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Zenzenzense
Zenzenzense
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"Zenzenzense"
Single by Radwimps
from the album Your Name
ReleasedJuly 25, 2016 (2016-07-25)
Recorded2016
Genre
Length4:44 (Movie Version)
4:35 (original version, English version)
LabelEMI
SongwriterYojiro Noda
ProducerRadwimps

"Zenzenzense" (Japanese: 前前前世; "Past-Past-Past Life") is a rock song by Japanese band Radwimps, released in 2016. It was used as one of the four theme songs to the animated film from the same year, Your Name, and was one of 26 pieces the band composed for the film's soundtrack. It reached number one on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.[1] It also received a digital download song certification of Million from the Recording Industry Association of Japan for sales of 1,000,000.[2]

Background

[edit]

In late 2014, Makoto Shinkai sent Yojiro Noda, Radwimps' frontman, a rough draft of the film's scenario. Within a few months, Radwimps submitted a demo of the track alongside "Sparkle".[3] In the context of the film, the song is played during a fast-paced montage in which main characters Taki and Mitsuha swap bodies.

Release

[edit]

The song was originally released as a promotional single for the Your Name soundtrack on July 25, 2016, ahead of the soundtrack's late August release.[4] The original version of the song, which has slight structural changes, was included on the band's eighth studio album Ningen Kaika (along with another of the four vocal compositions from the Your Name soundtrack, "Sparkle").[5] The song was also used in multiple trailers for Your Name prior to the film's release.

On August 19, 2016, the song's official video premiered on TV Asahi's Music Station. Shortly afterwards, the video was uploaded onto YouTube.[6][7] Ahead of the film's April 2017 release in North America, Radwimps re-recorded the four vocal theme songs from the film in English, including "Zenzenzense". The English version was unveiled on Tokyo FM's School of Lock! radio program on January 23, 2017,[8] with a digital release following on January 27.[9]

Credits and personnel

[edit]

Adapted from Your Name liner notes.

  • Yojiro Noda – composer, lyricist, arranger, producer, vocals, guitar, piano
  • Akira Kuwahara – producer, guitar
  • Yusuke Takeda – producer, bass
  • Mizuki Mori – drums support
  • Masayoshi Sugai – recording engineer, mixing engineer
  • Tom Lord-Alge – mixing engineer
  • Bob Ludwig – mastering engineer
  • Tetsuro Sawamoto – assistant engineer
  • Jamil Kazmi – mix coordination

Charts

[edit]

Weekly charts

[edit]
Chart (2016–2017) Peak
position
Japan Hot 100 (Billboard Japan)[1] 1
Japan Hot 100 (Billboard Japan)[10]
  • English version
 20
Japan Hot Animation (Billboard Japan)[11] 1
Japan Radio Songs (Billboard Japan)[12] 1
South Korea (Gaon Music Chart)[13] 92
World Digital Song Sales (Billboard)[14] 9

Yearly charts

[edit]
Chart (2016) Peak
position
Japan Hot 100 (Billboard Japan)[15] 2
Japan Hot Animation (Billboard Japan)[16] 1
Japan Radio Songs (Billboard Japan)[17] 1

All-time charts

[edit]
Chart (2008–2022) Position
Japan (Japan Hot 100)[18] 25

Certifications and sales

[edit]
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Japan (RIAJ)[19]
Digital single (movie ver.) 		Million 1,000,000*
Japan (RIAJ)[20]
Digital single (original ver.) 		Gold 100,000*
South Korea (Gaon) N/A 205,497[21]
Streaming
Japan (RIAJ)[22]
Movie version 		Gold 50,000,000†
Japan (RIAJ)[23]
Original version 		Gold 50,000,000†

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

Release history

[edit]
Region Date Format Distributing Label
Japan July 5, 2016 (2016-07-05)[24] radio debut EMI Records
July 25, 2016 (2016-07-25)[4] digital download

References

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

Zenzenzense

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Zenzenzense (前前前世, Zenzenzense, lit. "Past Past Past Life") is a song by the band , released as a single on July 25, 2016, and included as the eighth track on the for the animated film (君の名は。, Kimi no Na wa.), directed by and released August 24, 2016. The track, written and composed by the band's frontman , serves as one of four main theme songs for the film, blending energetic rock elements with emotional lyrics that complement the story's themes of time, memory, and connection. The movie version of "Zenzenzense" differs from the original rock-oriented recording by incorporating orchestral arrangements to heighten its dramatic impact within the film's narrative. Released ahead of the full , it quickly became a cultural phenomenon in , topping the Hot Animation chart for 2016 and ranking highly on the overall Hot 100. Its commercial success led to a Million digital download certification from the (RIAJ) for exceeding 1,000,000 units sold, marking it as one of ' most successful singles. An English-language version was later included on the deluxe edition of the , expanding its global reach alongside the film's international acclaim.

