 3 – Avex Management announce the hiatus of Korean boyband Tohoshinki's activities in Japan. The band's solo activities continued, with the Jejung starring drama Sunao ni Narenakute airing in mid April, and Junsu's solo debut single announced for release in May.{{cite web|url=http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/100403/gnj1004031822017-n1.htm |script-title=ja:東方神起の活動休止を発表...今後はソロ活動へ |publisher=Sanspo |language=ja |date=April 3, 2010 |access-date=April 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100406012700/http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/100403/gnj1004031822017-n1.htm |archive-date=April 6, 2010 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web | url=http://www.fujitv.co.jp/fujitv/news/pub_2010/100309sunao.html | script-title=ja:フジテレビ木曜22時枠ドラマ『素直になれなくて』 瑛太、上野樹里を中心とする仲間役に東方神起のジェジュンが決定！ | publisher=Fuji TV | language=ja | date=March 9, 2010 | access-date=April 3, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100312023906/http://www.fujitv.co.jp/fujitv/news/pub_2010/100309sunao.html | archive-date=March 12, 2010 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}{{cite web | url=http://www.neowing.co.jp/detailview.html?KEY=RZCD-46563 | title=[CD] 未定 [ジャケットB] / JUNSU |work=Neowing | language=ja |date=March 23, 2010 | access-date=April 3, 2010}}
• April 9 – Fuyumi Sakamoto tops the RIAJ Digital Track Chart with her song "Mata Kimi ni Koi Shiteru," becoming the first enka singer to achieve this.{{cite web|url=http://satsuki.musicdb.gr.jp/all_info/ranking_weekly/WeeklyRankingAction.do?term=2010f&weeklyCd=20100406&rankKbn=50 |title=レコード協会調べ 2010年03月31日～2010年04月06日 ＜略称：レコ協チャート（「着うたフル(R)」）＞ |work=RIAJ |language=ja |date=April 9, 2010 |access-date=April 9, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140929101730/http://satsuki.musicdb.gr.jp/all_info/ranking_weekly/WeeklyRankingAction.do?term=2010f&weeklyCd=20100406&rankKbn=50 |archive-date=September 29, 2014 }}
• April 10 – Funky Monkey Babys' greatest hits collection, Funky Monkey Babys Best was certified as double platinum by the RIAJ. Arashi's "Troublemaker" becomes the first single released in 2010 to be certified as double platinum. Orianthi's Believe becomes the first non-domestic album to receive a certification (gold).{{cite web | script-title=ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2010年3月 | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/201002.html | work=RIAJ |language=ja | date=April 10, 2010 | access-date=April 20, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100413223720/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/201002.html| archive-date= April 13, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• April 14 – Johnny's boyband Arashi's DVD Arashi Anniversary Tour 5x10 breaks the first week sales record for a music DVD, with 477,000 copies. Arashi were also the previous record holder, with 5x10 All the Best! Clips 1999–2009 selling 428,000 copies in a week in April 2009.{{cite web | url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/75293/full/ | title=嵐がミュージックDVD総売上枚数273万枚で歴代1位、モー娘。の記録抜く |work=Oricon | language=ja |date=April 14, 2010 | access-date=April 15, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100417133616/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/75293/full/| archive-date= April 17, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• April 15 – Rhythm Zone announce a three-member subgroup created from some of the members of boyband Tohoshinki, after the group's hiatus announced earlier in the month. The members, Jejung, Junsu and Yuchun, are the band members who filed a lawsuit against SM Entertainment in 2009.{{cite web | url=http://rhythmzone.net/jyj/index.html | title=JUNSU JEJUNG YUCHUN OFFICIAL WEBSITE | work=Rhythm Zone | language=ja | date=April 15, 2010 | access-date=April 15, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100417020935/http://rhythmzone.net/jyj/index.html | archive-date=April 17, 2010 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}
