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Yojiro Noda
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Key Information
Yojiro Noda (Japanese: 野田洋次郎, Hepburn: Noda Yōjirō; born July 5, 1985) is a Japanese singer, songwriter, musician, record producer and actor. Noda is the lead vocalist, songwriter and guitarist of the Japanese rock band Radwimps and also began a solo project, illion, in 2012.
Life and career
[edit]Early life, Radwimps
[edit]Noda was born in Tokyo, Japan, to a businessman father and piano teacher mother.[1] From the ages of six to ten, Noda lived overseas in the United States.[1][2] He first became interested in the guitar in junior high school, after hearing Oasis. He tried to learn how to play the chords with a guitar his family owned.[3]
While studying his first year of high school at Tōin Gakuen in Yokohama, he joined a band in 2001.[1] He joined after being asked by a friend to be the band's vocalist.[4] The band was named Radwimps, and Noda became the band's vocalist, guitarist, and sole songwriter. They released their debut independent album, Radwimps, in 2003, and the band made their major debut under Toshiba EMI in 2005. In 2006, the band became widely popular in Japan, with their fourth album Radwimps 4: Okazu no Gohan being certified platinum.[5]
In 2008, Noda produced a song for another artist for the first time. He wrote and produced the song "Labrador" for Japanese singer Chara, which was used as the leading promotional track for her album Honey.[6] In 2015, Noda wrote the song "Oaiko" (おあいこ; "Draw") for Hanaregumi's sixth studio album What Are You Looking For.[7]
Solo career
[edit]Noda's solo project, Illion, was first announced in November 2012. He began the solo career to perform overseas, which is a goal his band, Radwimps, did not share.[2][8] His debut album, Ubu, was released in Japan and Europe, first on February 25, 2013, in the United Kingdom.[9] The album was promoted with two singles, "Brain Drain" in January 2013, which received a 24-hour exclusive live music video,[9] and "Maharoba," which was released in February 2013. Noda first performed live as Illion at the O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire in London on March 17, 2013. He also performed at the Indra Musikclub in Hamburg, Germany on March 19.[10] He planned to perform at the Tokyo Rocks rock festival in Tokyo on May 12, however the event was cancelled.[11]
In 2015, Noda made his debut as an actor in the film Pieta in the Toilet, which he starred in as the lead character Hiroshi.[12] Radwimps also performed the theme song for the film, entitled "Picnic" (ピクニック).[13] In May, Noda debuted as an author with Rarirure-ron, a book of essays written while RADWIMPS were on their Grand Prix 2014 Jikkyō Namachūkei tour of Japan, as well as his decision to star in Pieta in the Toilet.[14]
In 2016, Noda resumed his Illion solo project with a series of live concerts in July. This began with a performance at the Fuji Rock Festival, followed by two solo billed concerts in Tokyo and Osaka, billed as his Illion Japan Tour 2016.[15]
In 2019, Noda composed the theme song 気まぐれ雲 for the movie Day and Night.[16] In 2024, he provided the music for the Netflix film The Parades.[17]
Noda provided original songs for the television series Glass Heart in 2025 including writing the lyrics for the single "Crystalline Echo".[18] The song ranked first in Spotify's "Daily Viral Songs" in Japan in the second week of August 2025.[19] Also in 2025, he collaborated with Peterparker69 on the song "Hey Phone", which reached fourth on Spotify's "Daily Viral Songs" chart.[20]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Album details | Peak positions |
|---|---|---|
| JPN [21] | ||
| Ubu |
|
7 |
| P.Y.L |
|
8 |
Singles
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billboard Japan Hot 100 [A] | |||||||||||
