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Introduction
On November 30, 2023, Google Play unveiled the winners of the highly anticipated Google Play Best of 2023 awards, showcasing the most popular content in Japan throughout the year. The awards span various categories, including Best App, Best Game, and several specialized awards reflecting the diverse landscape of mobile applications in the Japanese market.
In a year marked by innovative applications leveraging technology to enhance daily life, Google Play Best of 2023 featured a remarkable array of apps. From beloved classics to mobile versions of popular games and unique features intertwining with daily activities like location tracking and sleep monitoring, the year showcased the expanding possibilities of mobile content. The increasing availability of apps and games seamlessly accessible across multiple devices further contributed to a more immersive experience at home or on the go.
Best App and Game of 2023
The Best App of 2023 award goes to LINEマンガ (LINE Manga), a popular electronic comic service. This app has become a staple for manga enthusiasts, offering a vast collection of manga content. Named the Best Game of 2023, 崩壊：スターレイル (Collapse: Star Rail) stood out as a space fantasy RPG, captivating players with its engaging gameplay.
User’s Choice Awards
In the fiercely contested User’s Choice Awards, where users vote for their favorite apps, Weverse, a community app bridging the gap between artists and fans, took the top spot. Meanwhile, in the gaming category, Pokémon Sleep, proved its popularity by offering an enjoyable approach to improving daily sleep habits.
AI Excellence and Hidden Gems
In the newly introduced AI category, ユビー took home the top prize for its ability to answer user queries related to symptoms and provide information on relevant medical institutions.
The サウナイキタイ service was recognized in the Hidden Gems category, showcasing its popularity in the sauna search service niche.
Indie and Developer Recognition
The Indie category, recognizing games from individual and small-scale developers, celebrated ローグウィズデッド as the grand winner, having also secured a spot in the top three at the Google Play Indie Game Festival.
Other Best App Winners
- Best for Entertainment: LINEマンガ
- Best for Lifestyle: Yahoo!カーナビ – ナビ、渋滞情報も地図も自動更新
- Best for Self-improvement: ファンタスピーク：大人のディズニー英語・英会話アプリ
- Best Hidden Gem: サウナイキタイ
- Best for Social Contribution: TABETE
- Best with AI: ユビー
- Best Multi-device: Spotify: 最新の音楽や人気のポッドキャストが聴けるオーディオストリーミングサービス
- Best for Tablets: 音楽・ライブ配信アプリ AWA
- Best with Wearables: 日本経済新聞 電子版
- Best for Chromebook: Renta!
Other Best Game Award Winners
- Best for Excitement Game: モンスターハンターNow
- Best Cute & Casual Game: Pokémon Sleep
- Best Indie Game: ローグウィズデッド
- Best Story Game: FINAL FANTASY VII EVER CRISIS
- Best Ongoing Game: モンスターストライク
- Best Play Pass: ミリオン オニオン ホテル
- Best for Multi-device: WAR OF THE VISIONS ファイナルファンタジー ブレイブエクスヴィアス 幻影戦争
- Best for Tablets: 勝利の女神：NIKKE
- Best for Chromebooks: 信長の野望 覇道
- Best for Google Play Games on PC: ウマ娘 プリティーダービー
Did your favorites make it to the list? With such a diverse array of winners, the Google Play Best of 2023 showcases the creativity and innovation prevalent in the Japanese app and gaming industry, setting the stage for even more exciting developments in the coming year.
Data source: Google Play Japan
