# Best: First Things

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***Best: First Things*** (stylised as ***Best ~first things~***) is the debut [greatest hits](/source/Greatest_hits) album by Japanese singer [Koda Kumi](/source/Koda_Kumi). [Rhythm Zone](/source/Rhythm_Zone) released it in a variety of formats on September 21, 2005. The album is divided into two discs, each containing a single released by Koda between her 2000 debut with "[Take Back](/source/Take_Back)" and her most recent single, "[Hot Stuff](/source/Hot_Stuff_(Koda_Kumi_song))" in 2005. The second disc contains four new [singles](/source/Single_(music)): "[Butterfly](/source/Butterfly_(Koda_Kumi_song))", "[Flower](/source/Flower_(Koda_Kumi_song))", "[Promise](/source/Promise/Star)", and "[Star](/source/Promise/Star)", as well as a [bonus track](/source/Bonus_track), the solo version of "[The Meaning of Peace](/source/The_Meaning_of_Peace)".

*CDJournal*, a Japanese [music magazine](/source/Music_journalism), praised *Best: First Things* for highlighting Koda's [musical repertoire](/source/Koda_Kumi_discography#Singles) and vocal performance. It debuted at number one on the [Oricon Albums Chart](/source/Oricon_Albums_Chart) and charted for more than 150 weeks. The [Recording Industry Association of Japan](/source/Recording_Industry_Association_of_Japan) (RIAJ) certified the album double million for exceeding two million units sold, and holds as Koda's best-selling album. Before embarking on her [2005 First Things](/source/Koda_Kumi_Live_Tour_2005:_First_Things) [concert tour](/source/Concert_tour) in Japan, Koda hosted a special event at [Shibuya Station](/source/Shibuya_Station) in which fans recreated the dress she wore on the album's cover.

## Content and release

*Best: First Things* is Koda's first [greatest hits](/source/Greatest_hits) album, including all of her singles from "[Take Back](/source/Take_Back)" (2000) to her most recent single, "[Hot Stuff](/source/Hot_Stuff_(Koda_Kumi_song))" with [KM-Markit](/source/KM-Markit).[1] The decision to release this album was made at the suggestion of the staff.[2] Koda herself said that the release of a best album was not in her mind at the time and that she did not realize that 18 singles had been released so far.[2] She said in an interview at the time of the release that she wanted people to enjoy listening to her old songs and to know the old Kumi Koda as well.[2] Looking back on her activities, Koda stated that this greatest hits album is not a milestone, but that the timing of its release was right.[2] Rena Koyanagi remastered each song on *Best: First Things*, which was executive produced by [Max Matsuura](/source/Max_Matsuura).[1] The album is divided into two discs and has a total of 23 songs. The first disc includes a new song called "No Tricks," and the second disc includes four new singles: "[Butterfly](/source/Butterfly_(Koda_Kumi_song))", "[Flower](/source/Flower_(Koda_Kumi_song))", "[Promise](/source/Promise/Star)", and "[Star](/source/Promise/Star)", as well as a [bonus track](/source/Bonus_track), the solo version of "[The Meaning of Peace](/source/The_Meaning_of_Peace)."[1]

[Rhythm Zone](/source/Rhythm_Zone) released *Best: First Things* in a variety of formats on September 21, 2005.[1] The standard release included two discs of material and came in a [large jewel case](/source/Optical_disc_packaging). The [DVD](/source/DVD) version included [music videos](/source/Music_video) for all of the album's songs except "No Tricks," "1000 no Kotoba," "Flower," and "Star."[1] First-press DVD editions included a promotional video for *Best: First Things*, while standard first-press editions included a slipcase and an additional booklet.[3] Rhythm Zone later distributed the album across Asia, including China, South Korea, and Taiwan.[4]

