Kenshi Yonezu and Hikaru Utada Bring a New Sound to “Chainsaw Man”

One of Japan’s most innovative voices, Kenshi Yonezu presents new ideas for how anime and pop music should collide, with his latest collaboration with Hikaru Utada, titled JANE DOE. Serving as the official closing theme for Chainsaw Man: The Movie – Reze Arc, the song has been gaining attention and excitement alongside the film’s U.S. theater release. Their collaboration, released on September 22, reflects both chaos and calm – embodying the emotional core of Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc.

Listen to JANE DOE

Produced by MAPPA and distributed by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures, the movie is set to arrive on American screens following its successful release in Japan. With its mix of action and emotion, Reze Arc has already become one of the year’s biggest successes.

At the center of the excitement, Kenshi Yonezu delivers not one, but two tracks that perfectly capture the film’s atmosphere. His IRIS OUT serves as the opening track for the movie.

IRIS OUT quickly gained widespread popularity, earning significant streaming numbers and strong chart performance both in Japan and internationally. Musically, IRIS OUT combines steady drums, bass, and expressive piano chords into a soundscape that feels both cinematic and alive.

However, this isn’t the first time Yonezu’s music has reached a wide audience, as his earlier releases have also resonated with different listeners and markets. His earlier Chainsaw Man theme, KICK BACK, made history as the first Japanese-language song to earn RIAA Platinum certification in the United States.

With each release, Yonezu continues to expand the global audience for Japanese music, proving that emotion and artistry can resonate far beyond cultural and linguistic boundaries.

About Kenshi Yonezu

Kenshi Yonezu (米津玄師) was born on March 10, 1991, in Tokushima, Japan. He began making music as a teenager and gained early fame online under the name Hachi, creating Vocaloid songs that showcased his songwriting and illustration skills.

In 2012, he debuted under his real name with the album Diorama, marking his transition to performing with his own voice. His blend of pop, rock, and electronic sounds, along with poetic lyrics and self-drawn visuals, helped him stand out in Japan’s music scene.

He rose to national prominence with hits like Lemon (2018) and Paprika, and achieved international recognition with KICK BACK, the opening theme for Chainsaw Man. Yonezu also wrote Spinning Globe for Hayao Miyazaki’s film The Boy and the Heron.

Known for his introspective songwriting and visual creativity, Kenshi Yonezu has become one of Japan’s most influential modern artists, bridging indie roots and mainstream success while maintaining full creative control over his work.