On September 4, 2026, at 6:53 PM, Kenshi Yonezu's music video for "Shunrai" ("春雷," or "Spring Thunder") crossed 200 million views on YouTube, becoming his 13th music video to reach that threshold. With this milestone, Yonezu has extended his own record as the Japanese artist with the most music videos surpassing 200 million views—a distinction no other artist from Japan currently shares. We've put together everything you need to know about this achievement, including the complete list of his 200-million-view videos and what makes this run so remarkable.
First released on December 5, 2017, "Shunrai" took eight years and 273 days to reach 200 million views. That might seem like a long journey, but it underscores something fascinating about Yonezu's catalog: his songs have staying power, continuing to accumulate views year after year as new listeners discover them and longtime fans return.
The Quick Version
- "Shunrai" became Yonezu's 13th music video to surpass 200 million views on September 4, 2026.
- He now holds the record for the most 200-million-view music videos by any Japanese artist.
- The video was originally released on December 5, 2017, and reached 100 million views in July 2020.
- His 13 videos in the 200-million club include collaborations with菅田将暉 (Masaki Suda) and the children's group Foorin.
- This achievement reflects nearly a decade of consistent popularity and cultural impact in Japan and beyond.
All 13 of Kenshi Yonezu's 200-Million-View Music Videos
We now have a complete picture of which Yonezu videos have crossed the 200-million threshold. Here's the full lineup of his 13 videos that have reached this milestone, spanning collaborations, solo work, anime tie-ins, and children's music:
- "Lemon" — His most-viewed video by a significant margin, "Lemon" has become one of the defining Japanese songs of the past decade.
- "Uchiage Hanabi" ("打上花火," or "Fireworks") — The theme song for the animated film Fireworks, this collaboration with DAOKO became a massive hit.
- "Eine Kleine" ("アイネクライネ") — An earlier work that showcases Yonezu's storytelling ability and visual creativity.
- "LOSER" — A fan favorite known for its introspective lyrics and distinctive sound.
- "Peace Sign" ("ピースサイン") — The opening theme for the anime My Hero Academia, which helped introduce Yonezu to international audiences.
- "Haiiro to Ao" ("灰色と青," or "Gray and Blue") featuring Masaki Suda — A collaboration with actor and singer Suda that resonated deeply with listeners.
- "Kanden" ("感電," or "Electric Shock") — Featured as a drama theme song, this track showed Yonezu's evolution as an artist.
- "Paprika" by Foorin — Written and produced by Yonezu for the children's group Foorin, this song became a cultural phenomenon in Japan.
- "Machigaisagashi" ("まちがいさがし," or "Spot the Difference") by Masaki Suda — Another collaboration with Suda, this time with Yonezu as the featured artist.
- "Uma to Shika" ("馬と鹿," or "Horse and Deer") — A drama theme that showcased Yonezu's ability to craft emotionally resonant ballads.
- "KICK BACK" — The opening theme for the anime Chainsaw Man, which brought Yonezu to a new generation of anime fans worldwide.
- "IRIS OUT" — A more recent addition to his catalog that quickly accumulated views.
- "Shunrai" ("春雷") — The newest member of the 200-million club as of September 4, 2026.
What's particularly striking about this list is its diversity. We see anime theme songs sitting alongside drama soundtracks, solo work next to collaborations, and even a children's song that became a nationwide sensation. This range demonstrates Yonezu's versatility and his ability to connect with audiences across different demographics and contexts.
Why This Record Matters More Than the Numbers Suggest
We've seen plenty of viral hits and one-off successes in the streaming era, but what Yonezu has achieved is different. Having 13 videos cross 200 million views isn't just about raw popularity—it's about sustained relevance over time. Consider that "Shunrai" was released in December 2017, and it's still drawing enough daily views to have climbed from 100 million (reached in July 2020) to 200 million six years later.
This kind of longevity is rare in any music market, but it's particularly noteworthy in Japan's fast-moving pop landscape. While many artists might score a massive hit and then struggle to replicate that success, Yonezu has built a catalog where multiple songs continue to find new listeners years after release. The fact that he holds the record for most 200-million-view videos by a Japanese artist—and that he's the only one who's extended it this far—speaks to a level of consistency that few artists anywhere can match.
We should also note the cultural breadth represented here. "Paprika," written for Foorin, became something of an unofficial anthem in Japan, played everywhere from elementary schools to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics planning events. "KICK BACK" helped define the sound of one of the most anticipated anime releases in recent years. "Lemon" has become a go-to song for aspiring singers and a staple of Japanese karaoke. Each of these videos represents a different facet of Japanese popular culture, and Yonezu has left his mark on all of them.
