"Yūsha"
Characters Frieren and Himmel showing their back and sitting on the grass
Single by Yoasobi
from the EP The Book 3
LanguageJapanese
English title"The Brave"
ReleasedSeptember 29, 2023
Genre
Length3:14
LabelSony Japan
Songwriter(s)Ayase
Producer(s)Ayase
Yoasobi singles chronology
"Idol"
(2023)		 "Yūsha"
(2023)		 "Biri-Biri"
(2023)
Alternative cover
A buried treasure-styled package
Limited CD single cover
Music video
"Yūsha" on YouTube
"The Brave" on YouTube

"Yūsha" (勇者, 'hero'; alternatively titled "The Brave" in English)[1] is a song by Japanese duo Yoasobi from their third extended play, The Book 3 (2023). It was released on September 29, 2023, through Sony Music Entertainment Japan, served as the first opening theme for the Japanese anime series Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (2023). The song was written by Ayase, and based on short story Fanfare for Frieren written by Jirō Kiso. Commercially, "Yūsha" peaked at number two on the Billboard Japan Hot 100, and number three on the Oricon Combined Singles Chart.

Background and release

In September 2022, an anime adaptation of manga series by Kanehito Yamada and Tsukasa Abe, Frieren: Beyond Journey's End, was first announced.[2] One year later, on September 1, 2023, the anime released the third trailer, teasing its first opening and ending themes, "Yūsha" by Yoasobi and "Anytime Anywhere" by Milet, respectively.[3] On the same day, the duo also announced their third extended play The Book 3, set to be released on October 4, which "Yūsha" appears as the first track.[4]

Prior to the release of "Yūsha", Yoasobi, alongside Milet, appeared via screen at the completed screening event of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End on September 23, talking about the themes.[5] On September 27, the duo announced that the song would be released as a single to digital music and streaming platforms the next two days, the same day as the two-hour first four episodes premiere.[6] The buried treasure-styled limited CD single was released on December 13,[7] including the English version, "The Brave", translated by Konnie Aoki, which was released ahead on November 24.[8]

Lyrics and composition

A source for "Yūsha" is the short story Fanfare for Frieren (奏送, Sōsō), written by Jirō Kiso and supervised by the manga's writer Yamada. It tells about protagonist Frieren visiting a small town called "Music City" five years after the death of the hero Himmel. She receives a difficult request from an old woman who she meets in a place filled with music.[9] Despite funky and upbeat sounds,[10] the song incorporates the main character Frieren's emotional changes and memories towards the hero Himmel,[11] expressing lonely and melancholy atmosphere of the anime.[12] Originally, the opening theme would focus on the worldview of Frieren's journey, but Ayase and Shuya Yamamoto, the duo's creative director, were not satisfied due to the song's "little too much emphasis on the atmosphere". So, Ayase decided to rework the song even though he submitted the song to the anime's team.[13]

Critical reception

Rockin'On Japan's Mie Sugiura praised "Yūsha" for the structure expressing the story of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End itself densely and interpreted to have connection with Yoasobi's 2022 single "Shukufuku", an opening theme for Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury (2022–2023), highlighting the "meaning of life" and "the miracle that we have met".[14] Writing for Real Sound, Eriko Ishii admired the lyrics that looks like the words poping out one after another from the anime's story and oriental-styled phrase. She also complimented Ikura's vocals, which "keep running to the next melody without leaving any trace, convey a tremendous sense of speed, independent of the actual tempo."[15] The Nerd Stash ranked the song as the sixth best anime opening song in 2023.[16]

Music video

An accompanying music video for "Yūsha" premiered on September 29, 2023, at 23:00 JST, shortly after the first four episodes of Frieren: Beyond Journey's End premiere.[17] It was directed by Keiichirō Saitō, and produced by Madhouse studio, who both worked on the anime. The visual depicts an adventure of the heroic group consisting of Frieren, hero Himmel, warrior Eisen, and priest Heiter with the same visuals as the anime.[18] The music video of the English version was uploaded on November 24.[19]

Commercial performance

With three days of tracking, "Yūsha" debuted at number nine on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 for the issue dated October 4, 2023,[20] with 22,086 digital sales, 2,426,245 streams, and 5.2 million video views.[21] In its full-tracking second week, the song ascended the peak at number two, behind only Ado's "Show". The song's digital sales were slightly decrease to 21,267 units, while the audio streams and video views were increased to 8,139,175 and 9 million, respectively.[22] The song also peaked at number one on the component Download Songs for two consecutive weeks,[23][24] and number four on the Streaming Songs.[25] Additionally, the song landed at number four on the specific-genre Hot Animation chart,[26] and ascended to number one the next week.[27]