• April 16 – Japanese media begin levelling accusations against the public relations theme song for Shanghai Expo 2010, "Ėrlíngyīlíng Děng Nǐ Lái" (2010 等你来 2010 Right Here Waiting for You), as being plagiarised from a 1997 song by Mayo Okamoto, "Sono Mama no Kimi de Ite." The executive committee for the event later admitted the song had been plagiarised by the songwriter Miao Senshi (繆森氏), and Okamoto gave permission for the rights for her song to be used.{{cite web | url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/flash/KFullFlash20100416073.html | script-title=ja:岡本真夜の曲にそっくり 上海万博ソングにパクリ疑惑 | work=Sponichi Annex | language=ja | date=April 16, 2010 | access-date=April 20, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100418033939/http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/flash/KFullFlash20100416073.html | archive-date=April 18, 2010 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}{{cite web|url=http://mainichi.jp/enta/geinou/news/20100419mog00m200023000c.html |script-title=ja:岡本真夜：上海万博ＰＲ曲に盗作された疑いの「そのままの君でいて」が正式決定 |work=Sponichi Annex |language=ja |date=April 19, 2010 |access-date=April 20, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100421021441/http://mainichi.jp/enta/geinou/news/20100419mog00m200023000c.html |archive-date=April 21, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy }}
• April 17 – The music video is from Uverworld's single, "Gold," is premiered today, making it the first 3D music video released by a Japanese artist.{{cite web|script-title=ja:「ＵＶＥＲｗｏｒｌｄ」日本初の３Ｄ音楽ビデオ |url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2010/03/31/01.html |publisher=Sports Nippon |language=ja |date=March 31, 2010 |access-date=May 29, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100403211439/http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2010/03/31/01.html |archive-date=April 3, 2010 }}{{cite web | title=UVERworld does 3D music video | url=http://www.tokyograph.com/news/id-5968 | publisher= Tokyograph |date=March 31, 2010 | access-date=May 29, 2010}}{{cite web | title=UVERworldの3Dミュージックビデオ「GOLD」上映！ | url=http://sonybuilding-opus.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2010-04-18 | publisher=Sony Building | date=April 17, 2010 | access-date=May 29, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100420092140/http://sonybuilding-opus.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2010-04-18 | archive-date=April 20, 2010 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}
• April 20 – Kana Nishino's song "Best Friend" becomes the first song released in 2010 to receive a double platinum digital certification. The song had been downloaded over 500,000 times as a ringtone (Chaku-Uta) since its release in late February.{{cite web | script-title=ja:レコード協会調べ 3月度有料音楽配信認定 ＜略称：3月度認定＞ | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/chart/w100420.html | work=RIAJ |language=ja | date=April 20, 2010 | access-date=April 20, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100426213142/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/chart/w100420.html| archive-date= April 26, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• April 27 – Kazumasa Oda's greatest hits album Jiko Best charts for its 400th week, since its release in 2002. As of 2010, no other album has charted long enough to reach this milestone.{{cite web | script-title=ja:小田和正の『自己ベスト』、オリコン史上前人未到の400週ランクイン | url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/75718/full/ | work=Oricon |language=ja | date=April 27, 2010 | access-date=April 27, 2010}}