## Promotion

On the eve of the release of the best collection, a huge poster with Koda's cleavage exposed was displayed in front of the glass curtain wall of the Q-FRONT building in [Tokyo](/source/Tokyo)'s [Shibuya Station](/source/Shibuya_Station).[5] A special event was held to find five of the 30 spots where Koda's signature posters were hidden in the neighborhood and enter a drawing for a chance to win specially made idol merchandise.[5] On September 21, 2005, Koda held a [cosplay](/source/Cosplay) event at Shibuya Station to promote the album, with fans replicating the dress she wore on the cover; winners received either a signed copy of the album or Kumi's debut concert DVD, *[Secret First Class Limited Live](/source/Secret_First_Class_Limited_Live)* (2005).[6] Before the release of the album, Koda said she would be a club [Mama-san](/source/Mama-san) for a day if the album could break the one million sales mark.[7] Later, after the album surpassed one million sales, a one-day “Club Koda” was held at a club in [Ginza](/source/Ginza) on November 25, 2005, where Koda as a Mama-san entertained 100 guests, including three fans.[7] To support the album, Koda went on to tour throughout Japan with her [First Things concert tour](/source/Koda_Kumi_Live_Tour_2005:_First_Things) in 2005. The tour was recorded at [Osaka-jō Hall](/source/Osaka-j%C5%8D_Hall) and released as a live DVD on September 13, 2006.[8]

### Singles and other songs

On June 22, 2005, Rhythm Zone released the lead single "Butterfly" to promote the album. The single's [physical](/source/CD_single) and [digital](/source/Music_download) editions include the [B-sides](/source/A-side_and_B-side) "Your Sunshine" and "Taisetsu na kimi e," as well as [instrumental](/source/Instrumental) versions and a music video for "Butterfly".[9] The single was commercially successful, peaking at number two on the [Oricon Singles Chart](/source/Oricon_Singles_Chart).[10] The [Recording Industry Association of Japan](/source/Recording_Industry_Association_of_Japan) (RIAJ) certified it in three categories: triple platinum for over 750,000 [ringtone](/source/Ringtone) downloads, platinum for over 250,000 cellphone downloads, and gold for more than 100,000 units sold in Japan.[11][12]

"Flower" was released as the album's second single on August 10, 2005. The single's physical and digital versions contain both an acoustic and instrumental version of the song.[13] The single achieved commercial success, peaking at number four on the Oricon Singles Chart.[14] The RIAJ certified it twice: gold for 100,000 physical units and double platinum for 500,000 ringtone downloads.[15][12]

On September 7, 2005, "Promise" and "Star" were released as a double [A-side](/source/A-side_and_B-side), becoming the third and final single from the album. Each track and its instrumental version are available in physical and digital formats, along with a DVD containing music videos for both songs.[16] The single achieved commercial success, peaking at number four on the Oricon Singles Chart.[17] The single was certified gold by the RIAJ, and "Promise" sold over 500,000 ringtone and 100,000 cellphone downloads.[18][12]

## Reception

*CDJournal*, a Japanese [music publication](/source/Music_journalism), praised *Best: First Things* for highlighting Koda's [music catalogue](/source/Koda_Kumi_discography#Singles) and vocal performance, calling the album "gorgeous".[19] The album and its content have received [numerous accolades](/source/Kumi_Koda#Awards_and_achievements) since its release; Koda won her first award at the [47th Japan Record Awards](/source/47th_Japan_Record_Awards) for "Butterfly" on December 31, 2005, and was awarded the Triple Crown at the [Japan Gold Disc Awards](/source/Japan_Gold_Disc_Awards) on March 10, 2006, for winning three awards: Pop Artist of the Year, Pop Album of the Year for *Best: First Things*, and Music Video of the Year for "Butterfly".[20][21] She won Best Female Video and Video of the Year for "Butterfly" at the [2006 MTV Video Music Awards Japan](/source/2006_MTV_Video_Music_Awards_Japan).[22]