For Oricon charts, "Yūsha" entered the Digital Singles (Single Track) Chart at number one for the issue dated October 9, 2023, with 25,958 downloads, becoming Yoasobi's thirteen chart-topper, the second most behind only Kenshi Yonezu (14);[28] and topped the chart for three-consecutive weeks.[29] The song additionally peaked at number four on the Streaming Chart,[30] number three on the Combined Singles Chart.[31] and number seven on the Singles Chart.[32]

Promotion and live performances

To promote "Yūsha" alongside the anime, Yoasobi gave interviews at news programs Zip!,[33] and News Every,[34] as well as the November edition of Oggi,[35] and the 2024 second issue of Weekly Shōnen Sunday magazines.[36] The duo performed the song for the first time at music festivals Nex_Fest on November 3, 2023,[37] and then at Full Power Fest the next day.[38] The song was added on the setlist for opening act at British rock band Coldplay's Music of the Spheres World Tour in Tokyo,[39] and the duo's 2023–2024 first Asia Tour.[40]

Accolades

Awards and nominations for "Yūsha"
Ceremony Year Award Result Ref.
Asian Pop Music Awards 2023 Best OST Nominated [41]

Track listing

  • Digital download and streaming
  1. "Yūsha" (勇者) – 3:14
  • Digital download and streaming – English version
  1. "The Brave" – 3:14
  • CD single
  1. "Yūsha" – 3:14
  2. "The Brave" – 3:14
  3. "Yūsha" (anime edit) – 1:32
  4. "Yūsha" (instrumental) – 3:14

Credits and personnel

  • Ayase – writer, producer
  • Ikura – vocals
  • Jirō Kiso – based story writer
  • Konnie Aoki – background chorus lyrics, English lyrics
  • Imani J. Dawson – background chorus
  • Ebony Bowens – background chorus
  • Mimiko Goldstein – background chorus
  • Marrista – background chorus
  • Sofia Ray – background chorus
  • Shore Cienna – background chorus
  • Haley Lewis – background chorus
  • Jonas Gen Whitaker – background chorus
  • Missy Suzuki – background chorus
  • Ivy – background chorus
  • Velvet – background chorus
  • Emily – background chorus
  • Takayuki Saitō – vocal recording
  • Kunio Nishikawara – background chorus recording
  • Yūki Iwata – background chorus recording
  • Masahiko Fukui – mixing
  • Hidekazu Sakai – mastering

Charts

Certifications

Certifications for "Yūsha"
Region CertificationCertified units/sales
Japan (RIAJ)[57]
Digital 		Gold 100,000*
Streaming
Japan (RIAJ)[58] Gold 50,000,000†

* Sales figures based on certification alone.
† Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Release dates and formats for "Yūsha"
Region Date Format Version Label Ref.
Various September 29, 2023 Original Sony Japan [59]
November 24, 2023 English [60]
Japan December 13, 2023 CD single Limited [61]

