History
Kenshi Yonezu (born March 10, 1991) is a Japanese singer-songwriter, music producer, and illustrator who has become one of the most influential figures in modern J-pop. He first gained recognition in 2009 under the name Hachi, producing Vocaloid music that garnered millions of views on platforms like Nico Nico Douga. In 2012, he transitioned to using his real name, launching a solo career where he writes, composes, and illustrates his own album art.
Early Career and Major Label Debut
Yonezu released his first independent album, diorama, in 2012. The record showcased his unique blend of rock and electronic influences and was entirely self-produced. Following its success, he signed with Universal Music Japan and released the single "Santa Maria" in 2013. His second studio album, YANKEE (2014), further established his presence in the Japanese music scene, blending experimental textures with pop sensibilities and featuring his first major vocal collaborations.
Artistic Evolution and Critical Acclaim
With his third album, Bremen (2015), Yonezu shifted toward a more universal sound, aiming to create music that resonated with a broader audience. The album topped the Oricon charts and featured singles like "Flowerwall" and "Unbelievers." This momentum continued with the 2017 release of BOOTLEG. The album included the hit "Uchiage Hanabi," a collaboration with DAOKO, and won Album of the Year at the 60th Japan Record Awards, cementing his status as a critical and commercial powerhouse.
The "Lemon" Era and STRAY SHEEP
In 2018, Yonezu released "Lemon," the theme song for the television drama Unnatural. The track became a cultural phenomenon, breaking numerous digital sales records and becoming the first song by a Japanese artist to surpass 500 million views on YouTube. During this period, he also composed "Paprika" for the vocal group Foorin to celebrate the 2020 Summer Olympics and wrote "Kite" for the legendary boy band Arashi.
His 2020 album, STRAY SHEEP, solidified his status as a global artist. It became the highest-selling album of the year in Japan and was recognized as the third best-selling album worldwide in 2020 by the IFPI. The record featured several chart-topping hits, including "Uma to Shika" and "Flamingo."
Soundtracks and International Expansion
Yonezu has become a frequent collaborator for major film and anime projects. In 2022, he released "KICK BACK," the opening theme for the anime Chainsaw Man. The track achieved significant international success, becoming the first Japanese-language song to be certified Gold by the RIAA. In 2023, he composed "Chikyuugi" (Spinning Globe) for Hayao Miyazaki’s Academy Award-winning Studio Ghibli film, The Boy and the Heron.
In 2024, Yonezu released his sixth studio album, LOST CORNER, which compiled his successful singles from the preceding years alongside new compositions. Following the album's release, he announced his first international tour scheduled for 2025, marking a new chapter in his global career.
