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E-Side
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E-Side
A red pixel art on the bottom of the gray background with darker gray pixels, placing YOASOBI / E-SIDE / NOVEL INTO MUSIC on the top
EP by
Yoasobi
ReleasedNovember 12, 2021
GenreJ-pop
Length31:49
LanguageEnglish
LabelSony Japan
ProducerAyase
Yoasobi chronology
The Book
(2021) 		E-Side
(2021) 		The Book 2
(2021)
Singles from E-Side
  1. "Into the Night"
    Released: July 2, 2021
  2. "RGB"
    Released: July 16, 2021
  3. "Monster"
    Released: July 30, 2021
  4. "Blue"
    Released: October 29, 2021

E-Side is the debut English-language EP (second overall) by Japanese duo Yoasobi. It was released on November 12, 2021, through Sony Music Entertainment Japan. The EP consists of eight tracks from the duo's songs in the English language, including their previous-release singles "Into the Night", "RGB", "Monster", and "Blue". Konnie Aoki is in charge of translating all tracks into English. Commercially, E-Side debuted at number 19 on the Oricon Combined Albums Chart and number nine on the Billboard Japan Hot Albums.

Background

[edit]

Yoasobi released their first English-language song, titled "Into the Night" on July 2, 2021, which was translated from the duo's "Yoru ni Kakeru" by Konnie Aoki.[1] It was peaked at number 44 on the Oricon Combined Singles Chart,[2] and number two on the Digital Singles Chart.[3] Later, they also released "RGB" from "Sangenshoku" on July 16,[4] "Monster" from "Kaibutsu" on July 30,[5] and "Blue" from "Gunjō" on October 29, the same day as E-Side announcement.[6] All tracks debuted on the Oricon Digital Singles Chart at number ten, eleven, and thirteen, respectively.[7][8][9]

The duo revealed on their radio show, Yoasobi's All Night Nippon X [ja] that the EP title E-Side was decided by Nippon Broadcasting System.[10] According to Ayase in a Paper interview, the meanings of the songs had not been changed in the EP and that Yoasobi was trying to appeal to overseas fans.[11] In a Nylon interview in February 2022, Yoasobi said that they take into consideration the sound structure to choose the songs to make an English version. They said that the songs they chose should not interfere with the original and should still be able to be understood in English.[12]

Release and promotion

[edit]

Yoasobi announced their first English-language EP, titled E-Side on October 29, 2021, the same day as "Blue" release, alongside its track listing, and cover artwork, scheduled for release on November 12 to digital music and streaming platforms only,[6][13] as part of "Yoasobi Nice to Meet You Countdown" to announce the duo's new information every Friday for ten weeks until their one-off concert Nice to Meet You.[14] The cover artwork of E-Side depicts a red pixel art on the bottom of the gray background with darker gray pixels and places the duo's slogan "Novel into Music" below the EP's title, designed by Mina Sakurai.[15][16]

The EP contains four previous-release English songs, and four new English-translated songs: "Haven't" from "Tabun", "Comet" from "Yasashii Suisei, "Encore", and "Tracing a Dream" from "Ano Yume o Nazotte".[17] The duo uploaded the EP's snippets as the "crossfade movie" on November 7.[18] The full song of "Comet", and "Tracing a Dream" were played for the first time at their radio show Yoasobi's All Night Nippon X on November 10, due to asking fans via Twitter poll.[19] The accompanying music videos of the all new tracks were premiered alongside the EP release since midnight JST.[20] LED billboards for advertising the EP were also placed in New York City, United States.[21][16]

Commercial performance

[edit]

In Japan, E-Side entered the Oricon Combined Albums Chart at number 19[22] and debuted atop the Digital Albums Chart, selling 3,305 units.[23] The EP entered Billboard Japan Hot Albums at number nine.[24] It opened with 2,847 digital sales, charting number two on the Download Albums, behind only Silk Sonic's An Evening with Silk Sonic, which debuted atop with 2,891 digital sales.[25]

Track listing

[edit]

All tracks are written by Ayase and translated to English by Konnie Aoki.

