Kenshi Yonezu Dominates Japan's 2026 Mid-Year Charts as "IRIS OUT" Powers Streaming and "Karasu" Resonates
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Kenshi Yonezu has claimed multiple overall No. 1 positions on Billboard JAPAN's 2026 mid-year charts, cementing his place at the center of the scene. "IRIS OUT," the theme for the film "Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc," reached major streaming milestones early, while his latest song "Karasu" has also drawn wide attention.
"IRIS OUT" rapidly built up streams after release and held a top position throughout the first half of the year. The polish of both the visuals and the music, combined with the synergy of the film tie-in, drove broad penetration across audiences.
The trend of Japanese-language songs breaking into the upper reaches of global streaming metrics continues, steadily widening the routes by which domestic artists' work reaches overseas listeners.
Song design tailored to diverse tie-ins — film, anime, and sports broadcasts — illustrates a distribution strategy that generates fresh listener touchpoints with each release.
Also Worth a Look: 2026 Soccer Broadcast Theme "Karasu"
His latest song "Karasu" was written as the theme for 2026 soccer broadcasts, with an MV set at a shipyard. Its visual approach, making the accumulation of time visible, further sharpens the song's worldview.
The ZEN editorial team will keep watching how release design that combines tie-ins and distribution contributes to visibility at home and abroad.
Sources: Billboard JAPAN, REISSUE RECORDS, THE FIRST TIMES
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