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

WOODEN DOLLYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – WOODEN DOLL, Kenshi Yonezu

This is a track included on the original album “YANKEE,” which won the 2014 Best Album Award in iTunes’ annual rankings.

Despite its upbeat tone, I think it carries a powerful message to a time when we tend to forget the obvious: only you can truly understand your own feelings, and only others can truly understand theirs.

viviYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu MV 'vivi'

This is a track included on the first original album, “diorama.” Set to a gentle melody, the song sings of parting from a loved one.

When watched together with the illustrated video drawn by the artist, it conveys an even more tender and heartrending story.

UnbelieversYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Unbelievers

This is Kenshi Yonezu’s fourth major-label single, released in 2015.

It’s a fast-paced track that was featured in a MIZUNO running shoes commercial.

Highly praised by critics in the music magazine MUSICA, the song adopts a more powerful rock sound than his earlier work, and the singer’s desire to “give voice to the listener’s feelings” comes through straight to the heart.

Go Go Ghost ShipYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu MV 'Go-Go Ghost Ship'

This is a track included in the first original album, “diorama.” You could say it strongly retains the flavor of his Hachi-era work.

With its memorable melody and uniquely evocative lyrics, it’s a representative song from Kenshi Yonezu’s early period.

Santa MariaYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu MV 'Santa Maria'

This is his first major-label single, released in 2013.

Up to that point, Kenshi Yonezu had handled all songwriting by himself, but this track was produced through his first-ever band recording.

From his prayer-like, gentle vocals to the music video—whose illustrations, appearing from the outset, were also created by Yonezu himself—you can fully immerse yourself in his unique world.

FluoriteYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Fluorite

This is a track from the third original album, Bremen.

Among the songs on the album, which aims to explore a dialogue between light and darkness, this one falls on the brighter side.

With its cheerful, free-spirited, and pleasant sound, it’s a perfect recommendation as background music for a sunny day’s drive.

Poppin’ ApathyYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Poppin’ Apathy

This is the second single released under the name Kenshi Yonezu.

It serves as a counterpart to the upbeat double A-side track “MAD HEAD LOVE,” and is a song that, comparatively, expresses more negative emotions.

While “MAD HEAD LOVE” lays bare a straightforward love, this song—wandering alone within an answerless love—prompts deeper reflection on the nature of love.