The first two seasons of 2023 saw lots of hit shows with memorable songs. Unexpectedly though, it’s not a 2023 anime song that topped the charts. Instead, a song from Chainsaw Man is the top anime song on the Billboard Japan chart for the first half of 2023.
Aside from the biggest song, the most downloaded album according to Billboard Japan’s data also belongs to an anime series from 2022.
Billboard Japan’s Top Downloaded Album Is From a 2022 Anime
Recently, it was revealed that the Bocchi the Rock! Kessoku Band album, which was released in December 2022, was Billboard Japan’s most downloaded album for the first half of 2023.
This is an impressive stat, especially considering that the chart is not just anime music albums. Instead, it is for all albums released in the country.
While this may be a surprise to some, it makes sense when you consider how huge of a hit Bocchi the Rock! was when it aired in Fall 2022.
Thanks to its popularity, there was even a new single that was released recently which featured two brand-new songs.
These songs were also performed live during the anime’s recent concert at ZEPP Haneda in Tokyo.
Even with its success, there’s no word yet on a second season, and it’s expected that a Season 2 renewal may be quite a ways away.
Interestingly, despite the success of the album, it wasn’t a Bocchi song that topped Billboard Japan’s anime chart. In fact, no Kessoku Band song reached the top spots.
READ MORE: Bocchi the Rock! Complete Song List, Artists, and Where to Listen
Chainsaw Man OP Kick Back Is the Biggest Anime Song in the First Half of 2023
Recently, Billboard Japan announced the top anime songs of the first half of 2023.
While some might expect songs from Oshi no Ko to top the ranking, it was actually a Chainsaw Man song that took the first spot.
Specifically, the opening song Kick Back by Kenshi Yonezu took the top place. Though it was followed by YOASOBI’s Idol, which is just as big of a hit.
Other songs in the top 10 include The First Slam Dunk’s ending theme, One Piece Red’s New Genesis, and Spy x Family's first opening song Mixed Nuts.
What’s surprising is that the Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc opening Zankyosanka by Aimer was part of the top 10 despite being over a year old now.
Meanwhile, similar to Bocchi, there’s no word yet on a second season for Chainsaw Man.
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READ NEXT: Where to Start Reading Chainsaw Man After the Anime
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