Kenshi Yonezu’s Momentum Continues in 2026: From 'KICK BACK' and 'Shock!' to 'Globe' – The Essential Karaoke Anthems You’ll Want to Belt Out
As we step into the spring of 2026, the city is buzzing with the energy of new beginnings. And when it comes to the music scene, one name stands firm: Kenshi Yonezu. It feels like there hasn't been a single day this year where one of his tracks wasn't playing somewhere. Especially at this time of year, when so many people are starting a new chapter, certain songs seem to resonate with you all over again.
I was thinking about the other day when I went to a karaoke spot with some mates for the first time in a while. We were having a blast picking songs from the "Instrumental" section, deciding who'd sing what. The first song that came up was 'Shock!'. You know the one – that electrifying rush and that unique world it builds. When you sing that track, it’s not just about hitting the right notes; you can't help but want to channel the vibe of the drama 'MIU404' as well. The feeling of exhilaration after finishing it is just unmatched. Looking around the room, plenty of people were picking 'KICK BACK' too – using the energy of Chainsaw Man to blow off some steam has become a pretty standard move.
Of course, the classic 'Lemon' remains a karaoke staple. Every time, I find myself challenging how well I can convey that bittersweet emotion. We even had a competition to see who could hold that long, iconic chorus in one breath. Yonezu’s songs are like that – they're amazing just to listen to, but when you sing them yourself, you really feel how deep they go.
And just recently, another one of his songs has given us a new way to enjoy karaoke. The instrumental version of 'Globe', the theme song for the latest Studio Ghibli film 'The Boy and the Heron' released last month, finally dropped on all the major platforms. It's listed as 'Globe (Instrumental) [Originally Performed by Kenshi Yonezu]'. And let me tell you, it’s a total rabbit hole – in the best way.
With this song, I realised just how important it is to find your own way to express that grand yet somehow nostalgic warmth that's in the original track. Of course, the imagery from the film comes to mind, but every single lyric feels like it’s speaking to your own journey through life. It’s not just about “singing well” anymore; the focus shifts to how you convey the emotion behind it. I reckon more and more people will be using this song as a canvas for self-expression.
Timeless, For Every Generation
What’s truly amazing about an artist like Kenshi Yonezu is that each of these songs feels like a scene from a completely different genre of film – they all show such a distinct side of him.
- 'Shock!': Captures the fast-paced, modern city vibe alongside a raw, almost dangerously sharp edge of human emotion.
- 'KICK BACK': Embodies the headstrong, passionate, and sometimes even destructive energy you find in manga.
- 'Lemon': A quiet strength that confronts a sense of loss that never quite heals – something everyone has felt at least once.
- 'Globe': Speaks to the weight of living, and the universal hope that keeps you moving forward regardless.
It still amazes me, every single time, that one person created all of these. And it’s not like they were just “popular songs” that faded. His performances on the annual New Year’s Eve tradition, the Kōhaku Uta Gassen, are always a work of art in their own right. Then you've got tracks like 'I Was Gazing at the Moon', created for a massive video game collaboration, which shows a completely different side again.
Since the start of this year, we've seen his older tracks climbing the charts again. It's not like there's any special campaign happening; they just naturally find their way back to people’s playlists. The only reason is that they have a way of perfectly fitting wherever you are in your life. For someone feeling anxious about a new chapter, there's 'Lemon'. For someone charging towards a new goal, there's 'KICK BACK'. They either give you a gentle nudge or remind you it’s okay to take a breather.
While it’s a blast hitting the karaoke bar with friends, lately, there's been a quiet trend of people secretly practising 'Globe' on their own. Man, that song is a real challenge to pull off. But that's exactly why you want to keep trying. Savouring each line, painting a world with your own voice – I was just reflecting on how Yonezu gives us the gift of such indulgent moments.
By the time we reach the halfway point of the year, there might be news of his next move. Getting concert tickets is still astronomically hard, but even so, his music is always there for us. Maybe that’s the ultimate musical experience in Japan right now. So, why not give it a go today? Let 'Shock!' or 'Globe' – whichever you prefer – stir your soul.