File:Lady GaGa cropped.jpg's album The Fame becomes one of only four Western albums since 2008 to receive a multi-platinum certification.]]

• May 3 – The Underneath perform their final concert as "The Underneath," at the Shibuya O-West, before changing their band name to Defspiral.{{cite web | url=http://musicjapanplus.jp/news/?action=detail&news_id=3930&start=1 | title= Last Tour of the Underneath | date=January 25, 2010 | publisher=Music Japan Plus | access-date=February 16, 2010}}
• May 3 – Hello! Project group Melon Kinenbi hold their final concert Nakano Sun Plaza, before disbanding. The group celebrated their 10th anniversary earlier in the year.{{cite web | url=http://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/4615114/ | script-title=ja:メロン記念日、デビュー10周年の節目に解散発表 | date=February 19, 2010 | publisher=Natalie | language=ja | access-date=February 20, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120328102511/http://news.livedoor.com/article/detail/4615114/ | archive-date=March 28, 2012 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}
• May 4 – The second theme songs for the anime K-On!, "Go! Go! Maniac" and "Listen!!" (performed by the fictional band Ho-kago Tea Time) reached #1 and #2 respectively on Oricon's single charts. This is the first time that a release credited to anime characters has topped the singles charts.{{cite web | script-title=ja:「けいおん！」が史上初アニメキャラ首位、聖子以来26年ぶり1、2位独占も記録 | url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/75932/ | work=Oricon |language=ja | date=May 4, 2010 | access-date=May 4, 2010}}
• May 4 – Lady Gaga becomes the first Western artist to have two albums in the top 10 in 18 years, with The Fame Monster and The Remix. This last time this happened was with Bruce Springsteen's Human Touch and Lucky Town in 1992.{{cite web | title=レディー・ガガのアルバム2作同時TOP10 ～マドンナ以来洋楽女性ソロ25年ぶり | url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/75933/full/ | work=Oricon |language=ja | date=May 4, 2010 | access-date=May 4, 2010}}
• May 5 – The first music composition by Avex songwriter Tetsuya Komuro is released since his fraud case in 2008. He wrote the music for the songs on pop group AAA's single "Aitai Riyū/Dream After Dream (Yume Kara Sameta Yume)."{{cite web | title=小室哲哉が復帰へ！ 第一弾はAAAの新曲で | url=http://www.rbbtoday.com/article/2010/05/06/67440.html | work=RBB Today |language=ja | date=May 5, 2010 | access-date=May 6, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100510115455/http://www.rbbtoday.com/article/2010/05/06/67440.html| archive-date= May 10, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• May 10 – The Brilliant Green announces at their official sit the leaving of guitarist Ryo Matsui from the band's line-up. The band plans to continue on as a duo.{{cite web | title=the brilliant greenからギター松井亮が脱退 | url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/31591 | work=Natalie |language=ja | date=May 10, 2010 | access-date=May 10, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100513015832/http://natalie.mu/music/news/31591| archive-date= May 13, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• May 12 – RIAJ certifies Lady Gaga's album The Fame (released May 2009) as double platinum album. The previous Western album to be certified so highly was Michael Jackson's King of Pop (Japan Edition) in November 2009.{{cite web | script-title=ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2010年4月 | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/201004.html | work=RIAJ |language=ja | date=May 12, 2010 | access-date=May 12, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100516183530/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/201004.html| archive-date= May 16, 2010 | url-status=live}}{{cite web | script-title=ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2009年11月 | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200911.html | work=RIAJ |language=ja | date=November 10, 2010 | access-date=May 12, 2010}}
• May 14 – Oricon reports that Kobukuro's 2006 greatest hits album All Singles Best achieves the sales of over three million copies, becoming the first album to do so in 7 years 10 months since Southern All Stars' 1998 album Umi no Yeah!! in 2002.{{cite web|url=http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/100515/gnj1005150502006-n1.htm |script-title=ja:コブクロ、ベスト盤３００万枚を突破 |work=Sankei Sports |language=ja |date=May 15, 2010 |access-date=May 21, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100518071314/http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/100515/gnj1005150502006-n1.htm |archive-date=May 18, 2010 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/entertainment/news/20100515-OHT1T00054.htm |script-title=ja:コブクロ０６年発売ベスト盤が３００万枚突破 |work=Sports Hochi |language=ja |date=May 15, 2010 |access-date=May 21, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100518123500/http://hochi.yomiuri.co.jp/entertainment/news/20100515-OHT1T00054.htm |archive-date=May 18, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/76258/full|title=コブクロベスト盤が300万枚突破、サザン『海のYeah!!』