E-Side track listing
No.TitleLength
1."Into the Night"4:19
2."Haven't"4:16
3."Monster"3:25
4."Comet"3:33
5."RGB"3:39
6."Encore"4:30
7."Blue"4:06
8."Tracing a Dream"4:01
Total length:31:49

Notes

  • All tracks are noted as "English version" in some music streaming services.[26][27]

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Credits adapted from the official website.[28]

  • Ayase – songwriter, producer
  • Ikura – vocals
  • Konnie Aoki – English translation

Charts

[edit]

Sales

[edit]
Sales figures for E-Side
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Japan
Digital 		— 9,468[32]

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for E-Side
Region Date Format Label Ref.
Various November 12, 2021
Sony Japan [33][26]

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

E-Side

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
E-Side is the debut English-language (EP) by the Japanese pop duo , released digitally on November 12, 2021, through . The eight-track EP compiles English-language adaptations of the duo's earlier Japanese singles, with lyrics translated by Konnie Aoki to preserve the original melodies, rhythms, and emotional nuances. Featuring and elements, it marks Yoasobi's initial foray into international markets, building on their domestic success from the 2021 Japanese EP The Book. Yoasobi, formed in 2019, consists of composer and producer Ayase (Ayase Nakajima), known for his Vocaloid background, and vocalist ikura (Lilas Ikuta), whose emotive delivery defines the duo's sound. E-Side reimagines fan-favorite tracks such as "Into the Night" (English version of "Yoru ni Kakeru"), their breakout hit from 2019 that amassed over a billion streams globally, alongside "Monster," "Comet," and "RGB," which were originally released as singles in 2021. The full tracklist includes:
  1. "Into the Night" (4:19)
  2. "Haven't" (4:16)
  3. "Monster" (3:25)
  4. "Comet" (3:33)
  5. "RGB" (3:39)
  6. "Encore" (4:30)
  7. "Blue" (4:06)
  8. "Tracing a Dream" (4:01)
The EP's release was promoted through teasers and for key singles like "Into the Night" and "RGB," contributing to its strong streaming performance, including a peak of number nine on the Hot Albums chart. E-Side received praise for its faithful yet accessible translations, helping expand their audience beyond and laying the foundation for subsequent English EPs, E-Side 2 (November 18, 2022) and E-Side 3 (April 12, 2024).

Background

Conception

Yoasobi, the Japanese duo consisting of composer and producer Ayase and vocalist ikura, decided to create English-language adaptations of their popular tracks as a strategic move to expand their reach to international audiences beyond Japan. This initiative began with the release of the English version of their breakout single "Into the Night" (originally "Yoru ni Kakeru") on July 2, 2021, marking the group's first foray into English vocals and setting the stage for broader global accessibility. The motivation stemmed from a desire to connect with English-speaking fans worldwide, allowing listeners who might not understand Japanese lyrics to engage more deeply with the music's emotional core. Central to this project was the collaboration with music director and translator Konnie Aoki, who adapted the lyrics for the English versions while striving to preserve the original meanings derived from the short stories that inspire 's songs. Aoki focused on maintaining the rhythmic flow, syllable count, and phonetic nuances of the Japanese originals to ensure the translations felt natural and true to the source material, avoiding loose interpretations that could dilute the narrative intent. This careful adaptation process was essential for the EP's tracks, enabling ikura's English performances to retain the storytelling essence that defines the duo's work. The title E-Side was selected to symbolize these English adaptations, serving as a "" to English-speaking fans and an invitation for global audiences to explore Yoasobi's sound. The production retained core elements while integrating ikura's English vocals to remain faithful to the Japanese counterparts yet accessible internationally. This approach highlighted the duo's commitment to cultural bridging without compromising their signature style.

Announcement

On October 29, 2021, officially announced their debut English-language EP, E-Side, through their social media accounts and Sony Music Japan, marking a significant step toward broader international accessibility. The teaser disclosed that the EP would comprise eight tracks: four English versions previously released as singles, including the fan-favorite "Into the Night," and four new English adaptations of Japanese songs. This reveal came during the ongoing "Yoasobi Nice to Meet You Countdown," a promotional series of weekly updates that heightened anticipation leading into their major concert, drawing enthusiastic responses from global fans eager for 's signature sound in a new linguistic format. In early comments, composer Ayase emphasized the project's aim to share 's essence worldwide, stating, "We want to reach more people," while vocalist ikura highlighted its role in connecting with overseas audiences by making their novel-inspired narratives more universally relatable.

Composition and recording

Musical style

E-Side exemplifies Yoasobi's signature sound, blending electronic and elements rooted in Ayase's production background. The EP incorporates influences alongside upbeat rhythms, as seen in the fast-paced, energetic track "Monster," which contrasts with more introspective pieces like "Haven't." Ayase's production emphasizes glistening synths and layered arrangements created using software, building dynamic tension through intricate beats and melodies inspired by narrative storytelling. Ikura's vocal delivery remains emotive and expressive across the English adaptations, conveying emotional depth while accommodating phonetic differences from the original Japanese versions. Collaborations with translator Konnie Aoki ensure lyrical fidelity, allowing Ikura to reinterpret demos with personal nuance suited to English phrasing. The EP's structure balances high-energy anthems, such as the driving "Into the Night," with reflective tracks, creating a cohesive 31:49 runtime that mirrors the duo's Japanese discography while prioritizing for global audiences. The English versions were recorded primarily by Ayase and Ikura using laptop-based setups, consistent with their home production approach, with vocal recording handled in controlled environments to capture Ikura's expressive performance.

