If you are a fan of anime and music, you must have heard about Oshi No Ko, a captivating manga adaptation by Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari that delves into the lives of idols in the entertainment industry. Since its premiere in April 2023, the anime has garnered immense praise for its gripping storyline, stunning animation, and remarkable soundtrack.

But here’s something you might not know: the opening theme song of Oshi No Ko, titled “Idol” and performed by YOASOBI, has made history by becoming the first Japanese song to top the Billboard Global chart (excluding U.S.). This incredible achievement is even more remarkable considering that the Billboard Global chart ranks songs based on streaming and sales activity from over 200 territories worldwide.

So, what factors contributed to the global success of this song? Let’s dive into the elements behind its popularity.

The Power of YOASOBI

YOASOBI is a Japanese duo consisting of vocalist ikura and producer Ayase. Renowned for creating songs based on short stories or novels, often with dark or emotional themes, YOASOBI’s music style seamlessly blends pop, rock, and electronic genres. Their catchy melodies and powerful vocals have captivated listeners worldwide.

YOASOBI rose to fame in 2020 with their hit song “Yoru ni Kakeru,” which was inspired by a novel written by Mayo Hoshino. The song went viral on various platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, and Spotify, and garnered several prestigious awards, including the Japan Record Award for Best New Artist.

Since then, YOASOBI has released several songs inspired by novels or manga, such as “Kaibutsu,” “Gunjo,” and “Haruka.” Their compositions have been featured as theme songs for popular anime and live-action adaptations like Beastars, Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop, and Tokyo Revengers.

“Idol” is YOASOBI’s latest song based on a manga, specifically Oshi No Ko. The song beautifully captures the essence of the manga’s narrative, which revolves around the dreams and struggles of idols in the showbiz industry. With its upbeat tempo and uplifting chorus, “Idol” truly expresses the determination of these idols to shine on stage.

The song, along with its accompanying music video featuring scenes from the anime, was released on April 12, 2023. Already, the music video has amassed over 140 million views on YouTube as of June 14.

The Impact of Billboard

Billboard, one of the most influential music media outlets globally, holds significant sway in the music industry. Beyond publishing various music charts based on different criteria such as sales, streams, radio airplay, and social media engagement, Billboard also covers music-related news, reviews, interviews, and events.

In September 2020, Billboard introduced the Billboard Global charts to reflect the worldwide popularity of songs across different regions and markets. Updated on a weekly basis, these charts compile data collected by Luminate from over 200 territories.

The Billboard Global chart (excluding U.S.) ranks songs based on streaming and sales activity from all territories except the United States. On the other hand, the Billboard Global 200 chart encompasses streaming and sales activity from all territories, including the United States.

“Idol” made its debut at No. 6 on the Billboard Global chart (excluding U.S.) on May 22 and climbed to the top spot on June 5. This historic achievement makes it the first Japanese song ever to reach the summit of the chart. Furthermore, the song reached No. 9 on the Billboard Global 200 chart on June 5 after the release of its English-language version on May 26.

The remarkable success of “Idol” on the Billboard charts has garnered worldwide attention and recognition for both YOASOBI and Oshi No Ko. This achievement has also significantly boosted the popularity of Japanese music and culture among global audiences.

The Future of Oshi No Ko and YOASOBI

With “Idol” etching its name in Billboard history, Oshi No Ko and YOASOBI have solidified their positions as influential forces in the anime and music scenes. As a result, both have attracted a larger fan base spanning various countries and platforms.

Currently, Oshi No Ko’s first season is airing on HIDIVE, receiving praise from critics and viewers alike for its thrilling storyline, realistic characters, and stunning visuals. The manga is also available to read online on Manga Plus and in print through Yen Press.

Meanwhile, YOASOBI is gearing up for their first-ever performance in the United States at the Head in the Clouds Festival in Los Angeles in August. Additionally, they are working on new songs inspired by novels or manga, as well as producing original compositions. Their excitement and gratitude toward their fans and upcoming projects are palpable.

“Idol” serves as an anthem, celebrating the passion and perseverance of idols in the entertainment industry. It showcases the immense talent and creativity of YOASOBI and Oshi No Ko, leaving an indelible mark on Billboard’s history and inspiring millions of people worldwide.

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