As J-pop rises in popularity, many of Japan's most prominent artists are expanding into the global market. Singer-songwriter Kenshi Younezu is leading the charge with his first-ever global tour, JUNK World Tour. Following a sold-out 16-date run in Japan, Younezu made his US debut with a sold-out show at the Radio City Music Hall in New York and YouTube Theater in Los Angeles. Yonezu is known for his unique songwriting style and blend of electronic and rock music. Younezu began his career in 2009 when he created Vocaloid music under the stage name Hachi. Eventually, he moved on from that moniker and started his career under his real name, releasing music with his voice. Yonezu has composed numerous anime and film songs that have helped accelerate his international popularity, including “Peace Sign” from the anime My Hero Academia and “地球儀 - Spinning Globe” from the Academy Award-winning Studio Ghibli film The Boy And The Heron. His 2022 single "KICK BACK," which served as the opening theme for the anime series Chainsaw Man, is his most successful single to date outside Japan. The track debuted on international charts including UK Rock & Metal Singles and US Hot Rock & Alternative Songs, and was certified Gold by the RIAA for 500,000 sold copies in the United States, becoming the first song with Japanese lyrics to achieve it.
As soon as I entered the venue for his debut in Los Angeles, I was greeted by large signs that said photography, recording and glow sticks were strictly prohibited. I enjoy when artists implement this rule because it is always nice to see fans be present in the moment and not have to see the hoards of cell phones blocking people’s view. Fans have been waiting a very long time to finally see Yonezu in action and he did not disappoint. Younezu brought an immersive, full-scale production with a live band and set of dancers. Screams soared as we heard the gritty bass riff of “RED OUT” from his latest studio album LOST CORNER. Hypnotic red lights drowned the stage, fully immersing us in Yonezu’s world.
Younezu’s vocals are rich and captivating. His live vocals sound exactly like the recordings. He has an expansive range that lets him easily switch from soulful falsettos to deep gritty growls. Even if you don’t understand Japanese, his music is filled with interesting chords and catchy melodic structures that are worth a listen. Younezu creates his own illustrations for music videos and album covers, so it was no surprise that the visuals were attention-grabbing and cinematic. The 24-song setlist featured a blend of his most popular songs, ranging from upbeat electronic rock tracks to heartfelt ballads. Beloved favorites “Lemon,” and “Sayonara, Mata Itsuka!” had fans singing along to every word. Hearing the ballad “海の幽霊 (Umi no Yuurei / Spirits of the Sea)” along with the images of the film Children of the Sea had everyone in awe. Screams filled the venue as Yonezu let loose with the back-to-back topsy-turvy combo of “LOSER,” “KICK BACK” and “Peace Sign.” Towards the end of “KICK BACK," Yonezu grabbed a handheld camera and sang straight into it, giving fans an up-close and chaotic view of his face, while everyone swayed peace signs in the air for “Peace Sign.” Throwing it back to Vocaloid days, Yonezu performed "Donut Hole” while the music video played in the background. The video depicts an original story where Vocaloids GUMI, Hatsune Miku, Megurine Luka and Kagamine Rin run a scrap metal collection business in a rundown city.
Yonezu was very talkative on stage, speaking mostly in Japanese between songs. I wished he had an English translator so everyone could understand what he was saying. His last speech was especially heartfelt and personal, as he dedicated “Plazma“ and “Lost Corner” to Japanese musician and vocaloid pioneer Wowaka, who passed away in 2019. “15 years ago, I was here with someone I considered my best friend in my entire life at the time. He unfortunately passed away about 5-6 years ago and yesterday happened to be the anniversary of his passing. I don’t want to dampen the mood but the next songs I’ll be performing are songs that I want to be dedicated to him. Would that be okay?” Yonezu shakily finished off. The fans roared with claps and cheers as they savored the last few moments with Yonezu - who promised to be back very soon.
For more on Kenshi Younezu, visit account.kenshiyonezu.jp.
Photo credit: Jiro Konami
