Shukufuku Explained

Shukufuku
Cover:Yoasobi - Shukufuku.png
Type:single
Artist:Yoasobi
Ep:The Book 3
English Title:"The Blessing"
Language:Japanese
Released:October 1, 2022
Genre:
Length:3:16
Label:Sony Japan
Producer:Ayase
Prev Title:Suki da
Prev Year:2022
Next Title:Umi no Manimani
Next Year:2022

[1] is a song by Japanese duo Yoasobi from their third EP, The Book 3 (2023). It was released as a single on October 1, 2022, by Sony Music Entertainment Japan, served as the opening theme of the first season of the Japanese mecha anime series (2022).

The song was based on the Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury writer Ichirō Ōkouchi's short story Yurikago no Hoshi, depicting the perspective of XVX-016 Gundam Aerial to Suletta Mercury. It peaked at number three on the Oricon Combined Singles Chart, and number two on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, and was certified platinum for downloads and double platinum for streaming by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ).

Background and release

Starting on September 2, 2022, Yoasobi uploaded three mysterious images of the unknown black shape with a white background featuring the text "941", "730", and "Coming Soon!!!" for three days.[2] Two days later, the second promotional video of the Japanese mecha anime series was announced, revealing that Yoasobi would be handling its opening theme "Shukufuku".[3] The song was based on,[4] a short story written by Ichirō Ōkouchi, who is also in charge of writing the anime.[5] The story was published on the anime's official website on October 2.[6]

The anime edit version of "Shukufuku" was unveiled on September 16 on the special radio show All Night Nippon Music Week, which the duo hosted for one night only to commemorate the 55th anniversary of All Night Nippon.[7] The digital cover artwork was unveiled on September 25.[8] The song was available for digital music and streaming platforms on October 1, one day before the anime's first episode premiere.[9] The music video, directed by Nobutaka Yoda with animation direction by Yutaro Kubo, premiered via the duo's YouTube channel the next day. It portrays the same visuals as the anime but is "warmer" than the main theme.[10]

A limited CD single of "Shukufuku" was subsequently issued on December 9, including the English version titled "The Blessing", the anime edit version, and the instrumental version, its based novel, original Gunpla Demi-Trainer, and XVX-016 Gundam Aerial decal in an exclusive collaboration with the duo.[11] Yoasobi shared the snippet of the song recorded the English on November 3 after the music video surpassed 10 million views.[12] The English version was released digitally as a standalone single on the same day as the CD single,[13] and included on the duo's second English-language EP E-Side 2, released on November 18.[14] The anime edit version later featured on the soundtrack album to the anime,[15] while the full version appeared on the duo's third EP The Book 3, released on October 4, 2023.[16]

Composition and reception

"Shukufuku" is a electropop and dance-pop song with "catchy" melodies and "throbbing" beats, written and produced by Ayase, a duo member.[17] It depicts the relationship between the main protagonists Suletta Mercury and her XVX-016 Gundam Aerial, narrated from the perspective of the Gundam, fighting alongside their host and watching her lead-up to the events of the anime and reminding "the adherence to and liberation from oppression."[18] It was composed in the key of E minor, 170 beats per minute with a running time of three minutes and 16 seconds.[19]

Real Sounds Tsuki no Hito described the composition of "Shukufuku" that "the piano sound is gorgeous, and the arrangement is full of sprinting, but the uneasiness hidden throughout the phrase has a thrilling feel suitable for Gundam works with many battle scenes,"[20] while said that "the sound image [of "Shukufuku"] coexists suppleness, beauty, and strength, highlighting the world view of The Witch from Mercury while vividly demonstrating Yoasobi's innovation."[21] Nahda Nabiilah from Game Rant praised the song as "providing an upbeat tune that can raise the listener's energy and build up their enthusiasm to start the anime episodes."[17] Writing for Rockin'On Japan, Fumiaki Amano compared "Shukufuku" that "may be as close as possible to what lies between Ayase and Ikura", likening "Yoasobi's theme song".[22]

Commercial performance

With two days of tracking, "Shukufuku" debuted at number 14 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 in the chart issue dated October 5, 2022, with 23,298 units, charted on the Download Songs at number two.[23] The next week, the song surged up 12 spots to number two after its first full week of tracking, behind SKE48's "Zettai Inspiration".[24] It earned 30,499 downloads, landed at number one on the Download Songs;[25] 6,203,733 streams, debuted at number seven on the Streaming Songs;[26] and 1,397,032 video views.[27] For the specific-genre Hot Animation chart, "Shukufuku" debuted at number seven[28] and ascended to number one the following week.[29] Upon the CD single release, Billboard Japan reported that "Shukufuku" sold 24,926 copies for its first week, debuted at number four on the Top Singles Sales chart.[30]

