Kenshi Yonezu Shows No Signs of Slowing Down in 2026! From "KICK BACK" and "Shiden" to "Giyougi": The Must-Sing Karaoke Hits

As spring 2026 blankets the city with a sense of new beginnings, Kenshi Yonezu remains a steady, commanding presence in the music scene. It feels like there hasn't been a single day this year where his music hasn't been playing somewhere. And precisely because many are at the starting line of a new chapter, certain songs resonate even more deeply.

The other day, I went to a karaoke box with friends for the first time in a while. There was a lively debate over who'd sing what after we selected the "no guide vocal" option on the booking screen. The first song that came up was "Shiden". Of course, it's that iconic track known for its exhilarating pace and unique world. When you sing it, it's not just about hitting the right notes—you can't help but want to channel the vibe of the drama 'MIU404' too. That rush of exhilaration after finishing is simply unmatched. Looking around, many people were also picking "KICK BACK", using it as a way to channel Chainsaw Man's power to blow off steam – a pretty common sight these days.

Of course, the classic "Lemon" remains a karaoke staple too. I'm always up for the challenge of conveying that depth of melancholy. We often end up having mini-competitions to see who can sustain that long, memorable chorus without taking a breath. Like many of Yonezu's songs, it's already a masterpiece just to listen to, but singing it yourself really drives home its profound depth.

And recently, we've gained another way to enjoy his music. Last month, the karaoke version of "Giyougi"—the theme song for Studio Ghibli's latest film, 'The Boy and the Heron'—was released on various streaming services. You know, the one listed as "Giyougi (Karaoke) [Original Artist: Kenshi Yonezu]". It turned out to be way more addictive than I expected.

With this song, I'm reminded of how crucial it is to express its grand yet somehow nostalgic warmth in your own way. Of course, the imagery comes to mind, but each line of the lyrics feels like it's speaking directly to your own life's journey. It shifts the focus from just singing well to how you infuse it with emotion. I suspect more and more people will start using this song for "self-expression" from now on.

Transcending Time, Bridging Generations

What truly amazes me about Kenshi Yonezu as an artist is how each of his songs shows a completely different facet, like scenes from movies belonging to different genres.

• "Shiden": A modern, urban sense of speed intertwined with the delicate, almost precarious nuances of human emotion.
• "KICK BACK": The raw, passionate, and sometimes destructive energy found in shonen manga.
• "Lemon": A quiet strength in confronting a sense of loss that never fully heals—something everyone has felt at least once.
• "Giyougi": The weight of life and the universal hope that pushes you forward regardless.

It still astonishes me, time and again, that one person is behind all this. And these aren't just "hit songs" that fade away. His performances on the Kouhaku Utagassen, a New Year's Eve tradition, have become an art form in themselves. And then you have tracks like "Tsuki wo Miteita – Moonset", created for a major game collaboration, which showcases yet another side of his artistry.

This year, we've also seen a resurgence of his older tracks on the charts. It's not tied to any specific campaign; they just naturally find their way back into people's ears. This can only be because his music resonates perfectly with where listeners are in their lives. For those feeling anxious about a new chapter, "Lemon" offers solace; for those charging towards new goals, "KICK BACK" gives them a push—and sometimes, it reminds us that it's okay to pause.

While singing with friends at karaoke is a blast, there's a quiet trend lately of practicing "Giyougi" alone. It's genuinely a difficult song to master. But that's precisely why it makes you want to try again and again. Savoring each phrase, painting a world with your own voice... I find myself reflecting on how Yonezu gives us the gift of such indulgent moments.

As we approach the halfway point of the year, maybe we'll see new moves from him. His concert tickets remain astronomically hard to get, but even so, his songs are always right here, close to us. Perhaps that, in itself, is the ultimate musical experience in Japan right now. So, why not let your heart be moved today—whether it's by "Shiden", "Giyougi", or whichever track speaks to you?