References

  1. ↑ Harding, Daryl (September 30, 2023). "Frieren: Beyond Journey's End TV Anime Starts the Adventure With Creditless Opening Animation". Crunchyroll. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  2. ↑ "「葬送のフリーレン」アニメ化決定! 勇者一行の"その後"の世界を描くファンタジー". Natalie (in Japanese). September 1, 2022. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  3. ↑ "日本テレビ：金曜にアニメ枠「フラアニ」新設 第1弾は「葬送のフリーレン」". Mantanweb (in Japanese). September 1, 2023. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  4. ↑ "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". Skream! (in Japanese). September 1, 2023. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  5. ↑ "声優・種﨑敦美『葬送のフリーレン』録画予約に注意喚起「初回の後は毎週23時」". Tokyo Sports (in Japanese). September 23, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
  6. ↑ "YOASOBI、『葬送のフリーレン』OPテーマをリリース". Barks (in Japanese). September 27, 2023. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  7. ↑ "「葬送のフリーレン」OPテーマ「勇者」のCDにアベツカサ描き下ろしアイテム". Natalie (in Japanese). November 11, 2023. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
  8. ↑ "YOASOBI、TVアニメ『葬送のフリーレン』OPテーマ「勇者」英語版を11月24日に配信リリース決定!". Lisani (in Japanese). November 22, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  9. ↑ "秋アニメ「葬送のフリーレン」YOASOBIによるOPテーマ「勇者」のアニメフルMV公開! 楽曲用原作小説も". Anime! Anime! (in Japanese). September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
  10. ↑ Melo, Cathlyn (October 2, 2023). "Frieren Opening: Song Name, Artist, Lyrics, & Where to Listen Online". Epicstream. Retrieved October 3, 2023.
  11. ↑ "【イベントレポート】アニメ「葬送のフリーレン」長命のフリーレンに種崎「いろんな日があっていいじゃない」". Natalie (in Japanese). September 23, 2023. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  12. ↑ "YOASOBI『葬送のフリーレン』OPテーマ「勇者」配信リリース! MVプレミア公開も決定". The First Times (in Japanese). September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
  13. ↑ Mori, Tomoyuki (October 7, 2023). "YOASOBI・Ayase、自身の曲作りの"武器"は「メロディーの強度」＜EP『THE BOOK 3』インタビュー＞". The TV (in Japanese). Retrieved October 7, 2023.
  14. ↑ Sugiura, Mie (October 3, 2023). "YOASOBI『THE BOOK 3』／壮大にして繊細な音楽で表現する「短編小説集」". Rockin'On Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved October 7, 2023.
  15. ↑ Tomoyuki, Mori; Ishii, Eriko (October 7, 2023). "YOASOBI、Mr.Children、あいみょん、Vaundy、Tani Yuuki、『ブギウギ』主題歌……注目新譜6作をレビュー". Real Sound (in Japanese). Retrieved October 6, 2023.
  16. ↑ De Ita, Giovanna (December 7, 2023). "Top 10 Anime Openings of 2023". The Nerd Stash. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  17. ↑ "YOASOBI、アニメ「葬送のフリーレン」OPテーマ「勇者」MVをプレミア公開＆楽曲用原作小説『奏送』を公開". Musicman (in Japanese). September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
  18. ↑ "『葬送のフリーレン』OP映像解禁 YOASOBI×原作者が監修の小説「奏送」公開". Oricon (in Japanese). September 29, 2023. Retrieved September 29, 2023.
  19. ↑ "YOASOBI、TVアニメ『葬送のフリーレン』オープニングテーマ「勇者」英語版が配信リリース＆本日23:30にMV公開決定!". Encore (in Japanese). November 24, 2023. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
  20. ↑ "【ビルボード】Ado「唱」が総合ソング2連覇、YOASOBI「勇者」9位に初登場＜10/4訂正＞". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). October 4, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
  21. ↑ Billboard Japan (October 4, 2023). "Ado's 'Show' Logs Second Week Atop Japan Hot 100 as King Gnu's 'SPECIALZ' Rises to No. 2". Billboard. Retrieved October 5, 2023.
  22. ↑ "【ビルボード】Ado「唱」が総合ソング3連覇、JUNG KOOKの新曲が初のトップ10入り&YOASOBI「勇者」が2位に急上昇＜10/11訂正＞". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). October 10, 2023. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  23. ↑ "【ビルボード】YOASOBI「勇者」がDLソング首位、JUNG KOOK「3D (feat. Jack Harlow)」は3位デビュー". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). October 4, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
  24. ↑ "【ビルボード】YOASOBI「勇者」がDLソング2週連続1位、Adoが2曲をトップ3に送り込む". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). October 11, 2023. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  25. ↑ "【ビルボード】Ado「唱」がストリーミング3連覇達成 YOASOBI、羊文学アニメ関連曲が急上昇". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). October 11, 2023. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  26. ↑ "【ビルボード】King Gnu「SPECIALZ」僅差でアニメ首位奪還 YOASOBI最新曲「勇者」初登場4位". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). October 4, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
  27. ↑ "【ビルボード】YOASOBI「勇者」アニメ首位へ躍進、トップ2をYOASOBIが独占". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). October 11, 2023. Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  28. ↑ "アニメ『葬送のフリーレン』OP曲のYOASOBI「勇者」が、デジタルシングル1位 「アイドル」も50万DL突破【オリコンランキング】". Oricon (in Japanese). October 4, 2023. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