| "Brain Drain"[25] (Illion) |
2013 | 30 | Ubu | ||||||||
| "Mahoroba"[26] (Illion) |
27 | ||||||||||
| "By My Side" (バイ・マイ・サイ, Bai Mai Sai)[B] (Yojiro Noda (Radwimps) / Taka (One Ok Rock) |
2016 | 46 | Non-album single | ||||||||
| "Water Lily"[28] (Illion) |
— | P.Y.L | |||||||||
| "Hilight"[29] (Illion featuring 5lack) |
— | ||||||||||
| "Told U So"[30] (Illion) |
— | ||||||||||
| "Miracle"[31] (Illion) |
2017 | — | |||||||||
| "—" denotes items which did not chart. | |||||||||||
Production discography
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oricon Singles Charts [C] |
Billboard Japan Hot 100 [D] | ||||||||||
| "Labrador" (ラブラドール, Raburadōru) (Chara) |
2008 | — | 67 | Honey | |||||||
| "EMI" (Terakoya) |
2010 | — | 81 | Non-album single | |||||||
| "Oaiko" (おあいこ; "Draw") (Hanaregumi) |
2015 | — | 87 | What Are You Looking For | |||||||
| "Chōchō Musubi" (蝶々結び; "Bow") (Aimer) |
2016 | 10 | 8 | Daydream | |||||||
| "Furaregai Girl" (フラレガイガール; "Girl Who Should Be Rejected") (Sayuri) |
17 | 22 | Mikazuki no Koukai | ||||||||
| "—" denotes items which were not released as physical singles, so did not qualify for the Oricon singles chart. | |||||||||||
Filmography
[edit]| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Pieta in the Toilet (トイレのピエタ, Toire no Pieta) | Hiroshi | ||
| 2017 | Million Yen Women (TV) (100万円の女たち, 100 Manen no Onna-tachi) | Shin Michima | ||
| 2018 | Isle of Dogs | News Anchor (voice) | American film | |
| 2018 | The Miracle of Crybaby Shottan (泣き虫しょったんの奇跡) | Yuya Suzuki | ||
| 2020 | Yell (TV) | Masato Kogarashi | Asadora | |
| 2021 | It's a Flickering Life | Terashin | [39] |
Bibliography
[edit]- Rarirure-ron (ラリルレ論) (2015), Bungeishunjū, ISBN 416390235X
Notes
[edit]- ^ Sources for chart positions are as follows: "Brain Drain",[22] "Mahoroba",[23] "By My Side".[24]
- ^ Originally released on Radwimps' 2006 single "Setsuna Rensa" as a B-side, it was re-recorded as a charity single to fundraise for the 2016 Kumamoto earthquakes.[27]
- ^ Sources for chart positions are as follows: "Chōchō Musubi",[32] "Furaregai Girl".[33]
- ^ Sources for chart positions are as follows: "Labrador",[34] "EMI",[35] "Oaiko",[36] "Chōchō Musubi",[37] "Furaregai Girl".[38]
References
[edit]- ^ a b c Rockin' on Japan (in Japanese). February 2007. Tokyo, Japan: Rockin' On. January 20, 2007.
{{cite journal}}: Missing or empty|title=(help) - ^ a b "Meet Yojiro Noda – Tokyo's Answer To Thom Yorke". Mark Beaumont. NME. November 13, 2012. Retrieved March 22, 2013.
- ^ "RADWIMPS 特集" [Radwimps Feature]. Neowing (in Japanese). 2006. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
- ^ "Biography". RADWIMPS.jp (in Japanese). April 10, 2008. Archived from the original on January 12, 2006. Retrieved February 1, 2011.
- ^ ゴールド等認定作品一覧 2007年09月 [Works Receiving Certifications List (Gold, etc) (September 2007)]. RIAJ (in Japanese). October 10, 2007. Archived from the original on November 29, 2010. Retrieved January 19, 2011.
- ^ ブームいつまで!? 羞恥心の2曲目はふられた女の子への応援ソング [Booming forever!? Shuchishin's second song is an encourage song for jilted women]. RBB Today (in Japanese). June 25, 2008. Retrieved February 9, 2011.
- ^ ハナレグミ、8/19にニュー・アルバム『What are you looking for』をリリース決定。野田洋次郎(RADWIMPS)らが楽曲提供. Skream! (in Japanese). July 7, 2015. Retrieved July 10, 2015.
- ^ "野田洋次郎ソロ始動、マイブラと「TOKYO ROCKS」出演へ" [Yojiro Noda solo work, performing at Tokyo Rock with My Bloody Valentine]. Natalie (in Japanese). November 8, 2012. Retrieved March 22, 2013.
- ^ a b "RADWIMPSのヴォーカル野田洋次郎、illionとして世界進出" [Radwimps vocal Yojiro Noda, going to worldwide as illion]. Barks (in Japanese). December 24, 2012. Retrieved March 22, 2013.
- ^ "野田洋次郎ソロ・illion初ライブでUKオーディエンス魅了" [Yojiro Noda solo project Illion, first live captivating Uk audience]. Natalie (in Japanese). March 19, 2013. Retrieved March 22, 2013.
