Kenshi Yonezu released a new single on June 15, 2026, timed perfectly to Japan's opening match at the FIFA World Cup. The song, titled "烏" ("Karasu," meaning "crow"), serves as NHK's official soccer theme for 2026, and it's already soundtracking one of the biggest sporting events of the year. We've gathered everything you need to know about the release, where you can listen, and what makes this collaboration significant.
If you've been following Yonezu's career or Japan's World Cup journey, this pairing of artist and moment feels like a natural fit. Here's the full picture.
The Quick Version
- Kenshi Yonezu released "烏" ("Karasu") on June 15, 2026, as the official 2026 NHK soccer theme.
- The song launched the same day as Japan's first FIFA World Cup 2026 match against the Netherlands, which kicked off at 5:00 AM Japan time.
- Yonezu wrote and composed the track himself, and the artwork features his own original illustration.
- The single is available on major streaming platforms and digital music stores as of June 15, 2026.
- NHK is broadcasting all Japan matches live, with full tournament coverage on BSP4K (all 104 matches).
What "Karasu" Is and When It Dropped
"烏" ("Karasu") arrived on digital platforms on June 15, 2026, making it available to stream and download just as Japanese fans were waking up—or staying up—to watch their national team face the Netherlands in the tournament's opening round. The timing wasn't accidental: NHK and Yonezu coordinated the release to coincide with that first whistle, creating a shared moment for music and sport.
Yonezu handled both the lyrics and composition for "Karasu," continuing his tradition of deeply personal, meticulously crafted songwriting. The single also comes with original cover art drawn by Yonezu himself, reinforcing the visual identity he's built throughout his career as both a musician and illustrator. The artwork and a short lyric visual were released alongside the track, giving fans more than just audio to explore.
Where You Can Listen to "Karasu"
As of June 15, 2026, "烏" ("Karasu") is streaming on platforms that carry Japanese releases, and it's available for purchase through digital music retailers. We know that services like OTOTOY, USEN, and Tower Records' digital storefront all began carrying the single on launch day. If you use Spotify, Apple Music, or similar platforms that distribute J-pop internationally, you should be able to find it by searching for Kenshi Yonezu's name or the romanized title "Karasu."
The release also includes new promotional photos of Yonezu, which appeared on streaming services and retailers' pages. These images, along with the lyric visual (short version), give the single a complete visual package that fans have come to expect from his work.
How This Fits Into the 2026 FIFA World Cup
The FIFA World Cup 2026 kicked off on June 12, 2026, marking the start of the first-ever 48-team tournament, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Japan's campaign began on June 15, 2026, at 5:00 AM Japan time with a match against the Netherlands, one of the most anticipated fixtures of the group stage.
NHK's coverage of the tournament is extensive: every Japan match will be broadcast live, and the network's BSP4K channel is airing all 104 games of the competition. "Karasu" serves as the musical thread tying this coverage together, playing during pre-match segments, highlight packages, and promotional spots throughout NHK's World Cup programming.
For Japanese viewers, the song becomes part of the ritual of watching the team—a recurring motif that builds emotional continuity across weeks of tournament play. It's a role that previous NHK soccer themes have filled during past World Cups and major tournaments, and Yonezu's track now joins that lineage.
Why Kenshi Yonezu for a Soccer Theme?
Kenshi Yonezu has become one of Japan's most prominent musical voices over the past decade, known for blending rock, pop, and electronic elements with introspective, often poetic lyrics. His previous work has soundtracked major cultural moments—his 2018 single "Lemon" became a national phenomenon, and he's contributed music to films, dramas, and events that reach far beyond the music charts.
Choosing Yonezu for the 2026 NHK soccer theme signals the broadcaster's intent to create something that resonates emotionally, not just as background music but as a piece that viewers will associate with the highs and lows of the tournament. His ability to write songs that feel both personal and universal makes him well-suited to capture the collective experience of watching a World Cup unfold.
The title "烏" ("Karasu"), meaning "crow," invites interpretation. Crows hold symbolic weight in Japanese culture—intelligent, resilient, sometimes seen as omens or messengers. While we don't yet have Yonezu's own explanation of the title's significance, it's likely the lyrics and imagery explore themes of perseverance, vision, or unity, all of which resonate with the spirit of a national team competing on the world stage.
What People Are Saying
Fans have been responding to the release across social media and music platforms, sharing their reactions to both the timing and the track itself. Here's what we're seeing:
"Waking up at 4:30 AM to hear Yonezu's new song before the Netherlands match honestly made the early alarm worth it. The song already feels like it belongs to this tournament."
"The artwork for 'Karasu' is stunning—Yonezu's illustrations always add so much depth to his music. Can't wait to see how NHK uses this during the broadcasts."
"Perfect choice for the World Cup theme. Yonezu knows how to write something that hits emotionally without being over the top. This is going to stay with us all summer."
The reactions reflect a mix of appreciation for the song's craft and excitement about the role it will play throughout the tournament. For many listeners, Yonezu's music has become a soundtrack to important moments in their lives, and "Karasu" is now part of that tradition.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did "Karasu" come out?
"烏" ("Karasu") was released on June 15, 2026, the same day Japan played its first match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 against the Netherlands.
Where can I listen to the song?
The single is available on major digital music platforms and streaming services that carry Japanese releases, including OTOTOY, USEN, and Tower Records' digital store. Check Spotify, Apple Music, or your preferred service.
Did Kenshi Yonezu write "Karasu" himself?
Yes, Yonezu wrote both the lyrics and the music for "Karasu." He also created the original artwork for the single's cover.
Will NHK use "Karasu" for the entire World Cup?
Yes, "Karasu" serves as NHK's official soccer theme for 2026, meaning it will be featured throughout the network's FIFA World Cup coverage, including all Japan matches and tournament programming.
Is there a music video for "Karasu"?
A short lyric visual was released alongside the single on June 15, 2026. Whether a full music video will follow has not been confirmed.
Looking Ahead
As the FIFA World Cup 2026 unfolds over the coming weeks, "烏" ("Karasu") will become the sonic backdrop to Japan's journey through the tournament. Whether the team advances deep into the knockout rounds or faces an early exit, Yonezu's song will be there, woven into the memories fans are building. We'll hear it during tense pre-match moments, in celebration after goals, and perhaps in reflection after the final whistle.
For now, the single is out, the tournament is underway, and we have a new Kenshi Yonezu track to listen to while we watch. If you haven't heard it yet, it's waiting for you on streaming platforms, ready to become part of your own World Cup experience.
