PLAVE never fails to raise the bar with every release, and their first Japanese single — “Kakurenbo (Hide and Seek)” — is undoubtedly another hit!
PLAVE officially made their Japanese debut with “Kakurenbo (Hide and Seek).” It was released digitally on June 16, while the physical album dropped last July 9. The full album contained two other tracks, the Japanese versions of “RIZZ” and “Chroma Drift” — songs from their third mini-album, Caligo Pt. 1.
The new album has taken the Japanese charts by storm, breaking several records within a month of its release. It topped the Oricon Daily Single Chart, Japan’s leading music chart, for three days (July 8, 9, and 12) before and after its physical launch. PLAVE also earned a whopping 221,385 weekly Oricon points, which is now considered the highest for international artists in 2025. Because of this achievement, they also claimed the number one spot in the Oricon Weekly Single Ranking and Oricon Weekly Accumulative Single Ranking (July 7-13).
Furthermore, “Kakurenbo (Hide and Seek)” conquered Billboard Japan’s Top Singles Sales and Hot 100 charts. Based on their data, the album sold more than 388,200 copies in its first week. This is another incredible accomplishment, as it’s the highest first-week sales among the Japanese albums of international artists this year. With these records, PLAVE has officially dominated four of Japan’s major music charts.
Also Read: Park Bo Gum Returns to Manila with BE WITH YOU Fan Meeting Tour
PLAVE’s Career Highlights in 2025
Since their 2023 debut, PLAVE has continuously showcased their star quality. While virtual idols have had a long-standing presence in the field, their approach was new and revolutionary. From their music to the technology they steadily refine, they aren’t afraid to move beyond the norms and create their own standard — not just for themselves, but for the industry as a whole.
With the number of achievements they have two years into their career, it’s safe to say they’ve done just that. Not only have they built a strong following in South Korea, but they’ve also won over millions of fans abroad. Last February, they made history as the first virtual idol group to enter Billboard’s Global 200. They also accumulated over two billion streams on Melon, a massive feat only a few artists can claim.
In addition, they’re becoming regular contenders during award seasons, with their most recent nomination being Music Awards Japan for Best Song Asia with “WAY 4 LUV” in May of this year. Being nominated alongside the biggest names in music, especially for major categories, is more than a fantastic start for their career.
After their successful Japanese debut, they are now getting ready for their first tour, 2025 PLAVE Asia Tour [DASH: Quantum Leap]. From August to November, they’ll be performing in six cities: Seoul, Taipei, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Bangkok, and Tokyo. They’re officially kicking off their tour with three sold-out concerts in Seoul at KSPO Dome, which accommodates approximately 15,000 attendees. As the first virtual idol group to hold a solo concert at the said venue, we can definitely expect an explosive and one-of-a-kind experience.
Don’t forget to stream! PLAVE’s first Japanese single, “Kakurenbo (Hide and Seek),” is available now on all major streaming platforms.
Also Read: Pop Review: LYKN Turns Up the Heat with New Banger “Drip”
Sources: Press Release, VLAST, PLAVE Official Accounts (1, 2), Billboard Japan Official IG
