Kenshi Yonezu’s "KICK BACK" Becomes First Japanese-Language Song to Earn RIAA Platinum

Kenshi Yonezu’s "KICK BACK" has been certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the first Japanese-language song to receive this recognition. Originally released on October 12, 2022, as the opening theme for the anime Chainsaw Man, the track has reached over 500 million streams and surpassed two hundred million views on its music video.

Quick Summary:

・Kenshi Yonezu’s "KICK BACK" certified Platinum by the RIAA, first for a Japanese-language song.
・Released October 12, 2022, as the opening theme for Chainsaw Man, composed and written by Yonezu.
・Co-arranged with Daiki Tsuneta of King Gnu and includes sampling of Morning Musume’s "Sōda! We’re ALIVE."
・Streaming milestones: 500 million plays, 200 million music video views, and first Japanese entry in Spotify’s Top 50 Global.
・Featured on Yonezu’s sixth album LOST CORNER (2024), which sold over 500,000 copies in Japan.

RIAA Platinum Certification

"KICK BACK" has sold over one million units in the United States, earning RIAA Platinum status. This follows its Gold certification in August 2023. The recognition marks a milestone as the first official Platinum award for a Japanese-language song.

Song Background and Achievements

Released on October 12, 2022, "KICK BACK" served as the opening theme for Chainsaw Man. Kenshi Yonezu composed and wrote the song, with co-arrangement by Daiki Tsuneta of King Gnu. It samples Morning Musume’s "Sōda! We’re ALIVE." The track entered Spotify’s "Top 50 – Global" at #47, the first time for a Japanese artist, and its music video directed by Yoshiyuki Okuyama has exceeded 200 million views.

Album Sales and Global Reach

The track appears on Yonezu’s sixth album LOST CORNER, released on August 21, 2024, in both digital and physical formats worldwide. The album sold over 500,000 copies in Japan, making it his second consecutive release to reach this milestone after STRAY SHEEP. Yonezu remains the only solo artist in the Reiwa era with two albums surpassing 500,000 domestic sales.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What certification did Kenshi Yonezu’s "KICK BACK" receive in the U.S.?
A: It was certified Platinum by the RIAA, marking the first official Platinum recognition for a Japanese-language song.

Q: When was "KICK BACK" originally released?
A: The song was released digitally on October 12, 2022, as the opening theme for Chainsaw Man.

Q: Who collaborated with Kenshi Yonezu on "KICK BACK"?
A: Daiki Tsuneta of King Gnu co-arranged the track, which also samples Morning Musume’s "Sōda! We’re ALIVE."

Q: How successful was the song on streaming platforms?
A: It entered Spotify’s global chart, surpassed 500 million total streams, and its music video has over 200 million views.

Q: Which album includes "KICK BACK"?
A: The track is part of Yonezu’s sixth album LOST CORNER, released worldwide in August 2024.

Source : ORICON NEWS