以来7年10ヶ月ぶり～ボーカルグループ史上初～|work=Oricon Style|language=ja|date=May 15, 2010|access-date=May 15, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100518080024/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/76258/full| archive-date= May 18, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• May 19 – Namie Amuro receives the award for best selling Asian artist at the 2010 World Music Awards.{{cite web|url=http://www.hotexpress.co.jp/news/100520_amuro/|title=# 安室奈美恵 アジアを飛び越えて世界へ|work=Hot Express|language=ja|date=May 20, 2010|access-date=May 21, 2010}}
• May 21 – Kana Nishino's "Aitakute Aitakute" reaches #1 on the RIAJ Digital Track Chart, making this Nishino's fourth consecutive #1 song on the chart. Because of this, Nishino becomes the artist with most #1 songs on the chart, as well as becoming the artist with most weeks at #1 (with seven weeks in total).{{cite web|url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/weekly_chart/|script-title=ja:有料音楽配信チャート|work=RIAJ|language=ja|date=May 21, 2010|access-date=May 21, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100509190808/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/weekly_chart/| archive-date= May 9, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• May 22 – Erika Sawajiri returns to the music scene, with a performance at the fashion and music event Girls Award 2010 held at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium. She had been on hiatus for two and a half years, due to the controversy around her comments at a press conference for the film Closed Note.{{cite web |url=http://www.chunichi.co.jp/chuspo/article/entertainment/news/CK2010052302000100.html |script-title=ja:沢尻エリカ 歌手活動再開 「ガールズアワード」で悩殺熱唱 |work=Chunichi Sports |language=ja |date=May 23, 2010 |access-date=May 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100526001151/http://www.chunichi.co.jp/chuspo/article/entertainment/news/CK2010052302000100.html |archive-date=May 26, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}
• May 25 – Boyband Arashi's single "Monster" sells 543,000 copies in its first week, making it the biggest selling first week of a single in 2010. The single beat out the sales of the group's previous single, "Troublemaker," by only 1,000 copies.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/76555/full/|title=嵐、史上初のデビューから30作連続TOP3入り |work=Oricon Style|language=ja|date=May 25, 2010|access-date=May 30, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100529175940/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/76555/full/| archive-date= May 29, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• May 25 – Exit Tunes Presents Vocalogenesis feat. Hatsune Miku becomes the first vocaloid album to top the Oricon weekly charts.{{cite web|url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/confidence/76554/full/|script-title=ja:初音ミク"ボーカロイドアルバム"が徳永を押さえ、初首位|work=Oricon Style|language=ja|date=May 25, 2010|access-date=May 25, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100525120734/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/confidence/76554/full/| archive-date= May 25, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• May 28 – Rapper Sticky of the Japanese hip-hop group Scars was arrested for possession of 30 grams of cannabis, found at his home in Kawasaki.{{cite web|url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/32524 |title=SCARS所属ラッパーSTICKYが大麻取締法違反で逮捕 |work=Natalie|language=ja|date=May 28, 2010|access-date=May 30, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100529222246/http://natalie.mu/music/news/32524| archive-date= May 29, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• May 29 – The 9th MTV Video Music Awards Japan are held at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium. Exile's "Futatsu no Kuchibiru" won the award for the best video of 2009. Other major awards went to Shota Shimizu's "Utsukushii Hibi yo," Namie Amuro's "Fast Car" and Tohoshinki's "Share the World."{{cite web | url=http://www.mtvjapan.com/news/music/17810s | title=MTV WORLD STAGE VMAJ 2010 全ウィナーリスト | date=May 29, 2010 | publisher=MTV Japan | language=ja | access-date=May 30, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100602125419/http://www.mtvjapan.com/news/music/17810s | archive-date=June 2, 2010 | url-status=dead }}

