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Jun 18, 2026 Major2
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Yonezu Kenshi releases "Karasu" MV as 2026 FIFA World Cup Japan theme song

Yonezu Kenshi released the music video for "Karasu," the 2026 NHK Soccer Theme for FIFA World Cup coverage. Directed by Yamada Tomokazu and filmed in a shipyard setting, the MV visualizes hidden effort and time investment as metaphors for both individual struggle and collective achievement, premiering during Japan's opening World Cup match.


Quick Facts
Who
Yonezu Kenshi
What
Released music video for "Karasu" (Crow)
When
June 15, 2026 - song release and World Cup match broadcast
Where
Japan
- Released music video for "Karasu" (Crow)
- Written as 2026 NHK Soccer Theme
- Premiered during Japan vs Netherlands FIFA World Cup match
- Won 50 daily chart victories upon release
- Explores relationship between individual and collective identity
Japanese music artist Yonezu Kenshi has released the music video for "Karasu" (Crow), his new single written as the 2026 NHK Soccer Theme for FIFA World Cup coverage. The song, which debuted on June 15 and immediately dominated streaming charts with 50 daily ranking victories, reflects Yonezu's long-standing passion for soccer and explores the relationship between individual identity and collective purpose.
Directed by Yamada Tomokazu, the MV uses a massive shipyard as its setting to visualize the accumulation of time and effort that remains hidden from view. Through cross-sectional imagery, the video portrays how a completed ship—like human achievement—represents countless invisible processes and iterations layered beneath the surface. The director's visual approach mirrors the song's central theme: maintaining individual independence within a collective goal, introducing what Yonezu describes as "gaps of breeze" into competitive structures. The title "Karasu" draws inspiration from the Japanese national team's emblem while also evoking Yonezu's personal connection to crows as approachable, familiar beings.
The song premiered during NHK's live coverage of Japan's opening match against the Netherlands on June 15, 2026. "Karasu" will continue to air across NHK's World Cup broadcasts on NHK General TV and NHK BS Premium 4K, with simultaneous and catch-up streaming available on NHK ONE. Yonezu, who has produced numerous hits since beginning his solo career in 2012 including "Lemon" and "KICK BACK" (which achieved platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America—a first for a Japanese-language song), recently performed at the MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026 ceremony, winning five awards including recognition for his "Chainsaw Man Reze" theme song "Iris Out."
Why This Matters
Yonezu Kenshi's selection as the 2026 FIFA World Cup Japan theme artist solidifies his status as a global music ambassador and reinforces Japan's cultural presence at a major international sporting event. The song's immediate chart dominance (50 daily victories) demonstrates significant consumer engagement, making it a valuable touchstone for NHK's broadcasts and Japanese cultural soft power. Viewers and fans tracking the tournament will encounter this thematic anchor repeatedly, influencing emotional connection to Japan's World Cup campaign and Yonezu's already-platinum international catalog.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2012
WireYonezu Kenshi began solo career under his real name
Jun 13, 2026
WireMUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2026 ceremony held at Toyota Arena Tokyo
Jun 15, 2026
Wire"Karasu" single released on streaming platforms; Japan plays Netherlands in FIFA World Cup opening match with song premiering on NHK broadcast
Jun 18, 2026
Wire"Karasu" music video publicly released