For Oricon charts, "Shukufuku" entered the Combined Singles Chart for the issue dated October 10 at number 23,[31] and ascended to number three the following week. The song debuted at number two on the Digital Singles Chart, selling 26,736 units.[32] Then, it peaked at number one the chart on the week of October 17 with 34,563 units,[33] becoming the tenth number-one song on the chart.[34] The single also peaked at number six on the Streaming Chart issue dated October 17, collected 6,390,883 streams.[35] Following the release of its CD single, "Shukufuku" landed at number three on the Oricon Singles Chart and number one on the Anime Singles Chart of November 21 with 23,845 CD sales.[36] Internationally, the song debuted at number 76, 27, and 12 on the Billboard Global 200,[37] Global Excl. U.S,[38] and Hits of the World's Hong Kong Songs, respectively.[39] "Shukufuku" was certified platinum for download figures and double platinum for streaming by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ).[40] [41]

Live performances and covers

Yoasobi gave a debut performance of "Shukufuku" at the two-hour special edition of CDTV Live! Live! on November 7, 2022, shot at Gundam Factory Yokohama.[42] The members and the band performed in front of an 18-meter life-size movable Gundam statue.[43] The song was included on the setlist of their concert tours Denkōsekka Arena Tour,[44] and 2023–2024 first Asia Tour.[45] Yoasobi also performed the song at several music festivals since 2022, such as Head in the Clouds Festival,[46] [47] Unibaru! Live 2023,[48] and Rock in Japan Festival, etc.[49] Japanese voice actress Lynn covered "Shukufuku", uploaded on her YouTube channel and released to music streaming platform on February 28, 2024.[50]

Accolades

Ceremony! scope="col"
YearAwardResult
Anime Grand Prix2023Best Anime Song[51]
Anime Trending Awards2023Opening Theme Song of the Year[52]
Newtype Anime Awards2023Best Theme Song[53]
Reiwa Anisong Awards2022Best Work Award[54]

Track listing

  1. – 3:16
  1. "The Blessing" (English version) – 3:13
  1. "Shukufuku" – 3:14
  2. "The Blessing" (English version) – 3:14
  3. "Shukufuku" (anime edit) – 1:30
  4. "Shukufuku" (instrumental) – 3:12

Credits and personnel

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2022)! scope="col"
Peak
position
Hong Kong (Billboard)[55] 12
Japan (Japan Hot 100)[56] 2
Japan Hot Animation (Billboard Japan)[57] 1
Japan Combined Singles (Oricon)[58] 3
Japan Anime Singles (Oricon)[59] 1
Chart (2022)! scope="col"
Peak
position
Japan Digital Singles (Oricon)[60] 25

Monthly charts

Chart (2022)! scope="col"
Position
Japan (Oricon)[61] 15
Japan Anime Singles (Oricon)[62] 3

Year-end charts

Chart (2022)! scope="col"
Position
Japan (Japan Hot 100)[63] 74
Japan Hot Animation (Billboard Japan)[64] 15
Japan Digital Singles (Oricon)[65] 7
Chart (2023)! scope="col"
Position
Japan (Japan Hot 100)[66] 15
Japan Hot Animation (Billboard Japan)[67] 7
Japan Digital Singles (Oricon)[68] 9