- ^ "マイブラ、BLURら出演フェス「TOKYO ROCKS」中止に" [My Bloody Valentine, Blur, etc featuring festival Tokyo Rocks cancellation]. Natalie (in Japanese). March 31, 2013. Retrieved April 12, 2013.
- ^ "RAD野田主演映画に大竹しのぶ&宮沢りえ" [Shinobu Otake and Rie Miyazawa feature in Noda from Radwimps' movie]. Natalie (in Japanese). February 6, 2015. Retrieved February 6, 2015.
- ^ "RADWIMPS、野田主演映画「トイレのピエタ」主題歌シングルリリース" [Radwimps release the theme song of Noda's Toilet no Pieta as a single.]. Natalie (in Japanese). April 13, 2015. Retrieved April 13, 2015.
- ^ "野田洋次郎、初のエッセイ本「ラリルレ論」で映画出演の心境明かす". Natalie (in Japanese). April 16, 2015. Retrieved April 18, 2015.
- ^ "RADWIMPS野田ソロプロジェクト・illion再始動、フジロック&東阪ライブ決定". Natalie (in Japanese). March 25, 2016. Retrieved March 9, 2016.
- ^ Inc, Natasha. "清原果耶の歌声流れる、山田孝之プロデュース「デイアンドナイト」PV予告". 映画ナタリー (in Japanese). Retrieved October 4, 2022.
{{cite web}}:|last=has generic name (help) - ^ "野田洋次郎「絶対誰にも任せたくなかった。」 珠玉の書き下ろし主題歌について語る、映画「パレード」特別インタビュー映像公開 : 映画ニュース". 映画.com (in Japanese). Retrieved September 3, 2025.
- ^ Go, Mayks (May 23, 2025). "RADWIMPS' Yojiro Noda To Provide Songs For Netflix Drama 'Glass Heart'". Retrieved August 17, 2025.
- ^ "佐藤健主演『グラスハート』劇中歌がバイラル首位獲得 TENBLANKが集める作品世界を超えた共感". Real Sound|リアルサウンド (in Japanese). August 12, 2025. Archived from the original on August 16, 2025. Retrieved August 17, 2025.
- ^ "『ウィキッド』7分以上に及ぶ挿入歌がバイラルチャートイン シンシアとアリアナ、2人のディーバの底力". Real Sound|リアルサウンド (in Japanese). March 18, 2025. Retrieved January 10, 2026.
- ^ "illionの作品" [illion Products]. Oricon. Retrieved January 24, 2015.
- ^ "Japan Billboard Hot 100". Billboard (in Japanese). January 23, 2013. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
- ^ "Japan Billboard Hot 100". Billboard (in Japanese). March 13, 2013. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
- ^ "Japan Billboard Hot 100". Billboard (in Japanese). May 4, 2016. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
- ^ "野田洋次郎ソロプロジェクトillion、初アルバム『UBU』から収録曲配信スタート" (in Japanese). Cinra. January 16, 2013. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
- ^ "illion、新曲「MAHOROBA」のミュージック・ビデオを公開!&本日よりiTunes UK & JAPANでシングル先行配信!" (in Japanese). Warner Music Japan. February 6, 2013. Archived from the original on February 2, 2017. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
- ^ "RADWIMPS野田洋次郎、Takaと歌う「バイ・マイ・サイ」で被災地支援" (in Japanese). Natalie. April 28, 2016. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
- ^ "野田洋次郎ソロプロジェクトillion、初アルバム『UBU』から収録曲配信スタート" (in Japanese). Cinra. January 16, 2013. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
- ^ "【7"シングルレコード】Hilight feat.5lack<限定盤>" (in Japanese). Tower Record. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
- ^ "Told U So" (in Japanese). Mora. September 30, 2016. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
- ^ "illion「Miracle」を世界配信、国内ではアルバム全曲ストリーミング配信開始" (in Japanese). Natalie. January 18, 2017. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
- ^ "蝶々結び". Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved January 29, 2017.
- ^ "フラレガイガール(初回生産限定盤A)". Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved January 29, 2017.
- ^ "Japan Billboard Hot 100". Billboard (in Japanese). July 2, 2008. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
- ^ "Japan Billboard Hot 100". Billboard (in Japanese). November 24, 2010. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
- ^ "Japan Billboard Hot 100". Billboard (in Japanese). August 26, 2016. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
- ^ "Japan Billboard Hot 100". Billboard (in Japanese). August 24, 2016. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
- ^ "Japan Billboard Hot 100". Billboard (in Japanese). December 14, 2016. Retrieved January 29, 2017.
