23rd Monster explained

23rd Monster
Cover:	23rd Monster.png
Type:	single
Artist:	Ayumi Hamasaki
Album:	Remember You
Recorded:	2021
Genre:	J-pop rock
Length:	3:46
Label:	Avex Trax
Prev Title:	Haru Yo, Koi
Prev Year:	2021
Next Title:	Nonfiction
Next Year:	2022

"23rd Monster" is a song by Japanese singer-songwriter Ayumi Hamasaki. It was released as a digital single only on April 8, 2021, marking the singer's 23rd anniversary since her debut with the single Poker Face in 1998.

The song debuted at number 2 on the Oricon Daily Digital Singles Chart upon release, and peaked at number 29 on the Oricon Weekly Digital Singles Chart.

Background

On April 7, 2021, it was announced that a new song called "23rd Monster" would be released as a digital single on April 8, 2021, to commemorate the singer's 23rd anniversary.

Initially, Hamasaki wanted to announce the song on April 8 at midnight. However, she decided to reveal the information on April 7, at 10 pm. This was caused by people overseas being able to hear the song earlier, which resulted in information about the song spreading online before the planned announcement.^[1]

Writing and production

The song's lyrics were written by Hamasaki while composition was handled by Kazuhiro Hara.^[2]

Lyrically, the song is about choosing your own path in life, while also dealing with the current social situation.^[1]

Release

The song was released on digital platforms and streaming services at midnight on April 8, 2021.^[3]

Music video

A video titled "浜崎あゆみ / 23rd Monster (MV teaser -episode 0-)" was also uploaded on Hamasaki's official YouTube channel on April 8, 2021, at midnight. It lasts one minute and 21 seconds, and was described to feature a "mysterious countdown", as well as dancers performing "an aggressive choreography."^[4] The music video for the song was released on June 18, 2021.

Promotion

The song was performed for the first time on TV on the first night of FNS Laugh and Music Festival on August 28, 2021.^[5]

Commercial performance

The song debuted at number two on the Oricon Daily Digital Single Chart with 2,276 copies sold.^[6] With four day's worth of sales due to its being released in the middle of the charting week, it entered the Oricon Weekly Digital Singles Chart at number 29, having sold 3,236 downloads.^[7]

Additionally, "23rd Monster" debuted at 30 on the Billboard Japan Top Download Songs chart.^[8]

Track listing

Digital download

Charts

Chart (2021)	Peak Position
Oricon Daily Digital Singles Chart	2
Oricon Weekly Digital Singles Chart	29
Billboard Japan Top Download Songs	30

Notes and References

1. Web site: https://www.oricon.co.jp/news/2189826/full/. ja:浜崎あゆみ、デビュー23周年記念日に新曲ゲリラリリース 1年ぶり有観客ライブも発表. . April 8, 2021. Oricon Music. ja. The sudden release of a new song commemorating 23 years since Ayumi Hamasaki's debut, as well as her first concert with spectators since last year. April 8, 2021.
2. Web site: https://news.dwango.jp/music/60474-2104. ja:浜崎あゆみ デビュー23周年迎えた日、ニューシングルをサプライズリリース. . April 8, 2021. news.dwango.jp. ja. Ayumi Hamasaki surprise release of new single on the day of the 23rd anniversary of her debut. April 8, 2021.
3. Web site: https://avex.jp/ayu/news/detail.php?id=1090728. ja:ニューシングル「23rd Monster」本日より配信スタート！. . April 8, 2021. Avex.jp. ja. The new single "23rd Monster" will be released today!. April 8, 2021.
4. Web site: https://www.barks.jp/news/?id=1000199612. ja:浜崎あゆみ、ニューシングルゲリラリリース。有観客ライブの開催も発表. . April 8, 2021. BARKS Japan Music Network. ja. The release of Ayumi Hamasaki's new digital single, as well as the announcement of a concert with an audience. April 8, 2021.
5. Web site: 『FNSラフ＆ミュージック』内容が続々解禁！Snow Man「EVOLUTION」、乃木坂46「君に叱られた」などテレビ初パフォーマンス. August 27, 2021. fujitv-view.jp. ja. April 23, 2020.
6. Web site: デジタルシングル（単曲）ランキング (2021年04月08日付). April 9, 2021. Oricon. ja. Daily Digital Single (single song) ranking (April 8, 2021). live. https://web.archive.org/web/20210409141236/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/dis/d/2021-04-08/. April 9, 2021. April 9, 2021.
7. Web site: ja:週間 デジタルシングル（単曲）ランキング 2021年04月19日付 （2021年04月05日～2021年04月11日） . April 14, 2021 . . ja . Weekly Digital Single (single song) ranking April 14, 2021 (From April 5, 2021 to April 11, 2021) . https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/dis/w/2021-04-19/ . April 14, 2021. Alt URL
8. Billboard Japan Top Download Songs. . Japanese . April 14, 2021 . April 14, 2021.