Every Kenshi Yonezu Anime Song

Kenshi Yonezu, the talented Japanese musician, singer-songwriter, Vocaloid producer, and illustrator, continues to make waves as one of the biggest artists in the J-pop world today.

This article explores every Kenshi Yonezu anime song in a TV series or movie.

• Check out other anime song lists on utatune.

BOW AND ARROW – From Medalist

Digitally released on January 27, 2025, “BOW AND ARROW” is the opening theme song for Medalist.

“I am simply a fan of the original series,” Yonezu wrote in his official comment. When he first saw the news about the anime, he reached out to ask if he could write a song for the adaptation. 

In an interview, Yonezu described “BOW AND ARROW” as a response to, or extension of, his My Hero Academia opener, “Peace Sign.”

However, while “Peace Sign” is from the viewpoint of the heroes forging ahead, “BOW AND ARROW” is from “the perspective of those who support them and push them forward,” he shares.

“In ‘Peace Sign,’ the viewpoint moves at high speed,” he explains, “but in this song, the viewpoint stays still while the observed object moves at high speed.” Through this contrast, Yonezu aimed to capture a sense of momentum.

“BOW AND ARROW” also highlights the importance of letting go. Yonezu states, “When you hold the bow and pull back the arrow, it creates a state of tension. The tension builds and builds, and if you suddenly let go, the arrow will fly infinitely far.”

The music video features a special collaboration with legendary figure skater, Yuzuru Hanyu.

Plazma – From Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX

“Plazma” is the theme song for Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX. Released on January 20, 2025, this Kenshi Yonezu anime song was first featured as the opening theme song for the movie Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-.

Despite his busy schedule at the time, Yonezu said that he accepted the offer without hesitation.

“When creating this song, I placed at its core the imagination of possibilities that might have existed and options that were not chosen, asking ‘what would have happened if this had happened?’” Yonezu shared in an interview.

While happy with his current life, it reminded him of the paths he didn’t take, including his early dream of becoming a manga artist.

However, “Plazma” doesn’t dwell on the past. It’s much like Machu, who chooses her path without regrets. “I think the song has both the perspective of looking back at the past, remembering things that weren’t chosen,” Yonezu states, “and a perspective of moving forward regardless.”

Spinning Globe (Chikyūgi) – From The Boy And The Heron

“Spinning Globe”, translated from Chikyūgi in Japanese, is the theme song for legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki’s latest film, The Boy and the Heron (君たちはどう生きるか, translated to How Do You Live?).

Four years ago, Miyazaki approached Yonezu to work on the song for the movie. It was the biggest honor for Yonezu, who had studied to become an illustrator himself. Miyazaki served as an inspiration figure, whose films had, he says, “saved my life.” 

Yonezu tirelessly worked on the song for four years. When Miyazaki listened to the song for the first time, he was brought to tears.

The Boy and the Heron’s opening weekend in Japan became the most commercially successful in Studio Ghibli’s history.

Overseas, it won Best Animated Film at the New York Film Critics Award and Best Animated Feature Film at the 2024 Academy Awards (the second win for the acclaimed director).

KICK BACK – From Chainsaw Man

“KICK BACK” is the anime opening for Chainsaw Man. This Kenshi Yonezu anime song was digitally released on October 12, 2022.

In his official comment, Yonezu shares, “This work itself has an incredible power in the first place, so the process of searching for a suitable sound was very difficult. This song was completed as a result of steadily building up piece by piece.”

The iconic line “doryoku mirai a beautiful star” is a sample from the song “Souda! We’re ALIVE” by Morning Musume.

“KICK BACK” is co-arranged by Daiki Tsuneta of King Gnu and Millennium Parade, who surprised fans by joining him onstage on the last day of his 2022 concert.

Alongside the hit anime series, “KICK BACK” achieved massive success worldwide and brought global recognition to Kenshi Yonezu’s name.

In October of 2023, the song was certified Gold by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America), becoming the first song performed in Japanese to achieve this honor.

Spirits Of The Sea – From Children Of The Sea

“Spirits of the Sea” (海の幽霊) is the main theme song for the film Children of the Sea. This Kenshi Yonezu anime song was digitally released on June 3, 2019.

In his official comment, Yonezu shared that he first read the original work as a teenager and was overwhelmed by its brilliance. He states, “Even when re-reading now, the impact I felt back then hasn’t worn off at all, and it still brings me discoveries.”

He had once thought that if the story were ever adapted into a film, he would love the opportunity to create a song for it. The fact that this has now become a reality is, as he puts it, “deeply moving.”

“Spirits of the Sea” marks the artist’s first solo endeavor for an animated feature film.

Peace Sign – From My Hero Academia

Released on June 21, 2017, “Peace Sign” is the first anime opening for season 2 of My Hero Academia.

In his official comment, Kenshi Yonezu shared that he learned and felt many things from “Deku and the others running towards their dreams.” As he began creating “Peace Sign,” he found himself thinking, “When I was a child, what was I like?”

He elaborated on this question in an interview, explaining that he wrote “Peace Sign” while in conversation with his childhood self. Yonezu states, “Times change, and society changes too, but I think there is something universal about what children feel.”

He adds, “I feel ‘Peace Sign’ has become a song that properly reaches today’s children.”

Years later, this Kenshi Yonezu anime song continues to be popular worldwide, including fans who make peace signs when he performs the track at his concerts.

Uchiage Hanabi – From Fireworks

“Uchiage Hanabi” (directly translated to launching fireworks) is featured in the anime movie Fireworks, directed by Akiyuki Shinbo and Nobuyuki Takeuchi.

The film revolves around a group of friends who stumble upon a mysterious device that can rewind time.

Yonezu worked with singer and rapper DAOKO, who rose to prominence on the Japanese video platform Nico Nico Douga. The song was a major hit, with the YouTube video generating nearly 600 million views since its release.

The track perfectly encapsulates the spirit of summer fireworks and fleeting moments of youth.

Orion – From Sangatsu No Lion

The first of Kenshi Yonezu’s anime songs, “orion,” was the second ending theme for the series March Comes in Like a Lion, (Sangatsu no Lion).

“orion” adds a new layer of emotion to the series, further enhancing the viewer’s connection with the characters and their personal journeys.

This Kenshi Yonezu anime song’s constellation-based theme resonates beautifully with the anime’s themes of self-discovery and growth.

Kenshi Yonezu Anime Songs Playlist

Check out every released Kenshi Yonezu anime song in the playlist below:

Follow Kenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu’s impact on the music and anime industry has only continued to grow in recent years.

As fans eagerly anticipate his next endeavor, one thing is clear. Kenshi Yonezu will continue to add musical depth to the magical world created by animators.

You can follow Kenshi Yonezu through the links below.

Official Website: https://reissuerecords.net/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/hachi_08 

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/08yakari?feature=watch  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hachi_08/ 

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@kenshiyonezu_08 

Check out other anime song lists and articles on utatune.