VIP's there's reason for celebration as the boys of Big Bang are on top of the May 23rd Oricon Weekly Album Sales chart! Big Bang released "BIGBANG2" on May 11th and over the past week they sold 65,000 copies marking this occasion as the first time topping the vaunted weekly Oricon chart! With this accomplishment, they're the third Korean male artist to accomplish this feat behind Tohoshinki / TVXQ and JYJ. The boys had tough competition as Namie Amuro topped the Oricon Weekly chart for 2 weeks before being knocked off by Big Bang. Congratulations to Big Bang on this accomplishment! Thank You speech of Big Bang:

G-Dragon: "I am really happy that when we are having our activities in Japan ,our album has also secured the 1st place in the Oricon chart. It is especially meaningful for us when we are having our Japan tour. In the future, we will do more promotions and I want to challenge the 1st spot of Oricon monthly chart. Now, I want every fan to enjoy the remaining concerts that we are going to bring." VI: "It has been 1 year and 9 months that we have released a new album and I am really pleased to know that it has achieved good result. Amidst this painful situation, I hope BIGBANG's music will bring every Japanese fans hope, courage and strength. Although the songs would arrive at the end since it is just an album, many people are granted a light of hope by listening to them." T.O.P: "From now on , I want to challenge more since I am stimulated , I am more motivated to work harder." SOL: "I have not ever thought of gaining the 1st place in Oricon weekly chart! BIGBANG has been trying hard rather than simply waiting, giving fans an impression that what they 'think' can actually be realized. I am very delighted about it. I am not stubborn about the ranking (although I still want to challenge to get the 1st spot in the monthly chart), I would like to work with our first intention of making music. I want to express my gratitude to every fan and staff. Thanks!" D-Lite: "I want to give a lot of thanks to the support that we have received ever since we debuted in Japan and carried out the activities there. In the future, we want to reach the top by providing you with good music and level-up stage, so please look forward to it. I hope there will be no accidents in our remaining tour. I want to share this joy with every fan who have been cheering for us."

Source: hochi.yomiuri.co.jp | Thank You translations: Rice @ bigbangupdates [Thanks to everyone who sent this in.]