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Gunjō (song)
Gunjō (song)
Gunjō (song)
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"Gunjō"
Single by Yoasobi
from the EP The Book
LanguageJapanese
English title"Blue"
ReleasedSeptember 1, 2020
GenreJ-pop
Length4:08
LabelSony Japan
SongwriterAyase
ProducerAyase
Yoasobi singles chronology
"Tabun"
(2020) 		"Gunjō"
(2020) 		"Haruka"
(2020)
Music video
"Gunjō" on YouTube
"Blue" on YouTube

"Gunjō" (群青; lit. "Ultramarine") is a song by Japanese duo Yoasobi, featuring an uncredited chorus by cover group Plusonica,[1] from their debut EP, The Book (2021). It was released as a single through Sony Music Entertainment Japan on September 1, 2020. Inspired by Tsubasa Yamaguchi's manga Blue Period and based on a story text Ao o Mikata ni, the song is described as "a cheering song that inspires listeners by immersing themselves in what they like and expressing what they see."[2]

The music video was uploaded on December 1,[3] and surpassed 100 million views on May 30, 2022.[4] The English version, titled "Blue", was released on October 29, 2021.[5] "Gunjō" was certified diamond by the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) after surpassing 500 million streams in the country, the duo's second song after "Yoru ni Kakeru".[6]

Live performances

[edit]

Yoasobi performed "Gunjō" for the first time as a full group, including band members, and Plusonica on the YouTube channel The First Take, uploaded on February 26, 2021.[7] After their second extended play The Book 2 announcement, Yoasobi appeared on Best Artist 2021, giving a televised debut performance of the song on November 17.[8] They performed the song at the year-end television special 72nd NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen on December 31. The show depicted Ikura standing on the escalator downstairs to perform on the stage, where Ayase, the band members, and the orchestra gathered there.[9]

Usage in media

[edit]

"Gunjō" was featured on Bourbon's Alfort Mini Chocolate advertisement in 2020.[10] Additionally, it was also used as a theme of Dance One Project '21, a project that supports high school's dance club held by morning show Sukkiri,[11] and accompanied the 94th High School Baseball Tournament entrance march.[12] In January 2024, "Gunjō" was mashed up with Vaundy's "Hana Uranai", and fryer chime's sound, titled "Tirori Remix 2024" for McDonald's Japan's promotional video.[13] The song appeared on the special promotional video for the live-action film adaption of Blue Period.[14]

Track listing

[edit]
  • Digital download and streaming[15]
  1. "Gunjō" (群青) – 4:08
  • Digital download and streaming (English version)[16]
  1. "Blue" – 4:08

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Charts

[edit]

Certifications

[edit]
Certifications for "Gunjō"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Japan (RIAJ)[31] Platinum 250,000*
Streaming
Japan (RIAJ)[32] Diamond 500,000,000†

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

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for "Gunjō"
Region Date Format Version Label Ref.
Various September 1, 2020
Original (Japanese) Sony Japan [15]
October 29, 2021 English ("Blue") [16]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Gunjō (song)

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
"Gunjō" (群青, lit. "ultramarine") is a song by the Japanese pop duo Yoasobi, featuring vocals by ikura and composition and lyrics by Ayase. Released as a digital single on September 1, 2020, it draws inspiration from Tsubasa Yamaguchi's manga Blue Period, which follows a high school student's journey into the world of art. The track also functions as the theme song for a commercial campaign by confectionery company Bourbon promoting their Alfort Mini Chocolate product line. Yoasobi, consisting of producer Ayase and vocalist ikura, crafted "Gunjō" as part of their signature style of adapting prose into music, in this case based on a story text titled Ao o Mikata ni (lit. "Making Blue an Ally") connected to the . The song's explore themes of youthful passion, self-doubt, and the pursuit of artistic dreams, resonating with the 's of transformation through . Its official , uploaded on December 1, 2020, has amassed over 218 million views as of November 2025, highlighting animated visuals that evoke the emotional depth of and personal growth. "Gunjō" achieved significant commercial success in , peaking at number 11 on Japan's mid-year Hot 100 song chart in 2022, earning widespread streaming acclaim, and certified diamond by the (RIAJ) for surpassing 500 million streams. An English-language version titled "" was released on , 2021, expanding its international reach. The song has been covered by various artists, including the virtual band in the BanG Dream! franchise, further cementing its influence in and communities.