Lyrics and translation

The English versions of the tracks on E-Side feature lyrics translated by Konnie Aoki, who focuses on preserving the emotional nuance and schemes of the original Japanese lyrics, which are derived from short stories by authors such as Mayo Hoshino, , and Shinano. Aoki's approach emphasizes fidelity to the source material's syllable structure and melodic flow, ensuring the translations align closely with the original's poetic intent while adapting them for English phrasing. Across the EP's tracks, recurring themes revolve around night, dreams, monsters, and the complexities of human emotions, reflecting the introspective narratives of the underlying short stories. For instance, "Into the Night" delves into escapism, portraying a desperate flight into the darkness to seize fleeting connections and dissolve painful realities, as seen in lines like "Seize a move, you're on me, falling / And we were dissolving." Similarly, "Monster" explores inner struggles, symbolizing self-doubt and resilience through metaphors of personal "monsters" that must be confronted, with lyrics urging persistence amid a flawed world: "If I kept trying then, what can I, that cannot be done?" These motifs underscore a broader exploration of vulnerability and growth, common in YOASOBI's story-inspired works. Translating the poetic Japanese elements posed significant challenges for Aoki, particularly in rendering wordplay, cultural nuances, and rhythmic patterns into natural English without sacrificing catchiness or the originals' evocative . Japanese lyrics often rely on layered meanings and phonetic harmony that don't directly translate, requiring creative adjustments to maintain the songs' singable quality and emotional resonance while avoiding overly literal renditions that could disrupt the flow. The English adaptations enhance global accessibility by making the core narratives—rooted in universal human experiences—immediately comprehensible to non-Japanese speakers, without altering the fundamental stories or thematic depth of the originals. This allows listeners to engage directly with the ' emotional layers, broadening YOASOBI's reach while honoring the source material's integrity.

Release and promotion

Digital release

E-Side was released on November 12, 2021, exclusively as a digital download and streaming EP through . No physical formats were produced for the project, emphasizing its focus on global digital accessibility. The EP became available on major streaming platforms including , , and , enabling a simultaneous worldwide rollout to international audiences. This digital-only strategy aligned with YOASOBI's emphasis on online distribution, following their prior digital singles. The collection totaled approximately 32 minutes in length, blending remakes of fan-favorite hits with fresh material to introduce 's sound to English-speaking listeners.

Marketing campaigns

To promote E-Side internationally, employed targeted advertising in key English-speaking markets, including promotional banners outside to capture attention from global audiences. These outdoor displays were part of a broader strategy to extend visibility beyond . Social media played a central role in building anticipation, with teasers and announcements shared via , including a crossfade video of the EP's tracks released on to showcase snippets of the new English adaptations. The centerpiece was the "Nice to Meet You Countdown," a series launched on October 1, 2021, where revealed new project details every at noon JST for ten weeks, culminating in announcements tied to the EP and their Nice to Meet You concert at . Collaborations with major streaming platforms enhanced accessibility and discovery, with E-Side immediately available on , , , and upon release, including features in curated and -inspired playlists to reach international listeners. These efforts highlighted YOASOBI's signature "story-to-song" concept—adapting narratives into music, often linked to like the Beastars opening "Into the Night"—to draw in overseas fans of and storytelling traditions. By prioritizing narrative-driven tracks in English, the campaign positioned the EP as a bridge for global audiences unfamiliar with Japanese lyrics while retaining the duo's thematic depth.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

E-Side debuted at number 1 on the Digital Albums in November 2021, with first-week sales of 3,305 digital units. The EP also peaked at number 19 on the Combined Albums during the same month. On the Hot Albums , it reached a peak position of number 9. Internationally, E-Side recorded minor entries on global and charts, driven primarily by streaming activity. The EP demonstrated sustained streaming momentum extending into 2022.

Sales figures

E-Side achieved 3,305 digital units sold during its first week of , reflecting its strong initial digital as a primarily streaming-focused EP. By the end of , total physical-equivalent sales reached approximately 10,000 units, underscoring modest but steady uptake in the Japanese market. In terms of streaming, the EP amassed over 50 million global streams by 2022, driven largely by international interest in its English-language tracks. As of November 2025, the EP has accumulated over 149 million streams on . As of 2025, no certifications have been awarded by the for the EP, though retrospective streaming has grown due to YOASOBI's subsequent world tours boosting catalog visibility. Compared to YOASOBI's Japanese EP The Book, which sold over 100,000 copies in its debut year, E-Side demonstrated more modest initial but exhibited long-tail through sustained digital and streaming consumption.

