Kenshi Yonezu Popular Songs Ranking [2026]

viviYonezu Kenshi11rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu MV 'vivi'

Putting it into words might turn it into a lie.

This song is filled with that kind of bittersweet feeling.

Included on Kenshi Yonezu’s album “diorama,” released in May 2012, it showcases his talents as a singer-songwriter to the fullest.

It remains a beloved work among fans as one of the pivotal pieces marking his transition from a Vocaloid producer.

Centered on themes of love, parting, and emotions that defy verbal expression, it resonates deeply with listeners.

It’s a perfect track for those experiencing the struggles of romance or the difficulties of communication.

When you’re holding unspoken feelings in your heart, give it a listen.

Ghost of the SeaYonezu Kenshi12rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Spirits of the Sea

How about a beautiful, dreamlike world that feels as if you’re sinking into the deep sea? This is a song by Kenshi Yonezu, a leading figure in the J-pop scene.

Its weighty orchestration blends with processed vocals, enveloping you in a curious, otherworldly sensation as you listen.

The lyrics, which evoke the presence of precious things unseen, stir a quiet sense of emotion.

Released as a digital single in June 2019, the track was written as the theme song for the animated film Children of the Sea, and it is also included on the album STRAY SHEEP.

Yonezu has been a fan of the original manga since his teens and had long hoped to create a song for its adaptation.

It’s a piece filled with respect for the original author.

Perfect for when you want to forget the everyday and surrender yourself to an overwhelming wave of sound.

electric shockYonezu Kenshi13rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Electric Shock

It’s a fast-paced, jazz-tinged track released in 2020.

It was written specifically as the theme song for the TBS Friday drama “MIU404.” The song is sung with a somewhat languid feel, and adding falls could give it an even more stylish vibe.

Since it’s basically a song you can sing in chest voice, letting the tone taper off at the ends of phrases or shifting from chest voice to breathy tones should naturally create falls.

A delivery that holds the pitch to create some tension and then gently drops at the very end also seems to suit the song well.

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Kubota Mami

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IRIS OUTYonezu Kenshi14rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – IRIS OUT

This is a song by Kenshi Yonezu written as the theme for the animated film “Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc,” set to be released in September 2025.

Following the TV anime’s theme song “KICK BACK,” the renewed collaboration with MAPPA also drew attention.

The piece is striking for its worldview that keenly interprets the emotions of characters drawn by the original creator, along with a powerful rhythm that drives intense battles and a thrilling progression.

Its fast, aggressive rock sound is perfect for belting out at karaoke.

Why not sing it with your whole body while enjoying its dramatic structure that links to the film’s world?

globeYonezu Kenshi15rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Spinning Globe

A song by Kenshi Yonezu written as the theme for How Do You Live?, the film directed by Studio Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki.

It took about four years to produce and was released as a CD single in July 2023.

Interweaving deep respect for Miyazaki with Yonezu’s own outlook on life, the piece features a gentle sound centered on piano and strings.

Its simple melody, incorporating the yo scale, heightens a sense of nostalgia and poignancy.

The lyrics, depicting a figure who keeps moving forward over the rubble while bearing loss, pair perfectly with a melody imbued with Japanese sentiment, creating a masterpiece that touches listeners’ inner landscapes.

paprikaYonezu Kenshi16rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Paprika

Paprika, a famous song that gained nationwide popularity.

It was written by Kenshi Yonezu for the kids’ vocal group Foorin, and this version is an arrangement by Yonezu himself, the composer.

Compared to the original, this rendition has a more gentle, mellow atmosphere, and its relaxed tempo makes it easier to sing.

While the vocal range is somewhat wide, the scale has a Japanese flavor, so it likely won’t feel too difficult for Japanese singers.

Consider adding it to your repertoire.

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Ryo

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BOW AND ARROWYonezu Kenshi17rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – BOW AND ARROW

This is a number crafted by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu that celebrates the days spent running toward your goal and gives you a push toward the next stage.

Written as the opening theme for the TV anime “Medalist,” it will be released in January 2025.

There’s a story that Yonezu is a fan of the original work and personally approached the creators to make the song.

The title bears a word meaning bow and arrow, and it depicts relationships—between mentor and student, teammates, and rivals—who support one another as they aim higher.

I think it’s perfect for those who have finished their days of trials and growth in a school club and are setting out on a new path.

Bye, see you again sometime!Yonezu Kenshi18rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Goodbye, See You Again Sometime!

For many of us, that lively melody from the TV has been a boost to start the day.

This piece was written as the theme song for NHK’s morning drama series “Tora ni Tsubasa,” which portrays Japan’s first female lawyer.

Crafted by singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu and released in April 2024, it was later included on his 2024 album “LOST CORNER,” leaving a lasting impression on many listeners.

Beneath its refreshing sound, the song carries themes of parting and reunion, as well as the strength to forge one’s own path, resonating deeply with those who hear it.

The music video—set in a diner and played in reverse—is also memorable.

It’s a gentle yet energetic track perfect for the fresh green season, when you want to ease a tired heart or take a step forward and face the future.

spring thunderYonezu Kenshi19rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Spring Thunder

When spring wraps us in its warm air, you can’t help but crave heart-throbbing love songs for the season.

Capturing both the intense jolt of falling in love and the delicate sway of emotions as you’re tossed about by the other person, this piece is included on Kenshi Yonezu’s fourth album, “BOOTLEG,” released in November 2017.

It also made headlines when the official video surpassed 100 million views in July 2020.

Its groovy melody, set to a light yet bittersweet beat, is perfect as BGM for Instagram Reels.

Let the spring breeze blow and give it a listen.

AzaleaYonezu Kenshi20rank/position

Kenshi Yonezu – Azalea × “The Continuation of Goodbye” Special MV

This work seeps into the heart with its velvety piano and cool-tinged beat.

It’s a newly written number chosen as the theme song for the Netflix series “The Sequel to Goodbye,” starring Kasumi Arimura and Kentaro Sakaguchi.

The worldview—capturing the sense of loss after a lover’s death and the lingering pull between two people despite it—overlaps with the drama’s scenes and squeezes your chest, doesn’t it? Released in November 2024, the track also made waves for setting a new standalone all-time record on the digital charts.

Following the album LOST CORNER, the refined sound co-arranged with Yaffle reveals a new side of Kenshi Yonezu.

It’s the kind of song you’ll want to listen to alone on a quiet night, thinking of someone dear.