- ^ "RADWIMPS野田洋次郎、山田洋次監督作に初参加「キネマの神様」で菅田将暉の盟友役". Natalie. Retrieved October 22, 2020.
External links
[edit]- Official website Archived August 11, 2020, at the Wayback Machine
- Illion on Facebook
- Illion on Twitter
- Illion's channel on YouTube
- Illion at AllMusic
Yojiro Noda
View on GrokipediaEarly life and background
Childhood and family
Yojiro Noda was born on July 5, 1985, in Tokyo, Japan, into a family where his father worked in business and his mother was a piano teacher.[9][10] The family's urban lifestyle in Tokyo offered a stimulating environment, with his mother's profession fostering an early appreciation for the arts at home.[9] From the ages of six to ten, Noda lived in Nashville, Tennessee, in the United States, after his family relocated there during his kindergarten years at Shunko Kindergarten in Japan.[11] This period abroad introduced him to diverse cultural elements, including Western music and English language exposure, before the family returned to Tokyo when he was ten.[11] Settling in the Setagaya ward, he attended Sakuragaoka Elementary School and grew up immersed in the vibrant city life of Tokyo, where radio broadcasts and local music scenes contributed to his broadening worldview.[11] This foundation transitioned into formal musical pursuits during his school years.Musical influences and education
Noda's interest in music ignited during his early teenage years, particularly after encountering the British rock band Oasis in junior high school. At around age 13 or 14, he began teaching himself guitar by listening to their tracks and replicating the chords from memory, without formal instruction.[12] This self-taught approach laid the foundation for his guitar skills and fueled his passion for rock music. Key influences on Noda's evolving style included the experimental sounds of Radiohead and Oasis, which he credits with shaping his songwriting and compositional techniques during adolescence.[13] He also drew inspiration from jazz and hip hop genres, incorporating their rhythmic complexity and improvisational elements into his early musical experiments.[14] These diverse sources contributed to a broad, genre-blending sensibility that distinguished his formative work. Noda's formal education began at Tōin Gakuen, a high school in Yokohama, where he participated in band activities during his first year, honing his skills through informal group performances and collaborations.[14] Following graduation, he enrolled in the Faculty of Environment and Information Studies at Keio University but dropped out after a short period to pursue music full-time.[11] Lacking traditional conservatory training, Noda relied on self-directed study in composition, analyzing influences and practicing extensively to develop his distinctive lyrical and melodic voice.Musical career
Formation and role in RADWIMPS
RADWIMPS was formed in 2001 in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, during the first year of high school for its founding members, who had been friends since middle school. The band originated when guitarist Akira Kuwahara, inspired by punk rock influences, recruited classmate Yojiro Noda to join after hearing him play guitar riffs at a local Mister Donut shop in Yokohama. Noda, serving as lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist, became a core member alongside Kuwahara on lead guitar, bassist Yusuke Takeda, drummer Satoshi Yamaguchi, and an initial fifth member, forming a five-piece group that experimented with rock, punk, and alternative sounds. The band's name, RADWIMPS, playfully combines "rad" (for radical or cool) and "wimps" (implying underdogs), reflecting their youthful, irreverent spirit.[15][16][17] From the outset, Yojiro Noda established himself as the band's primary songwriter, composer, and lyricist, penning nearly all of RADWIMPS' music and words to capture introspective themes of youth and emotion. His contributions shaped the group's early identity, drawing from his self-taught guitar skills developed during high school. The band quickly built momentum in the indie scene, debuting live at Yokohama's BB Street venue and winning the Grand Prix at the Yokohama High School Music Festival with an early track. They followed with a limited indie release of a single CD limited to 10,000 copies, sold for just 100 yen, which sold out rapidly and helped establish their grassroots presence.