Opening theme songs are essential to any anime series. From establishing the vibe of the anime to introducing the plot and characters, anime opening songs encapsulate the spirit of the series. So, let’s have a look at the best anime openings of 2023!
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Here Are the Epicstream Anime Awards' Nominees for the Best Anime Opening of 2023
The year 2023 has given us some of the finest anime series alongside great opening songs.
So, here are the nominees for the best anime opening of 2023 as part of the Epicstream Anime Awards.
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2: Shibuya Incident Arc – SPECIALZ by King Gnu
SPECIALZ by the Japanese band King Gnu is the opening theme of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2’s Shibuya Incident arc.
King Gnu is a four-piece outfit comprising Daiki Tsuneta on guitars and vocals, Kazuki Arai on bass, Yu Seki on drums and sampler, and Satoru Iguchi on keys and vocals.
The band describes their music as “Tokyo New Mixture”, and it is evident in the composition of SPECIALZ, which has a modern production that truly symbolizes the essence of the Shibuya Incident arc.
Skip and Loafer – Mellow by Keina Suda
Mellow is the lively opening theme song of Skip and Loafer. The opening song is performed by Keina Suda, a Japanese singer-songwriter known for fusing alt-pop and jazzy rhythms into his songs.
Main characters Mitsumi Iwakura and Sousuke Shima dance in the opening theme of Skip and Loafer in an adorable sequence.
Oshi no Ko – Idol by YOASOBI
A global hit in every sense, Idol took the anime world by storm due to its infectious energy and performance.
YOASOBI, the super duo that performed Idol, comprises singer-songwriter Ikura and Vocaloid producer Ayase.
Hell’s Paradise – WORK by Millennium Parade
WORK, also written asＷ●ＲＫ, is next in the running to become the best anime opening theme song of 2023.
Composed and performed by the alternative group Millennium Parade, the song also features singer-songwriter Sheena Ringo.
Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2: Hidden Inventory/Premature Death Arc – Ao no Sumika by Tatsuya Kitani
Ao no Sumika (Where Our Blue Is) is the opening theme of Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2's Hidden Inventory/Premature Death arc.
The song is composed and performed by Tatsuya Kitani, who is a noted lyricist, arranger, composer, and singer-songwriter.
He is also the bass player of a three-member band called sajou no hana.
And, the Best Anime Opening of 2023 Is…
Idol from Oshi no Ko! YOASOBI’s Idol intricately delves into the multifaceted art of being an idol.
The song serves as a poignant reminder that the idol industry is extremely unforgiving.
The theme of Idol brilliantly aligns with the narrative of the series, providing a compelling reflection of the challenging world it showcases.
Idol has all the bells and whistles, making it Epicstream Anime Awards’ best anime opening of 2023.
What’s your favorite anime opening this year? Share your best anime opening choices with us on X (formerly Twitter) @epicstreamanime and @subarashiibaka.