Chainsaw Man has made history in the anime industry by becoming the first series to receive RIAA certification. This accomplishment is thanks to the popular opening song, "Kick Back" by Kenshi Yonezu, which not only reached gold certification for selling over 500,000 copies but also stands out as a remarkable achievement unmatched by other anime songs. Notably, even highly acclaimed series like One Piece and Demon Slayer have not attained this level of recognition. Despite some mixed opinions about the anime adaptation by MAPPA among fans in Japan and the West, the immense success of this opening song cannot be denied.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for Chainsaw Man.
Chainsaw Man's opening song achieves a massive milestone in the anime industry
The song "Kick Back" by Kenshi Yonezu, featured as the opening theme for Chainsaw Man, has recently achieved a remarkable milestone. It has now attained gold certification from the RIAA, having sold over 500,000 copies. This accomplishment holds significant significance not only because it is a remarkable feat in the music industry as a whole, but also because it marks the first time an anime song has ever reached such heights and received certification.
Considering the multitude of iconic opening anime songs and their widespread success, including recent examples like Oshi No Ko, it is clear how impactful and significant the MAPPA adaptation has been. Despite the company's admission of slightly higher expectations for the first season, it highlights the anime industry's incredible journey towards mainstream recognition. Productions such as this have managed to captivate audiences beyond dedicated anime fans.
The debates about the anime adaptation
The anime adaptation of Tatsuki Fujimoto's manga by MAPPA received enough praise to warrant a second season. However, the changes made by the studio have sparked debates among fans online. Many complaints revolve around the altered tone of certain scenes and the incorporation of a more "Western" style into the anime.
While this creative decision was well-received by some, particularly in the West, Japanese fans had a harder time adjusting to the new approach. Director Ryu Nakayama played a significant role in this change, with everyone involved in the project putting in a considerable amount of passion and investment from MAPPA. As for what the future holds for the next season, no concrete plans have been made, but it is undeniable that this season has been divisive.
Editor's P/S
Chainsaw Man's achievement of RIAA certification for its opening song, "Kick Back" by Kenshi Yonezu, is truly remarkable and speaks to the immense popularity and impact of the series.
This accomplishment not only solidifies Chainsaw Man's place in anime history but also highlights the growing recognition and mainstream acceptance of anime as a cultural force.
The heated debates among fans and critics regarding the anime adaptation further demonstrate the passionate engagement and investment that Chainsaw Man has generated.
While some may critique the changes made by MAPPA in the adaptation, the fact that it has sparked such discussions and conversations showcases the significance and relevance of the series.
Overall, Chainsaw Man's success and the discussions surrounding it underscore its status as a standout anime that continues to push boundaries and captivate audiences worldwide.