*Best: First Things* achieved commercial success in Japan. The album debuted at number two on the [Oricon Albums Chart](/source/Oricon_Albums_Chart), selling 558,916 copies in its first week, being blocked from number one by [Mr. Children](/source/Mr._Children)'s *[I ♥ U](/source/I_Love_U_(Mr._Children_album))*.[23] The album topped the chart the following week, selling 195,290 copies on its second charting week, making it her first number-one album.[24][25] It became the sixth best-selling album in Japan in 2005, selling over 1.207 million copies, and was the highest-selling album of the year for a female artist.[26] The album went on to sell an additional 642,842 copies in 2006 making it the seventeenth best-selling album of that year.[27] The [Recording Industry Association of Japan](/source/Recording_Industry_Association_of_Japan) (RIAJ) certified the album double million for sales exceeding two million units in April 2006, making it her highest-selling album to date.[28] According to [Oricon](/source/Oricon), *Best: First Things* has sold 1,916,661 copies across Japan.[29]

Koda revealed in her lifestyle book *Koda Reki* (2011) that the *Best: First Things* era, as well as her experiences throughout 2005, were her career highlights, thanking her family and fans for emphasising Koda's Ero-Kawaii aesthetic, which was noted in various Japanese publications at the time.[30]

## Charts

### Weekly charts

Chart (2005–2006) Peak position Japanese Albums (Oricon)[25] 1

### Monthly charts

Chart (2005) Peak position Japanese Albums (Oricon)[31] 1

### Year-end charts

Chart (2005) Position Japanese Albums (Oricon)[26] 6

Chart (2006) Position Japanese Albums (Oricon)[27] 17

### Decade-end charts

Chart (2000–2009) Position Japanese Albums (Oricon)[32] 25

### All-time chart

Chart Position Japanese Albums (Oricon)[33] 83

## Release history

Region Date Format(s) Label Ref. Japan September 21, 2005 CD · DVD Rhythm Zone [1] China October–November, 2005 [4] South Korea [4] Taiwan [4] Various N/A Digital download · streaming [34][35]

## References

1. *Best: First Things* formats listed below: *Koda, Kumi (2005). *Best: First Things* (2CD). [Rhythm Zone](/source/Rhythm_Zone). RZCD-45254/5. *Koda, Kumi (2005). *Best: First Things* (2CD+DVD). [Rhythm Zone](/source/Rhythm_Zone). RZCD-45252/3.

1. ["倖田來未 『BEST～first things～』インタビュー"](https://www.billboard-japan.com/special/detail/462) (in Japanese). [Billboard Japan](/source/Billboard_Japan). 2005. Retrieved November 28, 2024.

1. ["BEST -first things- \[CD+DVD\]"](https://www.cdjapan.co.jp/product/RZCD-45252). CDJapan. Retrieved February 6, 2024.

1. *Best: First Things* formats listed below: *Koda, Kumi (2005). *Best: First Things* (2CD). China: [Rhythm Zone](/source/Rhythm_Zone). AVJCD-10247/SCB. *Koda, Kumi (2005). *Best: First Things* (2CD+DVD). South Korea: [Rhythm Zone](/source/Rhythm_Zone). SMJTCD071/B. *Koda, Kumi (2005). *Best: First Things* (2CD+DVD). Taiwan: [Rhythm Zone](/source/Rhythm_Zone). AVJCD10247/A.

1. ["zh:倖田來未爬牆露乳溝"](https://tw.entertainment.appledaily.com/daily/20050918/2061703/%E5%80%96%E7%94%B0%E4%BE%86%E6%9C%AA%E7%88%AC%E7%89%86%E9%9C%B2%E4%B9%B3%E6%BA%9D) (in zh-TW). [Apple Daily](/source/Apple_Daily_(Taiwan)). September 18, 2005. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190919063633/https://tw.entertainment.appledaily.com/daily/20050918/2061703/%E5%80%96%E7%94%B0%E4%BE%86%E6%9C%AA%E7%88%AC%E7%89%86%E9%9C%B2%E4%B9%B3%E6%BA%9D) September 19, 2019 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved January 1, 2014.

1. ["9/21 best album "BEST ~first things~" and LIVE DVD "secret ~FIRST CLASS LIMITED LIVE~" released simultaneously!! Costume exhibition in Shibuya"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060604015500/http://www.koda.cc/special/bestcd/q-front.html). Koda.cc. Archived from [the original](http://www.koda.cc/special/bestcd/q-front.html) on June 4, 2006. Retrieved January 28, 2016.

