The popularity of anime songs is undeniable, which is why years after an anime series has finished, fans go back to it to relive the time when they used to actively follow the series. An example of this would be how people still listen to Blue Bird or Asterisk and think about their Naruto Shippuden or Bleach years, respectively. On the other hand, some of the latest anime songs, like Idol by Yoasobi, have been so popular due to being used in reels or online posts that they are now almost everyone’s latest earworm.
The relationship shared between an anime series and its opening or ending songs is of codependent nature. One cannot exist without the other. Whereas otakus may have seen anime series getting popular, the songs it has will get famous too. Then, there are times when the catchy tunes of a track contribute to the fame of the anime series. But whatever might be the case, 2023 has been a good year for anime songs. Now, that we have reached the sixth month of the year, it’s high time to look back to the anime songs that have impacted the listeners and viewers. Hence, here’s a list of the top 10 anime songs that have made it into Billboards Japan so far.
Kick Back, Dai Zero Kan, and other anime songs that made it big into the Billboard Japan’s list so far
10. Tokyo Shandy Rendezvous (Urusei Yatsura)
The success of the 2022 reanimated version of Urusei Yatsura was exemplary. Although the beautiful, crisp animation of the series was a selling point, the ending song apparently stole the show, if Billboard Japan’s ranking is taken into consideration. For ending 1 of Urusei Yatsura (2022), MAISONdes contributed the song Tokyo Shandy Rendezvous feat. KAF and TSUMIKI.
The catchy beats of the song showed Lum and Ataru’s pictures in a star-shaped frame, a horizontal scroll-like format, etc. Basically, the idea of love blossoming is implied with the way their images are placed and the use of hearts. Although the anime song gained popularity in 2022, it has crawled its way up to 2023 rankings as well.
9. White Noise (Tokyo Revengers)
The second season of Tokyo Revengers opened with the song White Noise by DANdism. Given Tokyo Revengers is a dark series centered around yakuzas, the chaotic rhythm sets the mood of the Christmas Showdown arc. Showing all the major characters from this arc, the video gave glimpses of dramatic tension between the Shiba brothers, Taiju and Hakkai.
But Takemichi and Toman will also join in the conflict to support the latter. Here, a collaboration between Takemichi and Chifuyu takes, and the foreshadowing of their friendship is seen in the opening of Tokyo Revengers season 2 as the two are seen on bike together. The goal is to save Hakkai, which is why they are seen navigating through a busy road to get to their destination.
8. Zankyō Sanka (Demon Slayer’s season 2)
As is appropriate for a season that was as flashy as Tengen-sama, the visually pleasing Entertainment District arc of Demon Slayer had the song Zankyō Sanka by Aimer. After showing all the major characters of this season, the anime song had an explosive array of colors in the form of fireworks, traditional aesthetics of the Edo-based red light district during the night hours, and of course, Tengen-sama, the Sound Hashira.
Like most anime songs, it also gave glimpses of what to expect in the aforementioned, but flashy as it might seem, the arc will see some of the major developments in the main gang – Tanjiro, Nezuko, Inosuke, and Zenitsu – and incredible fights among the Upper Moon Six siblings. Moreover, the arc briefly shows why Tengen Uzui chooses the path of demon slaying from being a ninja.
7. I am invincible (One Piece Film: Red)
Japanese singer Ado’s I am invincible was selected as one of the songs that was included in the setlist of One Piece Film: Red, the latest movie in the anime franchise. In the film, I am invincible was the second song sung by protagonist Uta. The song was played when she was subduing the pirates attempting to capture her.
Although the song is originally by Ado, the aptness of the track in this context was mesmerizing. Taking the events of the film, Uta’s words and lyrics showcased the power of her voice that enabled her to become…well, truly invincible!
6. Shukufuku (Mobile Suit Gundam: Witch from Mercury)
The 15th entry of the Gundam franchise, Mobile Suit Gundam: Witch from Mercury, sees the Yoasobi song Shukukfuku, or The Blessing. Season 1 of the show follows Suletta Mercury leaving her planet to join Asticassia School of Technology, which sees a strange dueling system between students that will eventually lead to Miorine Rembran to be the reward, or fiancee.