Background and development

Inspiration and conception

The song "Gunjō" originated as a commissioned piece for a promotional collaboration between and Bourbon Corporation's Alfort Mini Chocolate biscuits, announced on August 20, 2020, ahead of its digital release on September 1. This tie-up marked 's first adaptation inspired by a rather than a , aligning with their signature style of transforming literary narratives into music. The primary inspiration for "Gunjō" drew from Tsubasa Yamaguchi's manga Blue Period, a centered on Yatora Yaguchi, a high-achieving high school student leading a seemingly stable but unfulfilling life until he discovers a profound passion for . The manga's exploration of artistic passion, the struggles of creative expression, and Yaguchi's journey of self-discovery resonated deeply with YOASOBI's composer Ayase, who noted parallels between Yaguchi's artistic dilemmas and the challenges of music production. Ayase conceived the track to encapsulate the manga's emotional arc, transitioning from Yaguchi's mundane routine to an intense pursuit of artistic truth, while affirming the to embrace one's genuine interests despite fear and uncertainty. This concept was developed through YOASOBI's collaborative process, where a titled "Ao o Mikata ni" (Making Blue an Ally), crafted specifically for the Alfort campaign and inspired by Blue Period, served as the foundational text for the song's and themes.

Production

Ayase handled all aspects of songwriting, composition, and for "Gunjō", crafting the track in late August 2020 to align with its promotional for the Bourbon Alfort Mini Chocolate commercial. Ikura provided the lead vocals. To enhance the track's depth, an uncredited choral layer was added by the cover group Plusonica, whose harmonies provided a sense of communal aspiration in the background vocals. The production included final mixing by Masahiko Fukui and vocal engineering by Takayuki Saito, for the single's digital release on , 2020.

Release and promotion

Release details

"Gunjō" was announced on August 20, 2020, as YOASOBI's fifth digital single, serving as the theme song for Bourbon's Alfort Mini Chocolate commercial campaign, with teaser promotions beginning that month. The track was released exclusively as a digital and streaming single on , 2020, through , marking the duo's first television commercial tie-in. The song was later included on YOASOBI's debut , ''The Book'', which was released digitally on January 6, 2021, also via . An English-language adaptation titled "" followed on October 29, 2021, featuring newly translated by Konnie Aoki while preserving the original and , and was similarly distributed as a digital single ahead of its inclusion on the EP ''''.

Music video

The official music video for "Gunjō" was uploaded to YOASOBI's YouTube channel on December 1, 2020, directed by Atsushi Makino in collaboration with producer Ayase to align with the song's overarching vision. The video employs abstract puppet animation dominated by blue tones, visually capturing the essence of artistic struggle and self-expression without directly adapting the manga's narrative. Produced after the song's audio release on September 1, 2020, it served to amplify promotional hype through its fully animated format, eschewing any live-action components. The video achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 100 million views on May 30, 2022. As of November 2025, it has accumulated over 218 million views on . An English-language version of the music video, titled "," was released on October 29, 2021, alongside the track, maintaining comparable stylistic elements including Makino's direction and blue-hued to evoke similar themes of personal breakthrough.