[16][15][18] The early years were marked by significant challenges, including lineup fluctuations and the demands of independent operations. After their initial successes, the band faced a hiatus when Noda temporarily stepped back to focus on college entrance exams, leading to a hiatus, during which the lineup adjusted with some original members departing and Yusuke Takeda and Satoshi Yamaguchi joining, before reforming in 2004. Indie struggles, such as limited resources and the need to balance school with performances, tested their resolve, but they persisted by hosting a radio show on SCHOOL OF LOCK! to connect with listeners. These obstacles honed their DIY ethos, as they self-produced demos and navigated the competitive Tokyo underground scene without major backing.[15][17][18] In 2005, RADWIMPS transitioned to a major label, signing with Toshiba EMI (later EMI Music Japan) for their debut under a larger platform, a move Noda described as maintaining their independent mindset amid growing expectations. This shift followed persistent indie efforts and culminated in their first major single release. To build their fanbase, the band undertook early tours across Japan, starting with local Yokohama gigs and expanding to club shows in Tokyo and beyond, fostering a dedicated following among young audiences through energetic live performances that emphasized Noda's raw vocals and the group's dynamic interplay. These tours solidified their reputation in the J-rock scene, laying the foundation for broader acclaim.[2][19]Key albums and contributions to RADWIMPS
Yojiro Noda served as the primary songwriter, lyricist, and composer for RADWIMPS' breakthrough album Radwimps 4: Okazu no Gohan, released in December 2006, which earned platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ) for sales exceeding 250,000 units.[20] This release marked the band's first major commercial success, debuting at number five on the Oricon weekly albums chart and establishing Noda's style of introspective, emotionally charged lyrics paired with energetic rock instrumentation. Key tracks like "Yūshinron" exemplified his approach, blending philosophical themes with accessible melodies to resonate with young audiences.[20] Noda continued to shape the band's sound through subsequent albums, including Altocolony no Teiri (2009), Zettai Zetsumei (2011), and Human Bloom (2016), where his lyrics frequently delved into themes of youth, relationships, and raw human emotion. On Altocolony no Teiri, Noda's writing captured the impulsive energy of adolescence, as heard in the lead single "Order Made," which debuted at number one on the Oricon singles chart and highlighted personal vulnerability through vivid, narrative-driven verses.[21] The album itself peaked at number two on the Oricon albums chart, reflecting Noda's growing influence in crafting relatable, youth-oriented narratives.[22] Similarly, Zettai Zetsumei featured Noda's emotionally intense compositions, such as the explosive opener "Dada," which conveyed frustration and resilience amid personal turmoil, contributing to the album's platinum status and number two debut. By Human Bloom, Noda's contributions had matured, with tracks like "Hikari" exploring themes of light amid darkness and emotional healing, helping the album top the Oricon charts upon its November 2016 release.[23] A pivotal moment in Noda's RADWIMPS tenure came with the soundtrack for the 2016 animated film Your Name., where he composed and wrote lyrics for the majority of tracks, including the poignant ballad "Nandemonaiya." This song, performed in a stripped-down acoustic style, captured themes of unspoken longing and fleeting connections, earning the Outstanding Achievement in Music award at the 40th Japan Academy Prize ceremony.[24] The soundtrack's global success, driven by Noda's ability to fuse orchestral swells with intimate rock elements, sold over a million copies in Japan and elevated the band's profile worldwide. Noda's work evolved toward more experimental directions in later albums like Anti Anti Generation (2018) and Forever Daze (2021), incorporating diverse influences such as electronic textures and guest collaborations while preserving his focus on societal introspection and personal evolution. Anti Anti Generation debuted at number one on the Oricon charts and featured innovative arrangements, like the genre-blending "Catharsist," showcasing Noda's push toward sonic boundaries without abandoning emotional depth.[22] Through these releases up to 2021, Noda's songwriting solidified RADWIMPS' reputation for thematic progression from youthful angst to broader existential reflections. For subsequent projects, including the 2025 album Anew, see the "Recent activities and legacy" section.Solo project as illion
