Japanese singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu has achieved a historic milestone by being chosen for the "RIAA Class of 2023," an accolade presented by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) to artists who have made a significant impact in the music industry during the year.

Yonezu's track "KICK BACK" received RIAA Gold certification, marking a groundbreaking achievement for a Japanese language song. The RIAA, known for recognizing artists who have captivated fans and significantly boosted sales across generations since 1958, selected 57 artists this year for their contributions to global pop culture.

Expressing his joy, Yonezu attributed the recognition to the success of "KICK BACK," released in November as the opening theme for the anime "Chainsaw Man." He stated, "I'm happy. It's all thanks to 'Chainsaw Man.' I don't really feel it so much, but I'm just happy. Acceptance in American pop music, which I've been listening to since childhood, is genuinely delightful. If people who don't understand Japanese listened to this song and thought, 'This is nice,' then I believe it was worth creating."

Join us in congratulating Kenshi Yonezu on this remarkable achievement!