YOASOBI breaks records with Idol
YOASOBI breaks records with Idol: The song that conquered the world!
The Japanese duo YOASOBI never ceases to amaze us. His track "Idol," released on April 12, 2023, has reached impressive milestones in record time, establishing itself as one of the most iconic songs in J-pop today.
A meteoric rise
Since its release, "Idol" quickly rose to the top of the music charts. In Japan, it topped the Oricon Combined Singles Chart and the Billboard Japan Hot 100, remaining at the top for 22 non-consecutive weeks, an unprecedented achievement in the history of these charts.
Globally, the song made history by becoming the first Japanese-language song to reach number one on the Billboard Global Excl. US and in reaching the seventh spot on the Billboard Global 200, the highest position for a Japanese artist to date.
The secret behind success
"Idol" stands out not only for its catchy melody, but also for its lyrical depth. Based on the short story "45510" by Aka Akasaka, the song explores the duality of stars in the Japanese idol industry, showing the different perspectives on the central character, Ai Hoshino.
The combination of genres such as J-pop, hip-hop, rock and video game music, along with the inclusion of gospel-style choirs and shouts from the Real Akiba Boyz group, give it a unique richness of sound that has captured the attention of listeners around the world.
Recognitions and awards
The impact of "Idol" has been recognized with multiple awards:
- MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2023Best Animation Video and Song of the Year.
- Crunchyroll Anime Awards: Best Anime Song.
- Japan Gold Disc AwardSong of the Year by Downloads and Streaming.
- Gold Award in the JASRAC Awards 2024.
A phenomenon on digital platforms
The animated music video, directed by Naoya Nakayama, was released on April 13, 2023 and surpassed 100 million views in about a month, the fastest to do so among Japanese artists.
In addition, "Idol" broke streaming records, reaching 500 million plays in just 295 days, earning diamond certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is YOASOBI's song "Idol" about?
The song explores the duality of stars in the Japanese idol industry, showing different perspectives on the central character, Ai Hoshino, and highlighting the difference between her public image and her private life.
What records has "Idol" broken?
"Idol" held the top spot on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 for 22 non-consecutive weeks, the longest period in the chart's history. It is also the first Japanese-language song to top the Billboard Global Excl. US and reached the seventh spot on the Billboard Global 200, the highest position for a Japanese artist.
What awards has "Idol" won?
It has been awarded Best Anime Video and Song of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards Japan 2023, Best Anime Song at the Crunchyroll Anime Awards, and Song of the Year for Downloads and Streaming at the Japan Gold Disc Awards, among others.
Personal opinion
It is impressive how YOASOBI has managed to fuse a profound narrative with innovative musical composition, creating a work that resonates both in Japan and abroad. "Idol" is not only a catchy song, but also a reflection on the complexity of fame in idol culture.
Conclusion
YOASOBI's "Idol" has marked a before and after in Japanese music, breaking cultural and linguistic barriers to connect with a global audience. Its success is testament to the power of music to tell universal stories that touch people's hearts.
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