Release history

Region! scope="col"
DateFormatVersionLabel
VariousOctober 1, 2022OriginalSony Japan[69]
November 9, 2022English[70]
JapanCD singleLimited[71]
TaiwanNovember 25, 2022Sony Taiwan[72]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury Official Site / Music . Gundam.info . September 28, 2022.
  2. Citations:
    • Yoasobi . YOASOBI_staff . 1565617460690432000 . September 2, 2022 . 941 . September 4, 2022.
    • Yoasobi . YOASOBI_staff . 1565980584123711488 . September 3, 2022 . 730 . September 4, 2022.
    • Yoasobi . YOASOBI_staff . 1566341912558452738 . September 4, 2022 . Coming Soon!!! . September 4, 2022.
  3. News: 機動戦士ガンダム 水星の魔女: YOASOBIが「ガンダム」新作OP「祝福」担当 コラボデザインのガンプラも . September 4, 2022 . . September 4, 2022 . ja.
  4. Web site: Cradle Planet . Gundam.info . February 14, 2023.
  5. News: YOASOBI、アニメ『機動戦士ガンダム 水星の魔女』OPテーマ担当「大変光栄に思います」 . September 4, 2022 . . September 4, 2022 . ja.
  6. News: YOASOBIの新曲「祝福」 大河内一楼氏書き下ろしの原作小説『ゆりかごの星』を『機動戦士ガンダム 水星の魔女』公式サイトで公開 . October 2, 2022 . Spice . October 2, 2022 . ja.
  7. News: YOASOBI、半年ぶり「ANN」で"1部"初登場「今からワクワクが止まらない」 . September 9, 2022 . Modelpress . September 9, 2022 . ja.
  8. News: YOASOBI、新曲「祝福」の『機動戦士ガンダム 水星の魔女』描き下ろしジャケット公開 . September 25, 2022 . The First Times . September 25, 2022 . ja.
  9. News: YOASOBIが結成3周年記念日にガンダムOP曲「祝福」配信、ガンプラ付きのパッケージ版も発売 . September 16, 2022 . . September 16, 2022 . ja.
  10. News: YOASOBI、"機動戦士ガンダム 水星の魔女"OPとコラボした「祝福」MVを明日10/2 20時プレミア公開決定。CDパッケージ描き下ろしイラスト＆同曲英語版含む収録曲発表 . October 2, 2022 . Skream! . October 1, 2022 . ja.
  11. News: YOASOBI、「祝福」CD詳細発表＋MVプレミア公開決定 . October 1, 2022 . Barks . October 1, 2022 . ja.
  12. News: 『ガンダム 水星の魔女』のOP曲『祝福』の英語版がめちゃくちゃカッコイイ。MV1000万再生を記念して少しだけ公開 . November 5, 2022 . Dengeki Online . November 4, 2022 . ja.
  13. News: YOASOBI、「祝福」の英語バージョン「The Blessing」配信開始＆MV公開。英語版EP第2弾『E-SIDE 2』11/18配信リリース決定 . November 9, 2022 . Skream! . November 9, 2022 . ja.
  14. News: YOASOBI楽曲の英語版8曲入り「E-SIDE 2」配信決定（動画あり） . November 18, 2022 . . November 9, 2022 . ja.
  15. Web site: 「機動戦士ガンダム 水星の魔女 Original Soundtrack」（音楽：大間々 昂） . Sunrise Music . July 2, 2023 . ja.
  16. News: YOASOBI、新曲「勇者」がTVアニメ"葬送のフリーレン"OPテーマに決定。同曲収録した3rd EP『THE BOOK 3』10/4リリース . September 1, 2023 . Skream! . September 1, 2023 . ja.
  17. News: Nabiilah . Nahda . 7 Best Opening Songs Of The Fall 2022 Anime Season, Ranked . November 2, 2022 . . November 1, 2022.
  18. News: Mazumdar . Tarun . Is Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury Based on a Manga or Light Novel, and Is It Finished or Ongoing? . November 2, 2022 . Epic Stream . October 26, 2022 . en.
  19. Web site: Key, BPM of 祝福 by YOASOBI . Musicstax . October 28, 2022 . October 1, 2022.
  20. News: Tsuki no Hito . 米津玄師、Official髭男dism、YOASOBI、Ado、藤井風……2022年後半に迎えたリリースラッシュ、重要楽曲をピックアップ . October 28, 2022 . Real Sound . October 28, 2022 . ja.
  21. News: Mori . Tomoyuki . Watabe . Akiko . King & Prince、YOASOBI、Mrs. GREEN APPLE、緑黄色社会、菅田将暉……11月9日リリースの新譜5作をレビュー . November 8, 2022 . Real Sound . November 8, 2022 . ja.
  22. News: Amano . Fumiaki . YOASOBI『祝福』 / 対等であたたかな愛の形 . November 8, 2022 . . November 8, 2022 . ja.
  23. News: 【ビルボード】BUMP OF CHICKEN「SOUVENIR」DLソング初登場1位、YOASOBI「祝福」が2位に続く . October 5, 2022 . . October 5, 2022 . ja.