File:AKB48 20090703 Japan Expo 52.jpg's "Ponytail to Chouchou" becomes the biggest female idol single since 2000.]]

• June 1 – Idol group AKB48's single "Ponytail to Chouchou" sells 513,000 copies in its first week, becoming the biggest first week for a female idol single since Morning Musume's "Ren'ai Revolution 21" in 2000, and the biggest first week for a female artist since Hikaru Utada's "Can You Keep a Secret?" in 2001.{{cite web | title=AKB48が初週50万枚超で首位 モー娘。以来9年半ぶり快挙 |publisher=Oricon |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/76755/full/ |language=ja |date=June 1, 2010 | access-date=June 1, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100605063406/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/76755/full/| archive-date= June 5, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• June 1 – Boyband Tohoshinki member Xiah Junsu's single "Xiah" sells 195,000 copies in its first week, becoming the biggest first week sales of the year by a solo artist.{{cite web | script-title=ja:東方神起ジュンス、2010年ソロアーティスト1位の初週20万枚 |publisher=Oricon |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/76757/full/ |language=ja |date=June 1, 2010 | access-date=June 1, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100603061759/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/76757/full/| archive-date= June 3, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• June 4 – July 13 – Visual kei metal band Versailles embark on their first world tour, with dates in South America and Europe.{{cite web | url=http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=1000674421&blogId=528335157 | title=Versailles World Tour 2010 | date=February 5, 2010 | publisher=Versailles-Philharmonic Quintet's MySpace Blog | access-date=February 16, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100208210842/http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=1000674421&blogId=528335157| archive-date= February 8, 2010 | url-status=live}}{{cite web | url=http://www.jame-world.com/uk/news-61201-versailles-announce-european-dates.html | title=Versailles Announce European Dates | date=February 9, 2010 | publisher=JaME World | access-date=February 16, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100317111409/http://www.jame-world.com/uk/news-61201-versailles-announce-european-dates.html| archive-date= March 17, 2010 | url-status=live}} The band have previously performed single concerts in the US in 2008.
• June 10 – RIAJ certifies Hideaki Tokunaga's album Vocalist 4 as double platinum, and his album Vocalist (released September 2005) as a million selling album.{{cite web | script-title=ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2010年5月 | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/201005.html | work=RIAJ |language=ja | date=June 10, 2010 | access-date=June 13, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100614182755/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/201005.html| archive-date= June 14, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• June 13 – Misia performs her song "Maware Maware" from the 2010 FIFA World Cup official album Listen Up! The Official 2010 FIFA World Cup Album at the Nelson Mandela Square in Johannesburg, and also unveils a 3D music video for the song.{{cite web | title=MISIAが南アフリカで3DPV初公開＆アジア代表ソング熱唱 |publisher=Natalie |url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/33289 |language=ja |date=June 15, 2010 | access-date=June 15, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100619134523/http://natalie.mu/music/news/33289| archive-date= June 19, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• June 13 – Surface disband at their final concert at the Tokyo International Forum.{{cite web | url=http://www.jame-world.com/uk/news-61446-surface-to-disband.html | title=SURFACE to Disband | date=February 15, 2010 | publisher=JaME World | access-date=February 16, 2010}}
• June 15 – Kaela Kimura reaches #1 on Oricon's single charts with her song "Ring a Ding Dong," making this the first time she has topped the single charts since she debuted in 2004.{{cite web | script-title=ja:木村カエラ、デビュー6年目で初のシングル首位 |publisher=Oricon |url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/77210/full/ |language=ja |date=June 15, 2010 | access-date=June 15, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100618041739/http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/rankmusic/77210/full/| archive-date= June 18, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• June 19–20 – Jin Akanishi, member of the boyband KAT-TUN, performed three concerts in Los Angeles as a part of his You & Jin solo tour. This is the first solo performance by a Johnny's artist in the US. Further concerts over the United States are planned for September and October.{{cite web |script-title=ja:赤西仁、ＬＡライブ初成功！２０００人熱狂 |publisher=Sanspo |url=http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/100621/gng1006210506000-n1.htm |language=ja |date=June 21, 2010 |access-date=June 21, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100622042859/http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/100621/gng1006210506000-n1.htm |archive-date=June 22, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }} Consequently, Akanishi did not attend KAT-TUN's Asian tour.
• June 20 – Kaela Kimura's song "Ring a Ding Dong" is certified by the RIAJ for 1,000,000 ringtone downloads between its release date, May 26, and the end of May.{{cite web | script-title=ja:レコード協会調べ 5月度有料音楽配信認定 | url=http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/chart/w100620.html | work=RIAJ |language=ja | date=June 20, 2010 | access-date=June 21, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100625123558/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/chart/w100620.html| archive-date= June 25, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• June 25 – Ai Otsuka married RIP SLYME member SU.{{cite web | url=http://www.tokyograph.com/news/ai-otsuka-su-tie-the-knot/ | title=Ai Otsuka, SU tie the knot | date=June 26, 2010 | publisher=TokyoGraph | access-date=June 27, 2010}} The announcement of the marriage had been released on her official website on June 26.{{cite web | url=http://www.avexnet.or.jp/ai/news/100626.html | script-title=ja:ご報告 | date=June 26, 2010 | publisher=Avex Trax | language=ja | access-date=June 27, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100628143435/http://avexnet.or.jp/ai/news/100626.html | archive-date=June 28, 2010 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}
• June 28 – Otonamode will play their final live with their current line-up. After this date, vocalist/guitarist Keita Takahashi will continue on as the band's lead, however with different members.{{cite web | url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/32208 | title=オトナモードからメンバー4人が一挙脱退 | date=May 23, 2010 | publisher=Natalie | access-date=May 24, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100524150205/http://natalie.mu/music/news/32208| archive-date= May 24, 2010 | url-status=live}}

