Although not always appreciated the same way as the overall show is, the intro music of an anime such as 2023’s hitOshi No Kois just as important. When the adaptation of Akasa Aka and Mengo Yokari’s world-famous manga was released, it surprised the world with an opening theme that became an instant classic.
Few people around the world have not at least heard of YOASOBI’sIdol, a song that will forever be remembered for the impact it had on the anime community. More than 2 years after its release, this theme continues to make history,becoming the first anime song to be included in Apple’s Top 500 Streamed Songs.
Oshi No Ko’s Main Theme Is Among the Most Streamed Songs
This Amazing Song Is the First Anime Theme To Reach This Goal
When theOshi No Koanime, an adaptation of one ofYen Press' best manga, was released, fans were enchanted by its vibrant but somber plot. While the series has many commendable aspects that make it a worthy watch, its intro theme has always been quite popular among viewers, thanks to its catchy music and memorable lyrics.
The songIdol, by the iconic duo YOASOBI, is often consideredone of the best anime songsever released, a sentiment that has not been forgotten over the last couple of years. Recently, Apple Music announced that this beloved song has made history by becoming the first theme linked to the industry to be included among its 500 most-streamed songs.
While not the first Japanese song found on this list, this incredible theme is the first time a song created for a popular anime has become so successful online. This achievement was likely the combination of many factors, with YOASOBI’s already massive popularity on the online scene being one of the most important.
Japanese Artists Worry About This Achievement
The Industry Does Not Want Anime To Be Its Moving Force
Even thoughIdol’s induction into one of Apple Music’s most prestigious lists is without a doubt a cause for celebration, it has also been a source of stress for many Japanese artists. The manager ofAdo, one of anime’s biggest singers, Takuya Chigira, made his feelings about the situation clear soon after the news was released.
…I felt a sense of crisis about approaching things through anime first and Japanese music becoming synonymous with anime…
- Takuya Chigira
He recognized the importance of this award, but explained that using anime as a medium to share Japanese music could become an issue.Artists from Chigara’s home country are still not as valued on the international stage as Western musicians.As such, it is worrying that only music tied to anime has a fighting chance of becoming popular.
Oshi No Ko’s impact on anime culture is undeniable, being one of the shows that helpsanime no longer be considered a niche hobby. Still, using Japanese animation to promote artists might end up being prejudicial to the industry in the future. Nevertheless, its latest achievement is one that fans of the hit series must celebrate.
