Kenshi Yonezu recently shared insights about his latest single “IRIS OUT / JANE DOE” in an interview with Billboard Japan. “IRIS OUT” was composed as the theme song for CHAINSAW MAN – THE MOVIE: REZE ARC, while “JANE DOE” serves as the film’s ending theme. The songs showcase contrasting styles: “IRIS OUT” is characterized by energetic vocals and playful lyrics, set against a dynamic groove, while “JANE DOE,” featuring Hikaru Utada, offers a more somber yet captivating soundscape.
On the charts, “IRIS OUT” made history by reaching 100 million streams just four weeks post-release, marking the quickest milestone in Billboard Japan’s history. Additionally, the track attained remarkable international acclaim, peaking at No. 5 on the U.S. Billboard Global 200 on the chart dated October 4, representing the highest rank ever for a Japanese-language track. This strong reception illustrates the growing global impact of Yonezu’s music.
Reflecting on his experiences post his massive world tour, Yonezu expressed a renewed approach to his daily life, noting that performing in various countries had a profound effect on him. The warmth he received from international fans, who recognized him as “Hachi,” a nickname from his earlier career, greatly impacted his outlook. He described feeling a newfound clarity, leading him to adopt a more structured lifestyle focused on health and routine, something he deemed a significant shift from his previous habits.
Yonezu discussed the creative process behind these new songs, highlighting that “IRIS OUT” needed to be distinctly different from his earlier work, particularly his previous song “KICK BACK.” He described “IRIS OUT” as a thrilling sonic journey, emphasizing its energetic yet concise structure aimed to parallel the narrative of the film and its characters.
On the other hand, “JANE DOE” required a different approach, initially conceived as a piece for a female vocalist. Yonezu drew inspiration from Björk and Thom Yorke’s duet style, eventually landing on the idea of collaborating with Hikaru Utada, whose voice he believed resonated with the song’s deeper emotional currents. He admired Utada’s ability to convey complexity through their music, which he felt aligned beautifully with the themes represented in the Reze Arc of CHAINSAW MAN.
Ultimately, both tracks mirror the intricacies of the characters depicted in the film, with “IRIS OUT” capturing Denji’s infatuation with Reze and “JANE DOE” exploring the nuanced dynamics of their relationship. The synergy between Yonezu and Utada brought a dimension to “JANE DOE” that enhanced its emotional depth, highlighting the contrasts between their artistic sensibilities.
This collaboration not only showcases the evolving landscape of Japanese music on the global stage but also serves as a reflection of Yonezu’s personal and artistic growth, promising exciting developments in his future endeavors.