In 2012, Yojiro Noda launched illion as a solo side project to explore experimental fusions of rock and electronic elements, distinct from his work with RADWIMPS.[25] The project was announced in November of that year, allowing Noda to challenge himself with music performed outside Japan and to express ideas as an individual rather than within the band's collaborative framework.[26] This venture was enabled by the growing success of RADWIMPS, providing Noda the platform to experiment freely.[27] Illion's debut album, Ubu, was released on February 25, 2013, in the United Kingdom via Universal Music, followed by a Japanese edition on March 6 through Warner Music Japan.[28] Self-produced by Noda, the album features 11 tracks, including "Brain Drain," "Aiwaguma," "Planetarian," and "Gasshow," blending chiming rock with electronic influences and occasional English lyrics.[29] Thematically, Ubu delves into sensitive, introspective subjects through a character-like persona, offering Noda a space for personal yet detached exploration beyond RADWIMPS' structure.[30] Illion's second album, P.Y.L, arrived on October 12, 2016, again self-produced by Noda and comprising 10 tracks such as "Miracle," "Told U So," and "Water Lily."[31] It includes collaborations, notably with rapper 5lack on "Hilight" and vocalist Ikuko Harada on "Water Lily," emphasizing electronic-rock textures with themes of personal vulnerability and emotional depth.[32] Throughout both albums, Noda maintained limited promotion, focusing on select live performances like illion's UK debut at O2 Shepherd's Bush Empire in March 2013 and participation in Tokyo Rocks, to prioritize artistic freedom over commercial expansion.[27]Other professional endeavors
Production and songwriting for others
Noda's foray into production and songwriting for other artists began in 2008 with the track "Labrador" for Japanese singer Chara's album Honey. He wrote the lyrics and composed the music, infusing the song with themes of enduring companionship amid hardship, as evidenced by lines evoking warmth and shared journeys on difficult days.[33] Noda also contributed background vocals, marking his debut in external production and highlighting his ability to blend introspective narratives with melodic accessibility. In 2016, Noda collaborated with vocalist Aimer on "Chōchō Musubi" from her album daydream, where he served as lyricist, composer, arranger, and producer. The song explores fragile emotional bonds through metaphors of loosely tied butterflies, emphasizing vulnerability and the tension between connection and release in relationships.[34] This work extended his signature style of layered arrangements that amplify lyrical intimacy, drawing from the emotional resonance honed in his RADWIMPS contributions. That same year, he wrote and produced "Furaregai Girl" for singer-songwriter Sayuri, capturing themes of unrequited longing and quiet resilience in a character-driven narrative of a girl gathering scattered affections.[35] Noda continued this trajectory in 2019 by composing the main theme "Ichiru" for actress and singer Mone Kamishiraishi's contribution to the film Rakuen (also known as This World of Ours). The track delves into fleeting human threads and existential ties, using sparse piano and strings to underscore a sense of impermanence and deep-seated yearning.[36] More recently, in 2025, Noda provided songwriting and production credits for "With the Clouds" on BTS member Jin's solo EP Echo. Co-produced with Pdogg, the song reflects on transient journeys and reflective solitude, aligning with Noda's recurring motif of emotional introspection through evolving soundscapes that blend pop sensibilities with subtle orchestration.[8] In 2025, Noda composed and wrote lyrics for songs in the Netflix drama series Glass Heart, including the theme song "Glass Heart" performed by lead actor Takeru Satoh. The musical drama, which premiered on July 31, 2025, follows a drummer's journey in the music industry, with Noda's contributions enhancing its themes of ambition and creativity.[37]Acting roles and filmography
Yojiro Noda transitioned into acting in the mid-2010s, leveraging his prominence as the lead vocalist of RADWIMPS to secure roles that highlighted his introspective persona. His debut came in the 2015 film Pieta in the Toilet, where he portrayed the lead character Hiroshi Sonoda, an introverted painter grappling with terminal illness and unexpected human connections.[38] Critics praised Noda's credible and natural performance in this first acting outing, noting how his real-life rock star demeanor lent authenticity to the role of a lost young man.[39][40] Following his debut, Noda took on a mix of supporting and lead roles in film and television, often playing artistic or emotionally complex characters that aligned with his musical background. In the 2017 Netflix series Million Yen Women, he starred as Shin Michima, an unpopular novelist navigating a bizarre communal living arrangement with five enigmatic women, earning recognition for his subdued portrayal of quiet introspection.