  24. Billboard Japan . Billboard Japan . SKE48's 'Zettai Inspiration' Bows at No. 1 on Japan Hot 100 . October 13, 2022 . . October 12, 2022.
  25. News: 【ビルボード】YOASOBI「祝福」DLソング首位浮上、『SPY×FAMILY』関連楽曲が2位＆3位に続く . October 12, 2022 . . October 12, 2022 . ja.
  26. News: 【ビルボード】Ado「新時代 (ウタ from ONE PIECE FILM RED)」がストリーミング9連覇 YOASOBIのガンダム主題歌「祝福」6位に初登場 . October 12, 2022 . . October 12, 2022 . ja.
  27. News: 【ビルボード】SKE48「絶対インスピレーション」、YOASOBI「祝福」とAdo「新時代」を抑えて初登場総合首位獲得 . October 12, 2022 . . October 12, 2022 . ja.
  28. News: 【ビルボード】Ado「新時代 (ウタ from ONE PIECE FILM RED)」9週連続アニメ首位 BUMP OF CHICKEN／YOASOBI新曲も登場 . October 5, 2022 . . October 5, 2022 . ja.
  29. News: 【ビルボード】YOASOBI「祝福」がAdo「新時代 (ウタ from ONE PIECE FILM RED)」を破りアニメ首位 . October 12, 2022 . . October 12, 2022 . ja.
  30. News: 【ビルボード】King & Prince『ツキヨミ／彩り』初週61.4万枚でシングル・セールス首位 . November 14, 2022 . . November 14, 2022 . ja.
  31. Web site: Oricon Top 50 Combined Singles: 2022-10-10 . . September 30, 2022 . ja.
  32. Web site: Oricon Top 50 Digital Singles: 2022-10-10 . . October 5, 2022 . ja . https://web.archive.org/web/20221005021903/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/dis/w/2022-10-10/ . October 5, 2022.
  33. News: YOASOBI新曲が「デジタルシングル」1位 アニメ『SPY×FAMILY』関連曲も上位に【オリコンランキング】 . October 12, 2022 . . October 12, 2022 . ja.
  34. News: YOASOBI、"祝福"がオリコン「週間 デジタルシングル（単曲）ランキング」で通算10作目の1位獲得 . October 13, 2022 . . October 12, 2022 . ja.
  35. Web site: Oricon Top 50 Streaming: 2022-10-10 . . October 14, 2022 . ja . https://web.archive.org/web/20221012030411/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/st/w/2022-10-17/ . October 12, 2022.
  36. Web site: Oricon Top 50 Singles: 2022-11-21 . . November 16, 2022 . ja . https://web.archive.org/web/20221116023234/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/js/w/2022-11-21/ . November 16, 2022.
  37. Billboard Global 200: Week of October 15, 2022. Billboard. October 11, 2022.
  38. Billboard Global Excl. US: Week of October 15, 2022. Billboard. November 16, 2022. subscription.
  39. Hong Kong Songs: Week of October 15, 2022. Billboard. October 11, 2022.
  40. News: 2023年7月度DL認定、YOASOBI「祝福」がプラチナ、さユり「花の塔」がゴールド . August 18, 2023 . Musicman . August 18, 2023 . ja.
  41. News: 2023年11月度ストリーミング認定、YOASOBI「怪物」が「夜に駆ける」「群青」に続く3作目のダイヤモンド . December 26, 2023 . Musicman . December 26, 2023 . ja.
  42. News: YOASOBIが「CDTV」2時間SPで「祝福」をTV初披露、動くガンダムとコラボも . October 30, 2022 . . October 30, 2022 . ja.
  43. News: キンプリ、なにわ男子、Travis Japanが『CDTVライブ！ライブ！』に登場！YOASOBIは"動くガンダム"とコラボ . October 31, 2022 . TV Life . October 31, 2022 . ja.
  44. News: Munakata . Akimasa . YOASOBI初単独アリーナツアー追加公演初日レポートーーただのテクノでもロックでもない特異性 . June 25, 2023 . . June 25, 2023 . ja.
  45. News: 【ライブレポート】YOASOBIの韓国ワンマン公演が大盛況！「たくさんの愛を感じて、私たちも楽しくて仕方がないライブでした」 . December 20, 2023 . The First Times . December 18, 2023 . ja.
  46. News: YOASOBI、海外初パフォーマンスはインドネシア＆フィリピン . December 10, 2022 . . December 10, 2022 . ja.
  47. News: YOASOBI、88rising主催＜Head In The Clouds Los Angeles＞でアメリカ初ライブ . August 8, 2023 . Barks . August 8, 2023 . ja.
  48. News: YOASOBI、＜ユニ春！ライブ 2023＞で「アドベンチャー」初披露 . March 12, 2023 . Barks . March 12, 2023 . ja.
  49. YOASOBI - ROCK IN JAPAN FESTIVAL 2023 ライブ写真＆セットリスト . August 13, 2023 . . August 13, 2023 . ja.