Live performances

YOASOBI first performed "Gunjō" live as a full group, including live band members and support from Plusonica, on the YouTube channel on February 26, 2021. The one-take rendition captured the song's energetic build-up and emotional delivery in a single continuous shot, quickly going viral and accumulating over 100 million views within its first year. The duo's appearance at the on December 31, 2021, highlighted their burgeoning stardom, with a polished stage performance of "Gunjō" that blended ikura's soaring vocals with orchestral elements suited to the event's grand scale. This rendition underscored the song's role in 's breakthrough year, drawing widespread acclaim for its live intensity. Earlier that month, on November 17, 2021, YOASOBI delivered the song's television debut on Best Artist 2021, following the announcement of their EP ''The Book 2''. Other notable early live renditions included the song's integration into YOASOBI's setlist for events like the Dance One Project '21, where it inspired widespread high school dance covers, and its selection as the entrance march for the 94th High School Baseball Tournament in 2022, though not a direct performance by the duo. In 2025, "Gunjō" continued to feature prominently in YOASOBI's international touring, including a high-energy delivery during Day 2 of their Tour concert at Istora Senayan in on February 27, 2025, captured in fan recordings that showcased enhanced production for the arena setting. The performance retained the song's original and structure while incorporating fuller to match the larger venue's acoustics.

Composition

Musical style

"Gunjō" is classified as with prominent and elements, characterized by its upbeat of 135 beats per minute and dynamic builds that create an energetic, propulsive feel. The track employs a standard verse-chorus structure, featuring an introductory build, two verses, pre-choruses, multiple chorus repetitions, a bridge, and a fading outro, all within a total duration of 4 minutes and 8 seconds. Written in the key of , the song's progression primarily revolves around major chords such as B♭, E♭, and F, contributing to its bright and uplifting tonal quality. The instrumental arrangement is piano-driven, with composer Ayase crafting the core on before layering electronic synths to add depth and texture. These synth elements provide a modern electronic sheen, enhancing the track's pop accessibility while subtle guitar contributions from AssH offer rhythmic drive.) The song's climactic moments feature choral swells performed by the vocal group Plusonica, which amplify the emotional intensity during the choruses and bridge. In the context of YOASOBI's discography, "Gunjō" evolves their signature sound from the more straightforward of their debut "" by incorporating richer choral and layered production for added orchestral flair. The English-language adaptation, titled "," retains an identical musical arrangement and instrumentation, preserving the original's sonic identity while adapting only the vocals.

Lyrics and themes

The lyrics of "Gunjō," written by Ayase, poetically capture the protagonist's internal struggle and growth, drawing directly from the narrative of Tsubasa Yamaguchi's Blue Period, where a high school student abandons a monotonous routine to pursue art. The song's core themes revolve around the pursuit of personal passion, the courage to break free from societal expectations, and the vulnerability inherent in artistic self-expression, portraying a journey from apathy and self-doubt to empowerment and self-acceptance. Central to the lyrics is the motif of "gunjō" (ultramarine blue), symbolizing profound emotional depth, creative aspiration, and the vast "blue world" of untapped potential that the protagonist enters despite fear. Recurring lines evoke running toward dreams amid uncertainty, such as in the chorus's empowering refrain "Hashire sō sa" (roughly "You can run, right?"), which urges forward momentum and resilience in facing one's true desires. Ayase's writing style infuses novelistic imagery—reflecting the manga's introspective tone—with verses that contrast everyday boredom in urban settings like Shibuya against the exhilaration of authentic self-revelation, emphasizing that continuing with what one loves involves not just joy but also anxiety and growth through pain. An English adaptation titled "" reworks the for natural flow while retaining key imagery of blue as a of identity and the act of "staking everything" on personal endeavors, released on October 29, 2021, as part of YOASOBI's EP. For full , , and translations, refer to official sources like .

Commercial performance

Chart performance

"Gunjō" achieved significant commercial success on various international and domestic charts following its release. On the , the song peaked at number 6 during its initial run in 2020. Its enduring popularity is reflected in consistent appearances on the chart's annual year-end rankings, demonstrating sustained listener engagement over multiple years. The track's performance extended to global markets, where it reached number 44 on the Billboard Global 200. Additionally, it peaked at number 14 on the chart, highlighting its appeal among international audiences. In recognition of its long-term impact, "Gunjō" holds the number 16 position on the all-time chart spanning 2008 to 2022. The release of the English-language version, titled "", on October 29, 2021, led to minor additional charting, including a peak at number 13 on the Japan Digital Singles chart, which further boosted international streaming numbers. As of 2025, "Gunjō" has not achieved any major new chart peaks but maintains a sustained streaming presence, evidenced by its continued inclusion in year-end summaries and live performance rotations.

