Have you heard the captivating opening theme song “Idol” by YOASOBI for the anime adaptation of Aka Akasaka and Mengo Yokoyari’s Oshi no Ko manga? Well, you’re about to be blown away! This incredible song has shattered records and taken the anime world by storm. Let’s dive into the phenomenal success of Yoasobi’s “Idol” and its groundbreaking achievements.

Breaking Records and Winning Hearts

YOASOBI’s “Idol” has skyrocketed in popularity, racking up an astonishing 403,127,806 streams, according to Oricon’s weekly streaming ranking chart. In fact, it has been streamed a mind-blowing 16,618,575 times in the past week alone!

This catchy tune has dominated the chart for an impressive 19 consecutive weeks since April, making it the third-longest-running song at the top. Only HiGE DANdism’s “Pretender” (34 weeks) and Aimyon’s “Marigold” (20 weeks) have achieved longer reigns. “Idol” is also the fastest song to surpass 400 million streams, achieving this milestone in record time. It outpaced HiGE DANdism’s “Subtitle,” which took 32 weeks to reach the same feat. Notably, “Idol” set records for reaching 100 million streams in five weeks, 200 million in nine weeks, and 300 million in 13 weeks. Oricon has been tracking these achievements since December 2018.

This isn’t YOASOBI’s first rodeo when it comes to smashing streaming records. “Idol” marks their fourth song to surpass 400 million streams, joining the ranks of “Yoru ni Kakeru/Racing Into the Night,” “Kaibutsu/Monster,” and “Gunjō/Blue.” However, they still trail behind HiGE DANdism, who holds the crown with five songs reaching this milestone.

Unprecedented Streaks and Worldwide Recognition

Impressively, “Idol” has maintained its popularity, amassing over 10 million weekly streams for a staggering 19 consecutive weeks. This remarkable streak is the longest in the history of Oricon’s chart, surpassing HiGE DANdism’s “Subtitle,” which achieved it for 18 consecutive weeks. Moreover, during 12 of these 19 weeks (from May to July), “Idol” even surpassed 20 million streams!

The success of “Idol” extends beyond Japan’s borders. It claimed the top spot on Apple’s Music Top 100: Global chart on June 21. Additionally, the song debuted at number one on Billboard Japan’s streaming song chart, making an impressive debut on April 19. It subsequently climbed the ranks, peaking at number six on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart after an English version was released. For the first time in history, a Japanese song topped the Global Excl. U.S. chart, showcasing the international appeal of Yoasobi’s music. Notably, “Idol” also reached number seven on the US Billboard’s Global 200 chart, the highest ranking ever achieved by a Japanese artist.

YouTube also witnessed the power of “Idol,” as it secured the top spot on the Global Top Song music chart for the June 30-July 6 week. The song’s popularity surged by a staggering 22.3%, reaching 41.9 million views in that week alone.

The Perfect Accompaniment to an Outstanding Anime

The Yoasobi fever ignited when the anime adaptation of Oshi no Ko premiered in Japan on April 12. With a captivating 90-minute first episode, the anime concluded its first season on June 28, leaving fans eagerly awaiting the upcoming second season. HIDIVE, the streaming service, experienced unprecedented success, labeling Oshi no Ko as its “#1 series launch in the streamer’s history.” They even provided an English dub for international fans.

Behind the scenes, director Daisuke Hiramaki (Selection Project) and Chao Nekotomi (Love is Like a Cocktail) brought this phenomenal anime to life at Doga Kobo. Jin Tanaka (The Misfit of Demon King Academy) skillfully handled the series scripts, while Kanna Hirayama (Rent-A-Girlfriend) designed the characters that stole our hearts.

A Marvelous Fusion of Manga and Music

Aka Akasaka, the brilliant mind behind Kaguya-sama: Love is War, penned the short story “45510,” serving as the inspiration for YOASOBI’s “Idol” song. With such a powerful collaboration, it’s no wonder “Idol” resonates with fans on such a deep level.

The manga itself, created by Akasaka and Yokoyari (Scum’s Wish), debuted in Shueisha’s Weekly Young Jump magazine in April 2020. It quickly became a sensation, winning first place in the seventh “Next Manga Awards” and the Best General Manga category in the 46th annual Kodansha Manga Awards. The series also received nominations for the Tezuka Osamu Cultural Prize and the Manga Taisho Awards. In the male readers’ edition of Takarajimasha’s Kono Manga ga Sugoi! guidebook, it proudly claimed the seventh spot on the top 20 list. With over 3 million copies in circulation, this manga is a force to be reckoned with.

Conclusion

YOASOBI’s “Idol” has captivated the world with its infectious melody and heartfelt lyrics. From breaking streaming records to achieving global recognition, this song has solidified its place in the anime music hall of fame. The success of the opening theme only adds to the glory of the Oshi no Ko anime adaptation, which has taken the industry by storm. As we eagerly anticipate the second season, let Yoasobi’s enchanting melodies continue to resonate in our hearts.

Source: Oricon

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