  50. News: CrosSingより『機動戦士ガンダム 水星の魔女』ミオリネ・レンブラン役・Lynnが出演! オープニング主題歌のYOASOBI「祝福」をカバー! . March 6, 2024 . Lisani . March 1, 2024 . ja.
  51. Web site: 第45回アニメGP . Chikimato.net . February 3, 2024 . ja.
  52. Web site: Nominees of the 9th Anime Trending Awards . Anime Trending . March 10, 2024.
  53. News: ニュータイプアニメアワード2022-2023結果発表、作品賞は「ぼっち・ざ・ろっく！」＆「劇場版ソードアート・オンライン」 . October 30, 2023 . Gigazine . October 28, 2023 . ja.
  54. Web site: 令和4年アニソン大賞 . Anisong Awards . November 21, 2023 . ja.
  55. Yoasobi Chart History (Hong Kong Songs). Billboard. July 20, 2023.
  56. Web site: Billboard Japan Hot 100 – Week of October 12, 2022. Billboard Japan. ja. October 12, 2022.
  57. Web site: Billboard Japan Hot Animation – Week of October 12, 2022. Billboard Japan. ja. October 12, 2022.
  58. Web site: Oricon Top 50 Combined Singles: 2022-10-17 . . October 14, 2022 . ja . https://web.archive.org/web/20230812231330/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/cos/w/2022-10-17/ . August 12, 2023.
  59. Web site: Oricon Top 20 Anime Singles: 2022-11-21 . . November 23, 2022 . ja . https://web.archive.org/web/20221123045212/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/as/w/2022-11-21/ . November 23, 2022.
  60. Web site: Oricon Top 50 Digital Singles: 2022-11-21 . . November 23, 2022 . ja . https://web.archive.org/web/20221123022100/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/dis/w/2022-11-28/ . November 23, 2022.
  61. Web site: Oricon Top 50 Singles: 2022-11 . . December 14, 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221214061515/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/js/m/2022-11/p/2/ . December 14, 2022.
  62. Web site: Oricon Top 10 Anime Singles: 2022-11 . . June 26, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20221214061135/https://www.oricon.co.jp/rank/as/m/2022-11/ . December 14, 2022.
  63. Web site: Billboard Japan Hot 100 Year-End 2022 . . December 9, 2022.
  64. Web site: Billboard Japan Hot Animation Year-End 2022 . . December 9, 2022.
  65. News: 【オリコン年間ランキング2022】King & Prince、今年度唯一のミリオン達成で自身初の「シングル」首位 Snow Man初の「アルバム」1位 / デジタルシングル (単曲) ランキング 1位~10位 . December 22, 2022 . . December 22, 2022 . ja.
  66. Web site: Billboard Japan Hot 100 – 2023 Year-End. Billboard Japan. ja. December 8, 2023.
  67. Web site: Billboard Japan Hot Animation – 2023 Year-End. Billboard Japan. ja. December 8, 2023.
  68. News: 【オリコン年間ランキング2023】King & Prince、「シングル」「アルバム」ともにミリオン達成で「音楽」3ジャンルで首位 YOASOBI「アイドル」が3冠 デジタルシングル(単曲)ランキング 1位~10位 . December 20, 2023 . . December 20, 2023 . ja.
  69. Web site: 10/1(土)配信リリース新曲「祝福」の配信ジャケットが『機動戦士ガンダム 水星の魔女』描き下ろしジャケットに決定＆イラスト公開！ . Yoasobi Official Website . . September 25, 2022 . ja . September 25, 2022.
  70. Web site: Yoasobi . The Blessing – Single . Apple Music (NZ) . November 9, 2022 . November 9, 2022.
  71. Web site: YOASOBI 結成3周年！明日20時、『機動戦士ガンダム 水星の魔女』とコラボした同曲MVプレミア公開決定＆アニメ第1話にてTVサイズ映像を先行公開！さらに、11/9(水)リリースCDパッケージ描き下ろしイラスト＆同曲英語版含む収録曲、店舗特典解禁！ . Yoasobi Official Website . . October 1, 2022 . ja . October 1, 2022.
  72. Web site: YOASOBI / The Blessing (Special Limited Edition) . . April 20, 2024 . zh-tw.

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