• July 1–4 – Many Japanese artists plan to perform at Anime Expo in Los Angeles, including AKB48 and RSP on July 1, May'n, Megumi Nakajima and I've singer Mell on July 2, Beni and rock band Sophia on July 3.{{cite web|url=http://www.anime-expo.org/guests/ |title=Guests | Anime Expo 2010 |publisher=Anime Expo |year=2010 |access-date=June 20, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100618035630/http://www.anime-expo.org/guests/ |archive-date=June 18, 2010 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}
• July 1–4 – Many Japanese artists plan to perform at Japan Expo in Paris, including Doping Panda on July 1, C-Zone and Morning Musume on July 2, Vivid on both July 2 and 3, Long Shot Party on July 3, and Seikima-II and X Japan members Toshi and Yoshiki on July 4.{{cite web |url=http://www.japan-expo.com/en/menu_invite/musicians_137.htm |title=Japan Expo – Musicians |publisher=Japan Expo |year=2010 |access-date=June 11, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100602000135/http://www.japan-expo.com/en/menu_invite/musicians_137.htm |archive-date=June 2, 2010 |url-status=dead |df=mdy-all }}
• July 15 – Daisuke Ochida, former vocalist of visual kei bands Kagerou and the studs dies at the age of 31.
• July 16–24 – Gackt plans to tour Europe for the first time in his career, with dates in England, France, Germany and Spain planned.{{cite web | url=http://www.jame-world.com/uk/news-64306-gackt-european-tour-in-july-2010-.html | title=GACKT European Tour in July 2010! | publisher=JaME World | language=ja |date=June 1, 2010 | access-date=June 13, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100605144812/http://www.jame-world.com/uk/news-64306-gackt-european-tour-in-july-2010-.html| archive-date= June 5, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• July 30 – August 1 – The Fuji Rock Festival is planned to be held over three days.{{cite web | url=http://www.fujirockfestival.com/ | title=Fuji Rock Festival '10 | publisher=Smash Corporation | language=ja | access-date=February 16, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100205101424/http://www.fujirockfestival.com/| archive-date= February 5, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• July 31 – August 28 – Johnny & Associates band KAT-TUN plans to tour Asia, with dates in South Korea and Taiwan scheduled. The band will tour without band member Jin Akanishi.{{cite web | url=http://www.tokyograph.com/news/id-5944 | title=Akanishi to perform in Los Angeles, rest of KAT-TUN to tour Asia | publisher=Tokyograph | access-date=March 31, 2010}}

