Popular idol group SKE48's 12th single, "Utsukushii Inazuma" (released July 18), has sold 95,000 copies in the 2nd week (total 605,000 copies). With this result SKE48 has topped Oricon's weekly single ranking for the 2nd consecutive week. 

Since debuting in August 2009, SKE48 has topped the single ranking 8 times, but this is their first to top the ranking 2 weeks in a row. They have also set a record within the AKB48 family (sister groups, sub-units, solo) with this accomplishment. While 48 singles have made it to number 1, they are the first to see their single in the number 1 spot for 2 consecutive weeks. 

The last artist to top the single ranking for 2 consecutive weeks was Maximum the Hormone about 2 years and 4 months ago with their single, "Utsukushiki Hitobito no Uta / maximum the hormone / my girl" (released March 2011), for the weeks of April 4th and 11th of 2011. For a female group, the last was Mini Moni about 12 and a half years ago with their single, "Mini Moni. Jankenpyon! / Haru Natsu Aki Fuyu Daisuki!" (released January 2001), for the weeks of January 29th and February 5th of 2001. 

Matsui Jurina expressed, "Thank you. I am very surprised. I am very happy that SKE48 has set a record in the 48 group!" She continued, "Since we challenged ourselves to new things with this single, the members are all pleased that we were able to set a record. SKE48 will continue to grow by trying more and more new things."

Matsui Rena also commented, "I still can't believe it, but once again, I feel that we really are being supported by many people. We want to do our best so that more and more people will come to get to know SKE48."

Source & Image: Oricon