Reception

Critical reviews

Upon its release, E-Side received praise from music outlets for Konnie Aoki's English translations, which successfully preserved the rhythmic and melodic appeal of Yoasobi's original Japanese tracks. J-Rock News highlighted how the adaptations made the hit songs "just as catchy in English," crediting Aoki's careful work in maintaining the originals' infectious energy. Critics also acknowledged the EP's role in introducing to international audiences. described E-Side as a greeting to English-speaking listeners, facilitating easier access to the duo's sound. Coverage from 2021-2022, including in , emphasized the EP's pivotal role in Yoasobi's shift toward global accessibility, marking a strategic expansion beyond . Professional critical reception remains sparse, with limited reviews from major outlets.

Fan and user feedback

Fans on platforms like and have praised E-Side for enhancing accessibility to 's music for international audiences, with r/YOASOBI threads describing the English adaptations as "gems" that introduce non-Japanese listeners to the duo's sound. These discussions often highlight how the album bridges language barriers, though many users emphasize that the original Japanese versions convey deeper emotional nuance and remain superior overall. User reviews on Album of the Year reflect mixed sentiments, averaging 50/100 based on 35 contributions, with standout praise for tracks like "Into the Night" rated at 8.5/10 for its captivating energy and criticism for "Encore" at 3/10 due to perceived awkward phrasing in English. Common feedback underscores the role of E-Side's English renditions in helping non-Japanese fans grasp the narrative-driven themes rooted in short stories, fostering greater appreciation for 's conceptual style without relying on translations.

Content

Track listing

E-Side features eight tracks, comprising English-language adaptations of YOASOBI's earlier Japanese releases, with all music and original lyrics composed by Ayase and English lyrics translated by Konnie Aoki. The EP includes English versions of four previously released singles—"Into the Night" (July 2, 2021), "Monster" (July 30, 2021), "RGB" (July 16, 2021), and "Blue" (October 29, 2021)—alongside four English versions exclusive to the EP: "Haven’t", "Comet", "Encore", and "Tracing a Dream". The total runtime is 31:49.
No.TitleLengthOriginal Japanese title
1"Into the Night"4:19"Yoru ni Kakeru" (夜に駆ける)
2"Haven’t"4:16"Tabun" (たぶん)
3"Monster"3:25"Kaibutsu" (怪物)
4"Comet"3:33"Yasashii Suisei" (優しい彗星)
5"RGB"3:39"Sangenshoku" (三原色)
6"Encore"4:30"Ankōru" (アンコール)
7"Blue"4:06"Gunjō" (群青)
8"Tracing a Dream"4:01"Ano Yume o Nazotte" (あの夢をなぞって)

Credits and personnel

Ayase served as the primary producer and songwriter for all tracks on E-Side. Ikura provided vocals for all tracks. The English translations for the lyrics were handled by Konnie Aoki.

References

  1. https://jrocknews.com/2021/11/yoasobi-debuts-english-ep-e-side-consisting-fan-favorites.html
  2. https://music.apple.com/us/album/e-side/1590852953
  3. https://www.billboard-japan.com/chart_insight/detail?kind=albums&date=2021-11-29&main=178985
  4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORofRTMg-iY
  5. https://www.nme.com/the-cover/yoasobi-04-09-2023-3492650
  6. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2021/08/14/music/yoasobi-translation-yoru-ni-kakeru/
  7. https://www.papermag.com/yoasobi
  8. https://www.grammy.com/news/japanese-pop-duo-yoasobi-interview-j-pop
  9. https://www.grammy.com/news/yoasobi-music-laptop-logic-pro-vocaloid-interview-video-it-goes-to-11
  10. https://open.spotify.com/album/2Il38p3xyKeLHM5tHa4b6R
  11. https://mbmelodies.substack.com/p/make-believe-mailer-29-english-version
  12. https://genius.com/Yoasobi-into-the-night-english-version-lyrics
  13. https://genius.com/Yoasobi-monster-english-version-lyrics
  14. https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/YOASOBI/%25E6%2580%25AA%25E7%2589%25A9/translation/english
  15. https://www.papermag.com/yoasobi-jpop-cover
  16. https://grammy.com/news/japanese-pop-duo-yoasobi-interview-j-pop
  17. https://music.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_lLSoQ8VIn0Jp22yLAGaChXR9xTtj46qqQ
  18. https://twitter.com/yoasobi_staff/status/1443775088935931918
  19. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/64tJ2EAv1R6UaZqc4iOCyj_albums.html
  20. https://www.reddit.com/r/YOASOBI/comments/qrp3f0/eside_now_released_what_did_we_do_to_deserve/
  21. https://www.reddit.com/r/YOASOBI/comments/1l50usg/thoughts_on_the_eside_series/
  22. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/441924-yoasobi-e-side/user-reviews/
  23. https://genius.com/albums/Yoasobi/E-side
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