• August 6–8 – The Rock in Japan Festival is planned to be held over three days, making it 10 years since the debut of the event.{{cite web | url=http://rijfes.co.jp/10/ | title=Rock in Japan Festival 2010 開催決定!! | publisher=Smash Corporation | language=ja | access-date=February 16, 2010| archive-url= https://archive.today/20100211023704/http://rijfes.co.jp/10/| archive-date= February 11, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• August 8 – X Japan intends to perform at the US Lollapalooza festival in Chicago.{{cite web | url=http://www.tokyograph.com/news/id-5756 | title= X Japan headed for Lollapalooza | date=February 2, 2010 | publisher=Tokyo Graph | access-date=February 16, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100206130334/http://www.tokyograph.com/news/id-5756| archive-date= February 6, 2010 | url-status=live}}{{cite web |url=http://2010.lollapalooza.com/band/x-japan |title=X Japan at Lollapalooza 2010 |publisher=Lollapalooza |access-date=June 24, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100627180151/http://2010.lollapalooza.com/band/x-japan |archive-date=June 27, 2010 |url-status=dead }}
• August 7–8 – The Summer Sonic Festival is planned to be held, making it 10 years since the event began.{{cite web | url=http://www.summersonic.com/2010/ | title=Summer Sonic 2010 | publisher=Rock in Japan | language=ja | access-date=February 16, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100208185754/http://www.summersonic.com/2010/| archive-date= February 8, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• August 13–14 – The Rising Sun Rock Festival will be held.{{cite web | url=http://rsr.wess.co.jp/ | title=RISING SUN ROCK FESTIVAL 2010 in EZO | language=ja | access-date=February 16, 2010}}
• August 28–29 – Animelo Summer Live 2010 -evolution-

• October 1–31 – Nippon Columbia's month-long celebration of its centennial.
• October 1 – November 6 – Rock band Vamps (formed with Hyde of L'Arc-en-Ciel, K.A.Z of Oblivion Dust) plan to tour the United States, Spain, France, China and Chile. This will be the band's third tour, and the second to be performed overseas (their Vamps Live 2009 tour reached the US and Taiwan).{{cite web | url=http://www.jame-world.com/us/news-62770-vamps-announces-world-tour-dates.html | title=VAMPS Announces World Tour Dates | publisher=JaME World |date=March 31, 2010 | access-date=April 1, 2010}}{{cite web | url=http://www.jame-world.com/us/tours-729-vamps-live-2010-world-tour.html | title=VAMPS LIVE 2010 WORLD TOUR | publisher=JaME World |date=March 31, 2010 | access-date=May 8, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100403224445/http://www.jame-world.com/us/tours-729-vamps-live-2010-world-tour.html| archive-date= April 3, 2010 | url-status=live}}{{cite web | url=http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=1001163280&blogId=531398674 | title=VAMPS LIVE 2010 WORLD TOUR UPDATE | publisher=Vamps Official MySpace |date=March 22, 2010 | access-date=April 1, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100326212250/http://blogs.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.view&friendId=1001163280&blogId=531398674| archive-date= March 26, 2010 | url-status=live}}
• October 8–24 – Kokia plans to hold her fifth string of European concerts, with dates in Austria, England, Germany, France, Poland and Russia.{{cite web | url=http://www.jame-world.com/uk/tours-756-kokia-real-world-tour-2010.html | title=KOKIA Real World Tour 2010 | publisher=JaME World | language=ja |date=June 11, 2010 | access-date=June 13, 2010| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100620230035/http://www.jame-world.com/uk/tours-756-kokia-real-world-tour-2010.html| archive-date= June 20, 2010 | url-status=live}}

• December 30 – The 52nd Japan Record Award is planned.
• December 31 – Annual New Year's music events are planned, such as the 61st Kōhaku Uta Gassen song contest and the 8th Countdown Japan festival.

