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

Ghost of the SeaYonezu Kenshi

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.

IRIS OUTYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – IRIS OUT

This piece was written as the theme song for the theatrical film Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc, slated for release in September 2025.

Parts of it have already been unveiled in the teaser, and you can feel overwhelmed by its thrilling development that mirrors the story’s tension.

The anecdote that Kenshi Yonezu composed it while glaring at the pages of the original manga speaks to the extraordinary passion poured into the work.

Following the historic success of the TV anime and reuniting with the production studio MAPPA, the track has drawn major attention.

Its fast-paced, aggressive rock sound is perfect for moments when you need motivation or want to fire yourself up.

With a weighty sonic palette that deepens the film’s worldview, this rock tune is guaranteed to send shivers down your spine.

Eine KleineYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Eine Kleine

This is an early masterpiece by Kenshi Yonezu, where his experience as Hachi merges with deeply human, heartfelt words.

Set to the warm tones of an acoustic guitar, it sings of the joy of meeting someone precious, along with the anxieties and loneliness that arise because of it.

The delicate portrayal of feelings—how caring so much for someone can make you frustrated with your own frailty—really resonates.

The song was included on the 2014 album “YANKEE” and became widely known as the theme for Tokyo Metro’s “Color your days.” commercial.

The self-animated music video has surpassed 300 million views on YouTube and continues to be beloved.

It’s perfect for quiet, contemplative nights or moments when you’re thinking of someone dear—why not give it a gentle listen?

LemonYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Lemon

A bittersweet yet beautiful melody, this ballad seeps deeply into hearts burdened by the pain of loss.

Kenshi Yonezu’s experience of losing his grandfather during the production period is strongly reflected, imbuing the song with love for days that will never return and a prayer for repose.

Written as the theme song for the TBS drama “Unnatural,” it became a social phenomenon upon its release in March 2018 thanks to its singular worldview.

As of March 2025, the music video has surpassed 900 million views, earning record-breaking acclaim in Japanese music history.

It’s a perfect listen on a quiet, rainy night or when you want to sink into gentle nostalgia for someone dear.

This masterpiece softly stays close to the sorrow deep within and wraps it in kindness.

globeYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – Spinning Globe

Singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, who continues to lead the J-POP scene with his unique sensibilities.

Included on the album “LOST CORNER,” this piece was written as the theme song for Studio Ghibli’s The Boy and the Heron, directed by Hayao Miyazaki.

In preparation for the film’s July 2023 release, it was reportedly created over the course of about four years, through ongoing dialogue with the director.

Many listeners may find the lyrics—depicting a journey that continues atop a round planet and a farewell to someone dear—overlapping with their own memories.

Centered on piano and strings, its organic resonance gently enfolds you in a tender ballad.

It’s a moving number we highly recommend for quiet nights when you want to be alone with your thoughts.

LOSERYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – LOSER

Kenshi Yonezu, who also made waves as the Vocaloid producer Hachi, continues to astonish the music scene with his overwhelming talent.

This track features a sharp, edgy sound infused with hip-hop elements, and the rap—like an outpouring of inner darkness—is just incredibly cool.

Embracing the status of an underdog yet still pushing forward, the stance shakes the listener to the core.

Released as a single in September 2016, it’s also included on the acclaimed album BOOTLEG.

In 2018, it was used in a Honda JADE commercial, with its unforgettable phrases becoming a hot topic.

The music video’s first-time contemporary dance performance by Yonezu is a must-see as well.

It’s an energy-packed rock tune that gives you courage when you lack confidence or want to rise from adversity.

KICK BACKYonezu Kenshi

Kenshi Yonezu – KICKBACK

This is the 13th single written as the opening theme for the TV anime Chainsaw Man.

Released in November 2022, it also drew attention for featuring King Gnu’s Daiki Tsuneta as a co-arranger.

Its fierce drum-and-bass beat and dizzying key changes seem to mirror the anime’s thrilling world and the protagonist’s impulsive emotions.

The lyrics deliver a powerful message, rife with contradictions—wishing for happiness while treading a ruinous path.

It also achieved a historic milestone as the first Japanese-lyric song to be certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America, making it an aggressive rock tune that fills you with energy just by listening.