Kenshi Yonezu’s “Karasu” Short Anime Released, Reuniting with MAPPA After Chainsaw Man

A short anime for Kenshi Yonezu’s new song “Karasu (Crow, 烏),” written specifically as the “2026 NHK Soccer Theme,” has been released.

“Karasu” is a song Yonezu wrote about soccer, a sport he has loved for many years. The song was created with the idea of affirming a way of being in which each person can remain an independent individual, even while belonging to a group that shares the common goal of “winning.” It was also made with the hope of letting a gentle “draft” blow through the structure of competition.

MAPPA Animates the World of “Karasu”

The newly released short anime is set to the chorus of the song and is built with a pencil like touch that evokes the “world of manga” described in the lyrics. It depicts a person earnestly chasing a ball, while a single crow spreads its wings and flies powerfully into the sky above.

The video overlaps the image of a sincere journey that cannot be described only through victory or defeat with the sight of the freely flying “Karasu.” Animation production was handled by MAPPA. This marks another collaboration between MAPPA and Yonezu following Chainsaw Man in 2022 and Chainsaw Man The Movie: Reze Arc in 2025.

Japan Prepares for Final Group Stage Match at FIFA World Cup 2026

FIFA World Cup 2026 has continued to deliver dramatic matches each day, drawing major excitement. Japan earned a commanding victory over Tunisia and will face Sweden in its final group stage match from 8:00 a.m. on June 26.

Source : ORICON NEWS