{{main|List of Japanese musical groups (2010s)#2010}}

• Emi Maria
• F.T. Island
• Galileo Galilei
• {{Nihongo|Kinoco Hotel|キノコホテル|Kinoko Hoteru}}
• Momoiro Clover
• S/mileage
• Sug

• The Brilliant Green
• Def Tech
• Double
• Vivian Hsu
• Ketsumeishi
• Kuroyume
• SADS
• Tetsuya Komuro
• Love Psychedelico
• Kanae Matsumoto (as "Utahime Surprise" (歌姫☆サプライズ)
• One Ok Rock
• Erika Sawajiri
• Tetsuya (L'Arc-en-Ciel)
• Tina
• LUNA SEA

• Akina Nakamori
• Mika Nakashima
• Maki Ohguro
• Snowkel
• Tohoshinki
• Hikaru Utada

• Rina Aiuchi
• Flame
• Fumido
• High and Mighty Color
• Maria
• Melon Kinenbi
• Surface
• Yura Yura Teikoku

{{Further|List of albums by Japanese artists released in 2010}}

{{See also|List of Oricon number-one singles of 2010|List of Hot 100 number-one singles of 2010 (Japan)|List of number-one digital singles of 2010 (Japan)}}

Currently, there are four major charts for song popularity in Japan: Oricon singles charts, Soundscan singles charts, the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and RIAJ digital tracks. Oricon and Soundscan track sales of physical single releases, though Soundscan separates each version of the release (for example, CD+DVD and CD Only versions are tracked separately). The Japan Hot 100 tracks song popularity based on radio airplay and physical single sales data from Soundscan. The RIAJ digital chart tracks the most popular songs downloaded in their entirety from cellphones (Chaku-uta full). No chart exists that tallies PC downloads as of 2010, though the RIAJ certifies PC download releases.

January

• January 7 – Minami, 34, vocalist of D-Loop, prescription medicine misdosage.{{cite web | url=http://h2rooms.jp/ | title=関係者各位、及びD-LOOPファンの皆様へ | date=April 6, 2010 | publisher=h2rooms.jp | language=ja | access-date=April 8, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100414173359/http://h2rooms.jp/ | archive-date=April 14, 2010 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}
• January 17 – Maki Asakawa, 68, jazz singer, heart failure.{{cite web | url=http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2010/01/19/04.html | script-title=ja:「アングラの女王」浅川マキさん突然死 | date=January 19, 2010 | publisher=Sankei Sports | language=ja | access-date=April 27, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100121141122/http://www.sponichi.co.jp/entertainment/news/2010/01/19/04.html | archive-date=January 21, 2010 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}

February

• February 26 – Nujabes, 36, hip-hop track maker, car accident.{{cite web | url=http://hydeout.net/hydeout/2010/03/_hydeoutproductions.html | title=＜ Hydeout Productions から 緊急のお知らせ ＞ | date=March 18, 2010 | publisher=Hydeout Productions | language=ja | access-date=March 19, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100322195225/http://hydeout.net/hydeout/2010/03/_hydeoutproductions.html | archive-date=March 22, 2010 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}

March

• March 27 – Hatsumi Shibata, 57, singer, acute heart failure.{{cite web | url=http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/100329/gnj1003291209017-n1.htm | script-title=ja:しばたはつみさん死去...ＣＭソングがヒット | date=March 29, 2010 | publisher=Sanspo | language=ja | access-date=March 30, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100330194219/http://www.sanspo.com/geino/news/100329/gnj1003291209017-n1.htm | archive-date=March 30, 2010 | url-status=dead | df=mdy-all }}

May

• May 17 – Osamu Yoshioka, 76, lyricist, acute heart failure.{{cite web|url=http://www.asahi.com/showbiz/nikkan/NIK201005190028.html |script-title=ja:作詞家吉岡治さん急性心筋梗塞だった |date=May 19, 2010 |publisher=Asahi Shimbun |language=ja |access-date=May 23, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100522174052/http://www.asahi.com/showbiz/nikkan/NIK201005190028.html |archive-date=May 22, 2010 |url-status=live |df=mdy }}

• 2010s in music
• 2010 in Japan
• 2010 in Japanese television
• List of Japanese films of 2010

{{Reflist|colwidth=30em}}

{{Music of Japan}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:2010 in Japanese Music}}

Japan