As we are halfway through 2023, Billboard Japan has revealed the top 10 anime songs dominating the charts, offering an exciting glimpse into the tastes of the music-listening anime fans.
The song that stands at the top of the charts for the first half of 2023 is none other than Kenshi Yonezu’s “KICK BACK,” the electric opening theme of the Fall 2022 anime adaptation, Chainsaw Man.
KICK BACK debuted at first place on Billboard Japan’s Hot Animation chart in October 2022 and maintained that position for a staggering 21 consecutive weeks, outstripping the previous 16-week record held by LiSA’s “Gurenge,” the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba opening theme.
This achievement is not only a testament to Yonezu’s musical prowess but also shows how popular Chainsaw Man anime series is.
“KICK BACK” also clinched second place on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart, a testament to the song’s popularity beyond the confines of anime.
YOASOBI’s “Idol,” the opening theme for OSHI NO KO, took the second spot on the Hot Animation chart.
It is also worth noting that “Idol” has been making its mark on various other Billboard Japan’s charts, including the Hot 100, Tiktok Weekly Top 20, Streaming Songs, Top User Generated Songs, Hot Animation, and Download Songs.
Also Read: Unexpected Connection of Chainsaw Man & Oshi no Ko
The opening of Oshi no Ko, “Idol” by YOASOBI, also made another record, reaching #1 on Billboard’s global chart! (excluding US) It’s the first time a Japanese song has reached the top of the list.
Here is the top 10 list for the streamed anime songs for the first half of 2023:
- “KICK BACK” by Kenshi Yonezu – Chainsaw Man TV anime adaptation Opening Theme
- “Idol” by YOASOBI – OSHI NO KO’s Opening Theme
- “Dai Zero Kan” by 10-FEET – The First Slam Dunk’s Ending Theme
- “New Genesis (Uta from One Piece Film Red)” by Ado – One Piece Film Red’s Theme Song
- “Mixed Nuts” by Official HIGE DANdism – Spy x Family’s first Opening Theme
- “The Blessing” by YOASOBI – Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch of Mercury Season 1 Opening Theme
- “I’m Invincible (Uta from One Piece Film Red)” by Ado – One Piece Film Red song
- “Zankyosanka” by Aimer – Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Season 2 second Opening Theme
- “White Noise” by Official HIGE DANdism – Tokyo Revengers: Christmas Showdown Opening Theme
- “Tokyo Shandy Rendez-vous feat. KAF, Tsumiki” by MAISONdes – Urusei Yatsura [2022] first Ending Theme
Another exciting tidbit is Billboard Japan’s most downloaded album for the first half of 2023: the Bocchi the Rock! Kessoku Band album.
Released in December 2022, the album’s success has continued into 2023, indicating the lasting appeal of the Fall 2022 anime series Bocchi the Rock!
By the way, what was your favorite anime opening from the first half of 2023? Let us know your opinion in the comment section below.
Source: Twitter
