Google recently published its annual list of the most popular online search topics across various categories in 2023. In an indication of anime and manga’s growing mainstream appeal worldwide, two Japanese pop culture entries broke into the top rankings.
In the music category, the Japanese pop duo YOASOBI was the number one most-searched music act globally this year. Propelling interest in the relatively unknown group was their song “Idol,” which is used as the opening theme song for the popular anime series Oshi no Ko.
The prominence of an anime-related artist at the very top of the music charts demonstrates how large the international audience has become for Japanese pop culture.
Additionally, in the TV show category, the iconic pirate anime One Piece came in fourth place for the most searched show around the world.
First premiering in 1999, One Piece has managed to capture the imagination of viewers across multiple generations with its grand world-building and lengthy story arcs.
Despite facing competition from new hit shows like The Last of Us and Wednesday which took the first and second spots, seeing a decades-old anime like One Piece sustain such popularity shows how anime has remarkable staying power.
As we wrap up 2023, expect to see these anime-inspired searches continue to drive broader trends into the new year. Anime and manga have clearly carved out a major niche in the global consciousness.
Top Global Google Searches in 2023 Unveil Two Hot Terms
In truth, YOASOBI only stepped into the anime limelight in 2021, lending their indie pop talents to the second season of anthropomorphic sensation BEASTARS.
But 2022 catapulted this unassuming Japanese duo to global fame seemingly overnight with one iconic anime opening – “Idol” for Oshi no Ko.
Oshi no Ko was a cultural phenomenon in its own right, tugging heartstrings with its complex family bonds while peeling back the dark underbelly of the idol industry.
Even so, its OP song became the real showstopper both at home and abroad. By early July, “Idol” had impressively seized the #1 spot on YouTube’s Global Top Songs chart for the very first time.
Not to mention, the Japanese public couldn’t get enough – streaming the infectious track a groundbreaking 100 million plus times within just weeks of its release.
Before this fateful pairing of music and animation, YOASOBI were still rising talents finding their footing. But with one perfect song match, they’ve cemented their star status.
Now the duo is anime music royalty with no signs of slowing down. Every new theme they bless accrues legions of fans. Who knows what their next killer collaboration will unveil?
YOASOBI Continues Anime Music Dominance
On the heels of their showstopping “Idol” hit in 2022, indie pop duo YOASOBI have wasted no time cementing their status as go-to anime music maestros. Just this year, they lent their creative flair to fantasy tearjerker Frieren’s opening theme “Yusha” – and once again worked their audio magic.
Frieren tells the wistful tale of an elf mage who watches her human comrades fade as she remains preserved in youth.
Like “Idol,” the accompanying OP song “Yusha” quickly won YouTube fame with over 42 million views to date. Clearly, YOASOBI has a keen talent for matching melodies to the emotional heart of an anime.
And with two certified banger themes now under their belt and counting, these rising stars show no signs of stopping.
Each new YOASOBI x anime collab feels like an event – a guarantee their signature sound will capture old and new fans alike. They’ve cracked the code in striking that poignant balance between music and moving visuals.
So for an anime seeking to make a splash, having a YOASOBI headline looks to be a surefire way to success. More smash hits surely await this duo as they ride their unprecedented wave of popularity across generations.
One Piece Anime Celebrates 25 Years with Gear 5 Revelation and Wano Wrap Party
The year 2023 proved monumental for the sprawling pirate epic One Piece across mediums.
Earlier in the year, loyal fans of the long-running anime from studio Toei finally got to see protagonist Luffy activate his long-teased Gear 5 form on screen for the first time during his climatic showdown against the Wano Country arc’s main villain, Emperor Kaido.
Toei recently held a major wrap party at their studios to celebrate the anime finally concluding the years-long Wano storyline.
This event also honored One Piece nearing its 25th anniversary on air – a remarkable milestone for any series. The original manga and anime first debuted in 1997 and 1999 respectively, making 2024 the 25th anniversary year.
Even as the anime prepares to commemorate this legacy, the story continues sailing full steam ahead. Part 1 of One Piece’s final saga, the Egghead Island arc, will kick off this coming January.
Meanwhile, in 2023, Netflix aired a live-action adaptation of the early East Blue storyline that earned strong fan praise – leading the streaming giant to quickly announce a 2nd season.