1. ["zh:倖田來未做媽媽生服侍100老細"](https://hk.entertainment.appledaily.com/entertainment/daily/article/20051125/5427056) (in zh-TW). [Apple Daily](/source/Apple_Daily_(Taiwan)). November 25, 2005. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20190919063705/https://hk.entertainment.appledaily.com/entertainment/daily/article/20051125/5427056) September 19, 2019 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved January 1, 2014.

1. Koda, Kumi (2006). *Live Tour 2005: First Times* (DVD). Japan: [Rhythm Zone](/source/Rhythm_Zone). RZBD-45462~3.

1. "Butterfly" formats listed below: *Koda, Kumi (2005). *Butterfly* (CD). Japan: [Rhythm Zone](/source/Rhythm_Zone). RZCD-45214. *Koda, Kumi (2005). *Butterfly* (CD+DVD). Japan: [Rhythm Zone](/source/Rhythm_Zone). RZCD-45213/B.

1. ["Butterfly – Koda Kumi"](https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/259698/products/596429/1/) (in Japanese). [Oricon](/source/Oricon). Retrieved February 6, 2024.

1. ["ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2005年6月"](https://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200506.html) [Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (June 2005)] (in Japanese). [Recording Industry Association of Japan](/source/Recording_Industry_Association_of_Japan). July 10, 2005. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20050728002626/https://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200506.html) July 28, 2005 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved January 1, 2014.

1. ["ja:レコード協会調べ 8月度有料音楽配信認定"](http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/chart/w060920_3.html) [Record Association Investigation: August Digital Music Download Certifications] (in Japanese). [Recording Industry Association of Japan](/source/Recording_Industry_Association_of_Japan). September 20, 2006. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20071011105752/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/chart/w060920_3.html) October 11, 2007 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved January 23, 2014.

1. Koda, Kumi (2005). *Flower* (CD). Japan: [Rhythm Zone](/source/Rhythm_Zone). RZCD-45270.

1. ["Flower – Koda Kumi"](https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/259698/products/609006/1/) (in Japanese). [Oricon](/source/Oricon). Retrieved February 6, 2024.

1. ["ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2005年8月"](http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200508.html) [Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (August 2005)] (in Japanese). [Recording Industry Association of Japan](/source/Recording_Industry_Association_of_Japan). September 10, 2005. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20051123185359/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200508.html) November 23, 2005 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved January 1, 2014.

1. "Promise/Star" formats listed below: *Koda, Kumi (2005). *Promise/Star* (CD). Japan: [Rhythm Zone](/source/Rhythm_Zone). RZCD-45243. *Koda, Kumi (2005). *Promise/Star* (CD+DVD). Japan: [Rhythm Zone](/source/Rhythm_Zone). RZCD-45242/B.

1. ["Promise/Star – Koda Kumi"](https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/259698/products/611296/1/) (in Japanese). [Oricon](/source/Oricon). Retrieved February 6, 2024.

1. ["ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2008年10月"](https://web.archive.org/web/20101129022012/http://riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200810.html) [Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (October 2010)] (in Japanese). [Recording Industry Association of Japan](/source/Recording_Industry_Association_of_Japan). November 10, 2010. Archived from [the original](http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200810.html) on November 29, 2010. Retrieved January 1, 2014.

1. ["Koda Kumi – Best: First Things \[2CD\]"](https://artist.cdjournal.com/d/best---first-things--/4105070532) (in Japanese). *CDJournal*. Retrieved February 6, 2024.

1. ["47th Annual Shine! Japan Record Grand Prize"](http://www.tbs.co.jp/program/nihonrecordtaisyo_20051231.html) (in Japanese). [TBS](/source/Tokyo_Broadcasting_System). Retrieved September 12, 2007.