  29. ↑ "YOASOBI、2週連続でデジタルランキング2冠【オリコンランキング】". Oricon (in Japanese). October 18, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
  30. ↑ "Oricon Top 50 Streaming: 2023-10-16" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on October 11, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2023.
  31. ↑ "Ado、「唱」が自身通算2作目の合算シングル1位【オリコンランキング】". Oricon (in Japanese). November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  32. ↑ "12/25付週間シングルランキング 1位はSexy Zone「人生遊戯」". Oricon (in Japanese). December 27, 2023. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  33. ↑ "「葬送のフリーレン」×「ZIP！」コラボ特番放送！". Nordot (in Japanese). September 20, 2023. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  34. ↑ Kandagawa, Nozomi (October 13, 2023). "「葬送のフリーレン」ED曲担当のオファーが来たmilet、とんでもないブツを購入!?". Coconuts (in Japanese). Retrieved October 13, 2023.
  35. ↑ "YOASOBI＆milet、Oggi11月号に登場！『葬送のフリーレン』主題歌を語る〈9月28日発売〉". Oggi (in Japanese). September 25, 2023. Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  36. ↑ "YOASOBI「少年サンデー」表紙登場 秘蔵エピソードたっぷり5000字超ロングインタビューも収録". Modelpress (in Japanese). December 6, 2023. Retrieved December 6, 2023.
  37. ↑ "NEX FEST 2023 | セトリ • タイムテーブル". Lyfe8 (in Japanese). November 4, 2023. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  38. ↑ "FULL POWER FEST (フルパワーフェス) 2023 全セトリ". Yawarakai (in Japanese). November 4, 2023. Retrieved November 6, 2023.
  39. ↑ "＜ライブレポート＞コールドプレイ、6年ぶり来日公演で見せた慈愛に満ちた壮大なショーと平和への祈り、スペシャルゲストにはYOASOBIが登場". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). November 17, 2023. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
  40. ↑ "【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」". The First Times (in Japanese). December 18, 2023. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  41. ↑ Sai, Aishwarya (November 30, 2023). "From BTS' V to Straykids: A complete list of KPop nominations at Asian Pop Music Awards 2023". Sportskeeda. Retrieved December 4, 2023.
  42. ↑ "Yoasobi Chart History (Global 200)". Billboard. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  43. ↑ "Yoasobi Chart History (Hong Kong Song)". Billboard. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  44. ↑ "Billboard Japan Hot 100 – Week of October 11, 2023". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  45. ↑ "Billboard Japan Hot Animation – Week of October 11, 2023". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved October 11, 2023.
  46. ↑ 勇者 – Oricon Oricon News. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  47. ↑ "Oricon Top 50 Combined Singles: 2023-11-13" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on November 10, 2023. Retrieved November 10, 2023.
  48. ↑ "Oricon Top 20 Anime Singles: 2023-12-25" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on December 27, 2023. Retrieved December 27, 2023.
  49. ↑ "Yoasobi Chart History (Taiwan Song)". Billboard. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  50. ↑ "Yoasobi Chart History (World Digital Song Sales)". Billboard. Retrieved October 10, 2023.
  51. ↑ "Oricon Top 50 Digital Singles: 2023-12-04" (in Japanese). Oricon. Archived from the original on November 29, 2023. Retrieved November 29, 2023.
  52. ↑ "Oricon Top 50 Singles: 2023-12". Oricon. Archived from the original on January 10, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  53. ↑ "Oricon Top 10 Anime Singles: 2023-12". Oricon. Archived from the original on January 10, 2024. Retrieved January 10, 2024.
  54. ↑ "Billboard Japan Hot 100 – 2023 Year-End". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  55. ↑ "Billboard Japan Hot Animation – 2023 Year-End". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  56. ↑ "【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". Oricon (in Japanese). December 20, 2023. Retrieved December 20, 2023.
  57. ↑ "Japanese digital single certifications – Yoasobi – 勇者" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved December 20, 2023. Select 2023年11月 on the drop-down menu
  58. ↑ "Japanese single streaming certifications – Yoasobi – 勇者" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved December 26, 2023. Select 2023年11月 on the drop-down menu
  59. ↑ The Orchard Japan (September 27, 2023). "YOASOBI、TVアニメ『葬送のフリーレン』オープニングテーマ「勇者」が9/29に配信リリース決定＆配信ジャケット公開!". PR Times (in Japanese). Retrieved September 27, 2023.
  60. ↑ "YOASOBI、TVアニメ『葬送のフリーレン』オープニングテーマ「勇者」英語版が11/24(金)に配信リリース決定!". PR Times (in Japanese). November 22, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  61. ↑ "TVアニメ『葬送のフリーレン』オープニングテーマ「勇者」CDが豪華宝箱仕様の完全生産限定盤で、12月13日(水)にリリース決定＆予約開始! 店舗購入特典絵柄も公開!". Yoasobi Official Website (in Japanese). November 11, 2023. Retrieved November 11, 2023.
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