Year-End Rankings on Billboard Japan Hot 100

YearPosition
202091
20218
202216
202332
202457

Certifications

"Gunjō" earned multiple certifications from the (RIAJ). The song was certified Platinum for digital downloads in 2020 after reaching 250,000 units. It later received for streaming following the accumulation of 500 million streams, achieved after 2022. As of 2025, "Gunjō" had surpassed 500 million combined streams on and . Digital download sales exceeded 100,000 units in the first week of release, with cumulative figures reaching approximately 300,000 units. The English-language version, titled "," has not received major certifications but has bolstered the track's overall streaming performance. No certifications or awards from organizations outside were recorded as of 2025.

Usage in media and legacy

Media appearances

"Gunjō" served as the promotional theme for Bourbon Corporation's Alfort Mini Chocolate advertisement campaign launched in 2020, featuring a collaboration with the Blue Period that inspired the song's creation. A custom of the track, arranged by the Mobile Melody Series project, was specifically produced for the campaign and released as a single in 2021. The song was selected as the official theme for the Dance One Project '21, an initiative by Nippon 's morning program Sukkiri to support high school clubs across , encouraging student participation through choreographed routines to the track. This event culminated in a nationwide compilation video showcasing performances from 230 participating teams. The song draws inspiration from the 2021 anime adaptation of Blue Period, produced by and aired on , aligning its themes of youthful passion and self-discovery with the series' narrative, though it was not used as the opening theme. The track has appeared in various Japanese television spots tied to YOASOBI's promotional activities and is included in the duo's THE BOOK (2021), but has not secured major synchronization licenses for international media outside . As of November 2025, no new major media appearances have been announced for "Gunjō," though it continues to feature prominently in popular streaming playlists on platforms like Spotify, maintaining its presence in anime and J-pop curated collections. The song has also been performed live in international settings, such as at Coachella in 2024 and during YOASOBI's Asia Tour 2024-2025, underscoring its global appeal.

Covers and interpretations

One notable official cover of "Gunjō" is the version by the from the BanG Dream! franchise, featuring vocals by Minato Yukina of Roselia, arranged in a full band style to emphasize elements. This rendition was released digitally as part of the BanG Dream! Girls Party! series on January 6, 2021. In 2021, the Japanese vocal group WITHDOM, known as Kyoto City's tourism ambassadors, issued an a cappella-style cover that highlighted their harmonic vocal arrangements, released as a single on November 3. This interpretation gained attention for blending traditional Japanese vocal techniques with the song's modern pop structure, contributing to WITHDOM's international recognition. Another commercial adaptation appeared in a 2021 advertisement for Bourbon's Alfort Mini Chocolate, performed by the Mobile Melody Series in a melodic, format tailored for promotional use. This cover, distributed via streaming platforms, underscored the song's versatility in marketing contexts tied to its original anime-inspired origins. Among fan-made covers, Indonesian singer Chris Andrian Yang's 2021 rendition, uploaded to on November 23, achieved attention with over 230,000 views as of November 2025, praised for its emotive delivery and multilingual appeal that broadened the song's reach in . Similarly, Japanese creator Yoyoyo-chan's acoustic cover from December 2024 circulated widely on social platforms, noted for its intimate, stripped-down arrangement that resonated with younger audiences exploring covers. These examples illustrate how "Gunjō" inspires grassroots reinterpretations, often amplifying its themes of perseverance. "Gunjō" has become a symbol of YOASOBI's ascent in global , particularly through its ties to adaptations like Blue Period, exemplifying the duo's role in bridging , , and since their 2021 breakthrough. The song is frequently interpreted as an for creative pursuits, encouraging listeners to embrace challenging paths like artistic self-discovery without shortcuts, as reflected in its narrative roots about a student's passion for . No significant controversies have arisen from these interpretations.

