Kenshi Yonezu’s ‘Kick Back’ Becomes First Japanese Platinum Song in US

Los Angeles, CA – Japanese singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu has made music history with his single “Kick Back,” which was recently certified Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The milestone was announced on September 19, 2025, confirming that the single achieved over one million units sold in the United States.

Released in October 2022, “Kick Back” was originally the opening theme for the popular anime series “Chainsaw Man.” Yonezu collaborated with Daiki Tsuneta, of King Gnu and millennium parade, for the composition and arrangement of the track, which also samples Morning Musume’s 2002 single “Souda! We’re ALIVE.” The song previously reached Gold status in October 2023.

In a message shared via his YouTube channel, Yonezu expressed his excitement about the recognition. “I am thrilled to hear that ‘Kick Back’ has been certified Platinum by the RIAA. This song was written as the opening theme for ‘Chainsaw Man.’ I think back on the production of the song with nothing but fond memories,” he said.

The music video for “Kick Back,” directed by Yoshiyuki Okuyama, has garnered over 200 million views. The song has surpassed 500 million streams across various platforms, marking a remarkable global success for Yonezu. It was the first Japanese song to break into Spotify’s Global Top 50.

During his world tour earlier this year, Yonezu noted the enthusiastic response from audiences when he performed “Kick Back.” “The crowds went wild whenever ‘Kick Back’ started playing. It struck me just how popular ‘Chainsaw Man’ is internationally, as well as the sheer power that ‘Kick Back’ holds,” he stated.

A remix of the song by American duo Frost Children was released on September 5, ahead of the premiere of “Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc” on September 19, 2025. Yonezu described his excitement over the collaboration, saying he was amazed by the remix’s creative range.

Kenshi Yonezu’s next double A-side single, featuring the tracks “Iris Out” and “Jane Doe,” is set for release on September 24, 2025. This continued momentum highlights Yonezu’s influence in both Japan and internationally, as he prepares to make further waves in the music industry.