Kenshi Yonezu's 'Peace Sign', the My Hero Academia Season 2 opening theme, was certified Gold by the RIAA in May 2026. Following 'KICK BACK' (Gold and Platinum), this is his third RIAA certification, making him the only artist ever to receive three certifications for Japanese-language songs. We look at the milestone, its overlap with the anime's 10th anniversary year, and the 2025 JUNK world tour that drew 440,000 fans.
Kenshi Yonezu has written 'Karasu' (Crow) as NHK's 2026 World Cup soccer theme. Combined with Ado's 'Kira' (adidas Japan uniform song), ORANGE RANGE's DAZN anthem, and JI BLUE's 'Keshiki' (JFA official theme), Japan's top J-pop artists are forming an unprecedented multi-platform soundtrack for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Kenshi Yonezu's "IRIS OUT" has achieved 21 consecutive weeks at #1 on YouTube and Oricon streaming charts, setting the all-time solo artist record in Japan. With a peak of #5 on the Billboard Global 200, the highest ever for a Japanese-language song, and a sold-out world tour drawing 440,000 fans, we explore how Japanese artists are reshaping global music streaming.
