Carefully selected recommendations of Kenshi Yonezu’s songs and unforgettable masterpieces

blowhard cat bastardYonezu Kenshi

Blowhard Cat Bastard / Kenshi Yonezu — acoustic guitar and vocals — cover

This is a song by Kenshi Yonezu, a singer-songwriter hugely popular especially among young people.

It’s included on his second album, YANKEE, released in 2014.

True to Yonezu’s style, the playful lyrics make it a fun cat-themed song.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Araki Jakkan

Report a problem

lemonYonezu Kenshi

[NGR] Kenshi Yonezu 'Lemon' [Wotagei]

The perfect song for performing wotagei at a wedding reception or a company farewell party is “Lemon.” It was released in 2018 by Kenshi Yonezu, a musician who also works as the Vocaloid producer Hachi.

Its slowly unfolding tempo suits dramatic moments perfectly.

Using yellow penlights that evoke “lemon” is also recommended to create a sense of unity.

Keep snappy, well-defined movements in mind, and deliver a dynamic performance that peaks with the chorus.

How about presenting heartfelt wotagei to make an emotional moment even more moving?

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

mutō

Report a problem

Love and Instant HeatYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu MV 'Love and Fever'

Koi to Byonetsu (Love and Fever), included on Kenshi Yonezu’s first album diorama, came after he gained popularity as the Vocaloid producer Hachi.

It’s a satisfying track with edgy guitar sounds and a dramatic ensemble.

Thanks to its simple, laid-back beat, it’s easy to keep the rhythm, and the overall key is low—including the chorus—so it should be comfortable to sing at karaoke.

With just the right touch of a Vocaloid-like feel in places, it’s also recommended for those who aren’t very used to singing.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

fireworks (launched into the sky)Yonezu Kenshi

[Chinese/Japanese Subtitles] Fireworks | Uchiage Hanabi [Kenshi Yonezu Solo Version]

A self-cover of Uchiage Hanabi, which became a hot topic when the collaborative version with DAOKO was chosen as the theme song for the animated film “Fireworks.” It’s included on the major 3rd album BOOTLEG, and since it’s sung solely by Kenshi Yonezu, it gives a distinctly different impression.

The chorus features some slightly higher notes, but overall the key is low and the tempo relaxed, making it easy to sing.

If you’re at karaoke with women, the collaboration version can also get everyone excited—it’s a famous song that almost everyone has probably heard.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem

Grim ReaperYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Grim Reaper

Kenshi Yonezu has many uniquely distinctive songs, but among them, “Shinigami” stands out in particular.

It’s a track inspired by classical rakugo, with lyrics that pay homage to the rakugo piece of the same name, “Shinigami.” The sound carries a Japanese traditional flavor while still feeling stylish.

When singing it, try tackling the rakugo-like phrasing in the lyrics with care.

The key itself doesn’t fluctuate much, so it’s also recommended for karaoke beginners.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

yamamoto

Report a problem

every dayYonezu Kenshi

This commercial highlights the importance of taking time to relax by portraying hardworking individuals played by Osamu Mukai and Yuki Kawamura.

The way Georgia blends seamlessly into everyday life conveys a wish for people to enjoy it casually and a desire to support their relaxation time.

Kenshi Yonezu’s CM song, “Mainichi” (“Every Day”), with its light rhythm, also clearly communicates the importance of breaks and relaxation.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

kappamaki

Report a problem

Gray and BlueYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Gray and Blue (+Masaki Suda)

“Gray and Blue,” which also made waves for its collaboration with Masaki Suda—an actor with overwhelming presence—is a track that was pre-released from the 4th album “BOOTLEG.” Its lyrical melody and overlapping vocals became a hot topic.

Both vocal parts sit in a low key with minimal melodic inflection, and the tempo is relaxed, making it easy to sing.

If possible, splitting the parts with a friend is fun too; it’s a famous song that’s sure to get the crowd going at karaoke.

expand_lessRaise the rankingexpand_morelower

Hoshino Takashi

Report a problem