[41][42] His visibility from RADWIMPS' soundtracks for major anime films helped draw attention to these acting endeavors. Noda continued with voice work in Wes Anderson's Isle of Dogs (2018), providing the Japanese voice for the News Anchor, a minor but pivotal role in the film's multilingual narrative.[43][44] Noda's later roles included supporting parts in Japanese productions, such as Yuya Suzuki in The Miracle of Crybaby Shottan (2018), a story of redemption through shogi, and Masato Kogarashi in the NHK morning drama series Yell (2020), where he depicted a key figure in a tale of music and perseverance.[45][46][47] In 2021, he appeared as the younger Terashin in It's a Flickering Life, a nostalgic drama about family, friendship, and cinema, contributing to the film's exploration of lifelong passions.[48][49] These selective appearances underscore Noda's focus on roles that resonate with themes of personal growth and creativity, without overshadowing his primary musical commitments.Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Pieta in the Toilet | Hiroshi Sonoda | Film | Acting debut; lead role[38] |
| 2016 | A Bride for Rip Van Winkle | Piano Player | Film | Bit part |
| 2017 | Million Yen Women | Shin Michima | TV Series | Lead role; 12 episodes[41] |
| 2018 | The Miracle of Crybaby Shottan | Yuya Suzuki | Film | Supporting role[45] |
| 2018 | Isle of Dogs | News Anchor (voice) | Film | Voice role[43] |
| 2018 | DELE | Yuji Higurashi | TV Series | Guest role (ep. 4)[50] |
| 2020 | Yell | Masato Kogarashi | TV Series | Supporting role; 120 episodes[47] |
| 2021 | It's a Flickering Life | Terashin (young) | Film | Supporting role[48] |
Recent activities and legacy
Post-2023 projects and releases
In 2024, Noda composed the original score and theme song for the Netflix film The Parades, directed by Michihito Fujii and starring Masaki Suda and Riho Yoshioka. The soundtrack album, consisting of 35 instrumental and vocal tracks, was released worldwide on February 29, 2024, via Netflix Music, with the theme song "Gesture of the Waves" (なみしぐさ) serving as a poignant highlight that underscores the film's themes of loss and reunion.[51][52] Later that year, Noda released his debut solo album under his real name, WONDER BOY'S AKUMU CLUB, on September 25, 2024, marking a departure from his earlier illion project by incorporating experimental rap, electronic elements, and collaborations with artists like J.I.D and KZm. The album debuted to critical acclaim for its introspective lyrics and genre-blending production, and Noda performed his first solo concert as Yojiro Noda at Tokyo Garden Theater on September 27, 2024, featuring guest appearances that celebrated the record's themes of personal reinvention.[53][54] For the Netflix drama series Glass Heart, which premiered on July 31, 2025, Noda provided lyrics for multiple original songs, including "Crystalline Echo," performed by the fictional band TENBLANK and featuring lead vocals by Takeru Satoh. The track, composed by Masahiro Tobinai, captures the series' exploration of the indie music scene's emotional turmoil, with Noda's contributions emphasizing raw vulnerability in the narrative's soundtrack.[37][55] Meanwhile, RADWIMPS, with Noda as lead vocalist and primary songwriter, wrapped their The way you yawn, and the outcry of Peace World Tour in 2024, including stops across Asia and Latin America that reinforced the band's global presence following their anime soundtrack successes. In 2025, the group announced their 20th Anniversary Live Tour, a 17-show arena run across nine Japanese cities starting October 18 in Hiroshima, alongside the release of their album Anew on October 8.[56][57] To mark their 20th anniversary, RADWIMPS released the tribute album Dear Jubilee -RADWIMPS TRIBUTE- on November 19, 2025, featuring covers of their songs by artists such as YOASOBI, Vaundy, and Kenshi Yonezu, highlighting the band's enduring influence on Japanese music.[58]Awards and cultural impact
Yojiro Noda, as the lead vocalist and primary songwriter for RADWIMPS, has earned significant recognition through the band's contributions to film soundtracks and commercial success in Japan. In 2017, RADWIMPS received the Japan Academy Prize for Outstanding Achievement in Music for their score to the anime film Your Name., which prominently featured the song "Nandemonaiya," co-written and performed by Noda.[59] This accolade highlighted Noda's ability to blend emotional lyricism with cinematic orchestration, marking a pivotal moment in his career. Additionally, several RADWIMPS albums under Noda's creative direction have topped the Oricon charts, including the Your Name. soundtrack in 2016 and Human Bloom in 2016, underscoring the band's consistent commercial dominance in the Japanese music industry.