However, conflict ensues when Guel Jeturk asks his betrothed, Miorine, to move in with him, which Suletta refuses. This leads to a battle between the two, and though Suletta is detained, she is once again given the chance by Miorine to redeem herself or face expulsion. Although Shukufuku does not explicitly detail the story, but bits and pieces are shown in the 1 min 30 second opening. As such, the electro pop beats of the anime fits well with the sci-fi premise of the song.
5. Mixed Nuts (Spy x Family)
For the first cour of Spy x Family season 1, Mixed Nuts by Official Hige Dandism was chosen as the opening song. With a retro vibe setting that is fit for spy films, the fast-paced animation next introduces an art style that is largely different from the show’s animated episodes.
The artstyle sees Anya being drawn in a childish manner as she runs through various landscapes in bright, block colors. But yes, the song does talk about peanuts, which are Anya’s favorite. As the scene keeps on changing to show Anya’s dreams of an ideal family, the animation returns to the episode’s artstyle and provides an adult perspective on the Forger family,
4. New Genesis (One Piece Film: Red)
The power of Eiichiro Oda’s series is not only reflected in the 1000+ chapters with fantastic worldbuilding but also in the release of One Piece Film: Red. Gushing about the movie’s achievements is a topic for another day. For now, let’s appreciate another song by Ado that was used in One Piece Film: Red – New Genesis. In the context of the film, Uta had played New Genesis as her opening theme, highlighting to the pirates present (and the audience) the power of her voice. Moreover, the relevance of the lyrics tie in to the power of this young girl to create a new world and beginning, ushering in a new genesis!
3. Dai Zero Kan (The First Slam Dunk)
10-FEET’s Dai Zero Kan cannot be any more perfect than it already is for being included in the setlist of The First Slam Dunk movie. The film is lately breaking box office records and achieving new heights. With a focus on Ryouta Miyagi, Shohoku’s point guard, who is infamous for his incredible speed and finesse on the basketball court.
Following his brother’s footsteps, Ryouta’s second year of high school at Shohoku’s basketball team sees him playing alongside Sakuragi, Akagi, Tukawa, and Mitsui. The movie’s climax is the incredible match between Ryouta’s team and the reigning champions, Sannoh Kyogo High School, at the Inter-High School National Championship. Given the exhilarating match between the two schools, as the movie ends, Dai Zero Kan’s energetic beats retain the adrenaline rush of the final match while showing admirable sportsmanship and teamwork.
2. Idol (Oshi no Ko)
Breaking the internet currently is Idol by Yoasobi, whose inclusion as the opening song of Oshi no Ko has been considered revolutionary. As is typical of Yoasobi’s songs, Idol feels like it is being sung by Oshi no Ko’s pop idol, Ai Hoshino, who also happens to be the mother of Aqua and Ruby. Aside from the commentary on the dark realities of the entertainment world, the underlying theme of the narrative is exposing the murderer of the Hoshino twins’ mother.
As each opening beat of the anime song settles, it shows the faces of all the major characters whose roles are impressionable. Slowly, Idol shows small pictures from the anime to give an idea of what awaits the audience. Given the success of the series and how well the song has been received, there is no doubt the song will retain its ranking in Top 3 by the end of this year.
1. Kick Back (Chainsaw Man)
Chainsaw Man, MAPPA’s most ambitious project of 2022, has 12 different endings for each episodes, but the only opening song from season 1 was the most powerful enough to top the charts. Kenshi Yonezu’s Kick Back starts with the sound of chainsaw to set the mood for the hero’s introduction, but what follows is an artistic music video with references from pop culture such as The Big Lebowski, Pulp Fiction, or Denji and Power doing a similar dance like the Hotdog dance from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.
The fun anime song is as interesting as the series’ gore level, which is like a soothing balm that one applies despite knowing the horrors that the show will follow. But Kenshi Yonezu’s song is a massive hit, and everyone digs, including K-pop bands like Stray Kids, so much like Unravel by Tk from Ling Tosite Sigure, may be this song will also go down in history.