The Journey of "Shunrai" From Release to 200 Million
When "Shunrai" was first released on December 5, 2017, Yonezu was already an established name in Japanese music, but he hadn't yet reached the stratospheric heights he would achieve with "Lemon" the following year. The song itself carries the hallmarks of Yonezu's style: poetic lyrics that work on multiple levels, a melody that's both catchy and emotionally complex, and a music video with rich visual storytelling.
The video reached 100 million views in July 2020, about two and a half years after release. That first milestone came during a period when Yonezu's entire catalog was experiencing renewed interest, partly due to the massive success of "Lemon" and his growing international profile through anime collaborations. From there, it took roughly six more years to double that count, finally crossing 200 million on September 4, 2026.
This slower but steady accumulation is actually characteristic of how lasting songs build their audience in the streaming era. Unlike viral hits that spike and fade, "Shunrai" has maintained a consistent draw, likely picking up new listeners as they explore Yonezu's back catalog after discovering him through more recent work like "KICK BACK" or his other anime themes.
How Yonezu Built This Unprecedented Catalog
We can trace Yonezu's path to this record back to his early days as a Vocaloid producer under the name Hachi, where he developed his distinctive approach to melody and storytelling. That foundation gave him a built-in audience when he debuted as Kenshi Yonezu, but what's carried him to 13 videos with 200 million views is something more: an ability to evolve while maintaining a recognizable artistic identity.
His collaborations have been particularly strategic and successful. Working with Masaki Suda—an actor-turned-singer with his own substantial following—brought his music to audiences who might not have encountered it otherwise. Writing "Paprika" for Foorin showed a willingness to step outside his usual lane and create something specifically for children, which paid off with one of the most ubiquitous Japanese songs of the late 2010s.
The anime tie-ins have also been crucial. "Peace Sign" introduced him to the massive international audience of My Hero Academia fans, while "KICK BACK" did the same for the Chainsaw Man community. These aren't just commercial moves—Yonezu has spoken in interviews about being a genuine anime fan, and that authenticity comes through in how well these songs capture the spirit of the shows they represent.
What People Are Saying
Fans have been celebrating this milestone across social media, with many reflecting on how Yonezu's music has been part of their lives for years. The achievement has prompted both congratulations and nostalgia.
"13 videos over 200 million views and every single one of them is genuinely great. That's what makes this record so impressive—it's not just numbers, it's quality that has lasted," one fan wrote on social media, capturing a sentiment we've seen repeated across platforms.
Another listener noted, "I remember watching Shunrai when it first came out in 2017. The fact that it's still gaining enough views to hit 200 million in 2026 shows how timeless Yonezu's music is. These aren't just songs—they're part of people's lives."
International fans have also weighed in, with one writing, "As someone who discovered Yonezu through KICK BACK and then went back through his whole catalog, I can see why he has 13 videos at this level. Every era of his music has something special to offer."
The consensus across fan communities seems to be that this record isn't just about Yonezu's popularity at any given moment, but about the depth and staying power of his entire body of work. We're seeing fans who discovered him at different points in his career—some from his Vocaloid days, some from "Lemon," some from anime openings—all coming together to celebrate an artist who's meant something to multiple generations of listeners.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did "Shunrai" reach 200 million views?
The music video for "Shunrai" crossed 200 million views on September 4, 2026, at 6:53 PM. It was originally released on December 5, 2017, making the journey to this milestone about eight years and 273 days.
Which Kenshi Yonezu video has the most views?
"Lemon" is Yonezu's most-viewed music video by a significant margin, though the research doesn't specify its exact current view count. It's widely regarded as one of the most successful Japanese songs of the past decade on YouTube.
Where can I watch these music videos?
All 13 of Yonezu's 200-million-view music videos are available on YouTube. You can find them on his official YouTube channel, where his complete catalog of music videos is posted.
Does any other Japanese artist have this many 200-million-view videos?
No. As of September 2026, Kenshi Yonezu holds the record as the Japanese artist with the most music videos surpassing 200 million views, and this achievement represents him extending his own record with "Shunrai" becoming the 13th.
What was Yonezu's previous milestone with "Shunrai"?
In July 2020, "Shunrai" reached 100 million views, which at that time made it Yonezu's 13th music video to cross the 100-million threshold. Now it's his 13th to reach 200 million—showing how his entire catalog has continued to grow over the years.
A Record That Reflects a Decade of Cultural Impact
As we look at Kenshi Yonezu's 13 music videos with over 200 million views, we're really seeing a map of Japanese popular culture from the mid-2010s to the present. From the emotional weight of "Lemon" to the playful energy of "Paprika," from the anime world of "KICK BACK" to the intimate collaborations with Masaki Suda, each video represents a moment when Yonezu's music connected with people in a meaningful way. The "Shunrai" milestone on September 4, 2026, isn't just another number—it's confirmation that his music continues to reach new listeners while maintaining its hold on longtime fans. No other Japanese artist has assembled a catalog quite like this, and we'll be watching to see which of his videos joins this exclusive club next.