[22][60] Noda's solo project, illion, has garnered critical praise for its experimental electronic and art pop elements, despite maintaining a more niche commercial footprint compared to RADWIMPS. The debut album UBU (2013) was described by reviewers as "impressive" and a showcase of "musical genius," earning positive notices in Japanese music publications for its innovative soundscapes and introspective themes.[61] This venture allowed Noda to explore avant-garde production techniques, influencing his subsequent work with RADWIMPS by incorporating electronic textures into rock arrangements. Beyond accolades, Noda's contributions have had a profound cultural impact on Japanese music, particularly in bridging indie rock with mainstream media. RADWIMPS, under Noda's influence, helped redefine the indie rock landscape by fusing alternative rock sensibilities—drawn from Western acts like Oasis and Radiohead—with anime storytelling, inspiring a new generation of artists to experiment across genres.[13] His lyrics frequently delve into themes of mental health, anxiety, and emotional vulnerability, as evident in solo tracks like "STRESS ME" (2024), which addresses stress and exhaustion in raw, personal terms, resonating deeply with listeners navigating post-pandemic challenges.[62] This focus on psychological depth has elevated discussions around mental well-being in Japanese pop culture, positioning Noda as a voice for youthful introspection amid societal pressures. In 2025, Noda's lyrical work on "Crystalline Echo" for the Netflix series Glass Heart further extended this influence, integrating his style into global streaming narratives.[63]Works
RADWIMPS
As the lead vocalist, guitarist, and primary songwriter, Yojiro Noda has been central to all RADWIMPS studio albums since the band's debut. His contributions include composing, arranging, and performing vocals on the majority of tracks, blending rock, alternative, and orchestral elements. The band's discography features several chart-topping releases, particularly soundtracks for films by director Makoto Shinkai, where Noda's songwriting played a key role in their global success.| Title | Release Date | Peak Oricon Position | First-Week Sales | Certifications | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Radwimps 4 | December 6, 2006 | #5 | ~25,000 | Gold (RIAJ) | Noda wrote and sang lead on all tracks; marked the band's major-label debut. |
| Altocolony no Teiri | March 11, 2009 | #2 | 213,000 | Platinum (RIAJ) | Noda composed 10 of 13 tracks; featured the hit single "Order Made" (#1 single). |
| Zettai Zetsumei | March 9, 2011 | #2 | 69,000 | Platinum (RIAJ) | Noda's lyrics and vocals emphasized emotional themes; included #1 single "Dada." |
| Your Name. (Original Soundtrack) | August 24, 2016 | #1 (2 weeks) | 203,000 (first week) | Double Platinum (RIAJ) | Noda wrote and performed key songs like "Sparkle" and "Nandemonaiya"; orchestral elements co-arranged by Noda.[64] |
| Weathering with You (Original Soundtrack) | July 19, 2019 | #2 | 104,000 | Platinum (RIAJ) | Noda composed theme songs including "Grand Escape"; featured his piano and vocal performances. |
| Suzume (Original Soundtrack) | November 11, 2022 | #7 | 48,000 | Platinum (RIAJ) | Noda's songwriting on tracks like "Suzume"; co-produced with film director Makoto Shinkai. |
illion
Noda's solo project illion, launched in 2013, allowed him to explore electronic and art pop influences as the sole performer, handling vocals, instrumentation, and production. The project released two studio albums, both bilingual in Japanese and English, with Noda credited for all lyrics and music.Ubu
Released on March 6, 2013, in Japan by Warner Music Japan, Ubu debuted at #7 on the Oricon Albums Chart and charted for three weeks. The album, Noda's debut under illion, was first issued internationally on February 25, 2013, in the UK. The Japanese edition includes one bonus track. [65] Track listing:- "Brain Drain"
- "Aiwaguma"
- "Planetarian"
- "Mahoroba"
- "Beehive"
- "Dance"
- "γ"
- "Finger Print"
- "Lynch"
- "Un&Do"
- "Gasshow"
- "Inemuri"
- "Especially"
- "Birdie" (Japanese edition bonus)
P.Y.L
Released on October 12, 2016, in Japan by Warner Music Japan, P.Y.L (stylized as such, short for "Pornographic Youth Literature") peaked at #9 on the Oricon Albums Chart, selling 11,400 copies in its first week. A limited edition included a DVD with live footage and music videos, while the 2017 deluxe edition added tracks tied to the anime Tokyo Ghoul. Noda performed all vocals and instruments, with guest features on select tracks. No certifications were issued.[66] [67] Standard track listing:- "Miracle"
- "Told U So"
- "Hilight" (feat. 5lack)
- "Water Lily"
- "85"
- "P.Y.L"
- "Dream Play Sick"
- "Wander Lust"
- "Strobo"
- "Ace"
- "Banka" (theme for Tokyo Ghoul)
- "Brain Drain (Linn Mori Remix)" (bonus)