Track listing and credits

Track listing

The digital single for "Gunjō" was released on September 1, 2020, featuring only the original Japanese-language track with no B-sides or remixes.
No.TitleLength
1."Gunjō" (群青)4:08
An English-language version titled "" was released as a separate digital single on October 29, 2021, also with a duration of 4:08 and available for streaming and ; it is likewise included on the EP.

Personnel

Ayase served as the , arranger, , and songwriter for "Gunjō". Ikura provided the lead vocals. AssH performed on guitar, while Plusonica contributed background chorus vocals, initially uncredited in the release. The track features no guest artists beyond the core team. Mixing was handled by Masahiko Fukui, recording engineering by Takayuki Saito, and mastering by Hidekazu Sakai, all under . For the English version titled "Blue," the same core personnel were involved, with Ayase overseeing adaptations to the translated lyrics by Konnie Aoki.

References

  1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4nEEZwckuU
  2. https://genius.com/Yoasobi-gunjou-lyrics/q/release-date
  3. https://genius.com/Genius-romanizations-yoasobi-gunjou-romanized-lyrics
  4. https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/aimer-sixtones-yoasobi-lead-billboard-japan-mid-year-charts-1235084802/
  5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8hMN2UAPxs
  6. https://bandori.fandom.com/wiki/Gunjou
  7. https://skream.jp/news/2020/08/yoasobi_gunjo_alfort_cm.php
  8. https://natalie.mu/music/news/394445
  9. https://style.nikkei.com/article/DGXMZO66665440W0A121C2000000/
  10. https://music.apple.com/us/song/gunjou/1528119630
  11. https://www.billboard-japan.com/d_news/detail/91324
  12. https://music.fanplus.co.jp/news/2020081581596204a
  13. https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001173.000055377.html
  14. https://tower.jp/article/news/2020/12/01/tg006
  15. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/yoasobi-blue-music-video-english-ep-9654001/
  16. https://jrocknews.com/2021/11/yoasobi-debuts-english-ep-e-side-consisting-fan-favorites.html
  17. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13879618/
  18. https://www.uniqlo.com/jp/en/contents/feature/ut-magazine/s97/
  19. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NyUTYwZe_l4
  20. https://aramajapan.com/news/tvmovie/musicaward-show/performance-order-for-72nd-nhk-kohaku-uta-gassen-revealed/116489/
  21. https://www.facebook.com/yoasobithailandfc/videos/yoasobi-gunjou-live-at-best-artist-2021/425884312369029/
  22. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjVrzdKmWKo
  23. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eKJlnkKD0RU
  24. https://www.tencymusic.com/music-licensing/yoasobi/gunjou.html
  25. https://www.hooktheory.com/theorytab/view/yoasobi/gunjou
  26. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BZ70t9dY8kM
  27. https://aramajapan.com/news/music/yoasobi-returns-to-the-first-take-performing-gunjo/112205/
  28. https://genius.com/Genius-english-translations-yoasobi-gunjou-english-translation-lyrics
  29. https://www.billboard.com/artist/yoasobi/chart-history/japan-hot-100/
  30. https://www.billboard.com/artist/yoasobi/chart-history/world-digital-song-sales/
  31. https://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=hot100_year&year=2024
  32. https://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=hot100_year&year=2020
  33. https://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=hot100_year&year=2021
  34. https://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=hot100_year&year=2022
  35. https://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=hot100_year&year=2023
  36. https://kworb.net/spotify/track/1zd35Y44Blc1CwwVbW3Qnk.html
  37. https://open.spotify.com/track/3O1MNYlzac6uwwdNLwWXuY
  38. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xiax3YZyTLY
  39. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTQEezOUo5A
  40. https://open.spotify.com/playlist/07Ma9bAMKyYFdewJzA0F6T
  41. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qS9s_9-LRrQ
  42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxFSCQKlPPg
  43. https://www.nippon.com/en/japan-topics/g02016/
  44. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/yoasobi-five-year-anniversary-1235811590/
  45. https://music.apple.com/us/album/blue-english-version-single/1588668683
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