1. ["Kumi Koda Proves Ability! Receives Gold Disk Award Grand Prix"](http://www.sanspo.com/geino/idol/ka/koda_kumi/20060310.html) (in Japanese). [Sankei Sports](/source/Sankei_Sports). March 10, 2006. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20071107000700/http://www.sanspo.com/geino/idol/ka/koda_kumi/20060310.html) November 7, 2007 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved September 12, 2007.

1. ["MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2006"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070929100555/http://www.pgslive.com/repo/060531_1.html) (in Japanese). PGS. Archived from [the original](http://www.pgslive.com/repo/060531_1.html) on September 29, 2007. Retrieved September 12, 2007.

1. Oricon Style Staff (October 3, 2005). ["Oricon Albums Chart – Chart Week October 3, 2005"](https://web.archive.org/web/20181106015005/http://www.geocities.jp/object_ori/051003a.html) (in Japanese). *[Oricon](/source/Oricon); published through Yahoo! GeoCities*. Archived from [the original](http://www.geocities.jp/object_ori/051003a.html) on November 6, 2018. Retrieved November 28, 2024.

1. Oricon Style Staff (October 10, 2005). ["Oricon Albums Chart – Chart Week October 10, 2005"](https://web.archive.org/web/20181106015005/http://www.geocities.jp/object_ori/051010a.html) (in Japanese). *[Oricon](/source/Oricon); published through Yahoo! GeoCities*. Archived from [the original](http://www.geocities.jp/object_ori/051010a.html) on November 6, 2018. Retrieved November 28, 2024.

1. ["Best: First Things – Koda Kumi"](https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/259698/products/611298/1/) (in Japanese). [Oricon](/source/Oricon). Retrieved February 6, 2024.

1. ["2005年 アルバム年間TOP100"](https://web.archive.org/web/20181106015001/http://www.geocities.jp/object_ori/2005a.html). Archived from [the original](http://www.geocities.jp/object_ori/2005a.html) on November 6, 2018. Retrieved January 28, 2024.

1. ["2006年 アルバム年間TOP100"](https://web.archive.org/web/20181106015001/http://www.geocities.jp/object_ori/2006a.html). Archived from [the original](http://www.geocities.jp/object_ori/2006a.html) on November 6, 2018. Retrieved January 28, 2024.

1. ["ja:ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2006年4月"](https://web.archive.org/web/20070227135332/http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200604.html) [Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (April 2006)] (in Japanese). [Recording Industry Association of Japan](/source/Recording_Industry_Association_of_Japan). May 10, 2006. Archived from [the original](http://www.riaj.or.jp/data/others/gold/200604.html) on February 27, 2007. Retrieved November 28, 2024.

1. ["オリコンランキング情報サービス「you大樹」"](http://ranking.oricon.co.jp) (in Japanese). [Oricon](/source/Oricon). Retrieved February 5, 2024.

1. *Koda Reki*. ISBN 978-4062167628.

1. ["2005 10月売上ランキング"](http://www.geocities.jp/darusta2004/rank/2005/oct.html) (in Japanese). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20140329150955/http://www.geocities.jp/darusta2004/rank/2005/oct.html) March 29, 2014 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 2024-11-28.

1. ["2000年代アルバム売上ランキング"](https://amigo.lovepop.jp/decade_a2000.html) (in Japanese). Retrieved 2024-07-20.

1. ["歴代アルバムランキング TOP280"](http://www.musictvprogram.com/corner-ranking-album.html) (in Japanese). Music TV Program. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120103001458/http://www.musictvprogram.com/corner-ranking-album.html) January 3, 2012 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved January 30, 2024.

1. ["Best: First Things – Koda Kumi"](https://music.apple.com/tw/album/best-first-things/272709786) (in Japanese). Japan: [Apple Music](/source/Apple_Music). Retrieved February 6, 2024.

1. ["Best: First Things – Compilation by Koda Kumi"](https://open.spotify.com/album/0yiS1jCuUb99HbM2wD4fiW). [Spotify](/source/Spotify). Retrieved February 6, 2024.

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Best: First Things](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Best%3A_First_Things) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Best%3A_First_Things?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.