The Spotify Wrapped 2023 results, unveiled on November 30, were hardly surprising as Oshi no Ko opening theme, “Idol” by YOASOBI, secured the top spot. Since its release in April 2023, the track has consistently dominated on Spotify.
It’s a common trend for anime theme songs to perform well on Spotify. However, YOASOBI’s Oshi no Ko Opening Theme third single achieved exceptional success, reigning over Japan’s daily charts for an impressive three-month period from April to July 2023. Moreover, the single received nominations and clinched several prestigious awards in Japan, including The Best Anime Video and Song of the Year at VMA Japan 2023.
The question arises: What sets this single apart and makes it so exceptional?
YOASOBI’s Oshi no Ko Opening Theme is Spotify’s most-played Song in Japan
Oshi no Ko stands out as one of the most significant anime adaptations in 2023, and surprisingly, its Oshi no Ko opening theme song has eclipsed its success.
To those unfamiliar with Oshi no Ko’s theme song, the assertion might appear unlikely. However, with its bubble-gum pop melody and infectious electronic beats, the song has managed to linger in the public’s consciousness for nearly a year.
Making headlines in July by achieving a new milestone on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 list with an impressive 14 consecutive weeks at the number one spot, Oshi no Ko has continued to strengthen its position. It currently holds the distinction of being the sole song to maintain the top position on Billboard Japan’s charts for a remarkable 20 consecutive weeks.
Within three months of its release, the song also amassed an astounding 300 million total streams, shattering Billboard Japan’s record for the fastest single to reach this milestone.
The success story extends further. Idol, known for its vibrant and upbeat sound, has played a significant role in Japan’s 2023 musical landscape on Spotify. The song, which highlights the challenges faced by idols in the entertainment industry, resonates with Japanese pop culture. It not only topped the charts as the most streamed song in Japan but also secured the second position as the most streamed Japanese song internationally.
Who is YOASOBI?
Renowned for their record-breaking chart-toppers like “Idol” and “Into The Night,” the musical duo YOASOBI is carving a niche for themselves in the anime realm. Are you familiar with any of their theme songs?
Comprising vocalist Ikura and Vocaloid producer Ayase, this dynamic duo was established in 2019, initiating a spellbinding journey that resulted in multiple electro-pop hits.
In line with many J-Pop groups, YOASOBI is well-acquainted with the anime scene, where contributing a theme song appears almost as a rite of passage for Japanese musicians. In addition to the chart-topping track “Idol” from Oshi no Ko opening theme song, YOASOBI has lent their talent to the opening and ending theme songs for the second season of BEASTARS, the opening theme for Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch From Mercury anime, and the current opening theme for Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, titled “Yusha.”
While none of these have achieved the stratospheric success of “Idol,” the fact that YOASOBI Oshi no Ko opening theme song holds the distinction of being Japan’s most streamed artist internationally for three consecutive years underscores how anime is playing a pivotal role in elevating J-Pop to global recognition.
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