On Thursday, the magazine Oricon Style revealed the results of its annual "Favorite Artist Ranking." This year, the #1 spot was recaptured by Hikaru Utada.

Kobukuro and Mr.Children were the next highest-ranked artists. In another survey published at the same time, Ayaka was named the top artist of the next generation.

The "Favorite Artist Ranking" began in 2004, when Utada was first named #1. The next two years, aiko took the top spot while Utada slipped to #2, then #4. But now she has finally taken back the title, spurred by the success of her "Flavor of Life."

Music group EMI announced on Wednesday that "Flavor of Life" has become Japan's most successful digital single, with sales of over 7 million across all digital formats. The previous record holder is estimated to be O-Zone's "Dragostea Din Tei," which sold about 4 million units digitally in Japan.

According to EMI, "Flavor of Life" is also now the most successful single of all time in Japan, with more than 7.7 million in sales across all formats (digital and physical). Masato Shimon holds the previous record with his 1975 "Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun," which had total sales of over 4.5 million.