Background and development

Conception and inspiration

"Zenzenzense" was conceived as part of RADWIMPS' collaboration with director Makoto Shinkai for the 2016 animated film Your Name. (Kimi no Na wa.), following an approach from the film's producer to compose original music that would integrate deeply with the narrative. This partnership marked a shift from the band's typical album-oriented workflow, with compositions tailored to specific scenes and emotional beats provided via storyboards and scripts. The track originated as an piece for the film's , composed to underscore the story's themes of time, memory, and interpersonal connections across distances. During production, frontman and the band added lyrics, which they found compelling enough to develop a full vocal version for their subsequent album Human Bloom. Noda drew direct inspiration from the , rapidly crafting the song to capture the protagonists' youthful vitality and sense of predestined linkage, aligning with the film's body-swapping premise and elements. The title "Zenzenzense," translating to "three lifetimes ago" or "past past past life," evokes Buddhist notions of and cyclical existence, mirroring the movie's exploration of fate and temporal displacement. This conceptual foundation infused the lyrics with a tone of optimistic determination, emphasizing overcoming obstacles to reconnect, much like the characters' journey.

Writing and recording process

The creation of the soundtrack for the 2016 anime film Your Name. (directed by ) involved close collaboration between and the production team, spanning approximately one and a half years. Band members, including vocalist , frequently discussed the script and Shinkai's vision with the director and producer, as full animation sequences were not yet available during early composition stages. This process allowed the music to align with specific emotional beats in the story, with compositions sometimes subtly supporting scenes and other times driving the narrative forward. Unlike the band's typical album production, which emphasizes group collaboration, vocal tracks for the film—including those for "Zenzenzense"—were divided among members, who developed them individually at home or in the studio to fit the film's timeline and requirements. For "Zenzenzense" specifically, the track originated as part of the film's score, with an initial recording produced for the movie soundtrack without . During the production process, decided to incorporate to enhance its thematic fit with the story's themes of time, , and connection. The members expressed strong appreciation for the added , prompting them to record a complete, full-length version featuring the finalized arrangement and vocals. This extended iteration was later included on ' 2016 album Human Bloom, distinguishing it from the edited movie version tailored to the film's climax sequence. The recording emphasized synchronization with the , requiring adjustments to and to amplify the scene's tension and exhilaration during the protagonists' reconnection. Noda, who composed and wrote the , drew from the film's emotional core to craft a rock-driven piece that blended guitar riffs and dynamic builds, ensuring the song's energy complemented the visual without overpowering it. This iterative approach, informed by storyboards and feedback loops with Shinkai, resulted in a track that not only served the film but also stood as a standalone single release.

Musical composition

Style and structure

"Zenzenzense" exemplifies ' pop-rock style, incorporating power-pop elements with a blend of romantic and aggressive, modern energy. The track's centers on a prominent clean guitar that opens the , providing a lilting, driving supported by an energetic . Clipped and abrupt sonic textures in the chorus enhance its catchy, insistent quality, while the overall balances accessibility with artistic flair. Musically, the song is composed primarily in , with modulations to in certain sections, contributing to its dynamic harmonic progression and above-average chord-melody tension. The song has a of 190 beats per minute (BPM), contributing to its relentless momentum. This key choice underscores the track's emotional depth, evoking a sense of urgency and exhilaration through its fiery delivery and relentless momentum. In terms of structure, "Zenzenzense" adheres to a classic verse-chorus format, beginning with an intro that establishes the iconic guitar motif before transitioning into verses and choruses. A bridge introduces a communal "whoa-oh-oh" , fostering potential and building toward a climactic final chorus. The employs stop-start phrasing, particularly in the guitar lines, creating a zig-zagging rhythmic flow that amplifies the song's adventurous and determined tone. This form allows for gradual escalation of energy, mirroring the narrative intensity of its use in the film .

Lyrics and themes

"Zenzenzense" was written by Yojiro Noda, the lead vocalist and primary songwriter for RADWIMPS, with the lyrics reflecting a narrative of profound emotional connection and pursuit across vast distances of time and space. The song's structure includes verses that depict an awakening and reunion fraught with hesitation, a pre-chorus building tension around unspoken feelings, and a chorus emphasizing relentless searching "since three lifetimes ago." An official English version, released as part of the Your Name. soundtrack, translates key lines such as "At last, 'Hello', you've opened your eyes / But why won't you even look me in the eyes?" to convey initial awkwardness in reconnection, while the hook repeats "Zen-zen-zense" to underscore the theme of predestined bonds from previous existences. Thematically, the lyrics explore eternal love and the perseverance required to bridge separations caused by fate or cosmic forces, aligning closely with the body-swapping and time-displaced romance in the film Your Name. (Kimi no Na wa.). Lines like "Even if you're shattered into a million pieces / I'll start over from scratch and search for you again" illustrate an unwavering commitment to reuniting, portraying love as a force capable of transcending physical and temporal barriers. The song also incorporates motifs of hope and defiance against destiny, as seen in the bridge's assertion "We'll outsmart fate itself," suggesting empowerment through mutual resolve. Additional verses evoke a journey through "thousands of galaxies" and "billions of light years," symbolizing the immense scale of longing and the joy of eventual discovery, while reinforcing themes of embracing both joy and pain in relationships. This blend of urgency, , and cosmic scale has been interpreted as a message of resilience for young audiences facing uncertainties, though the core focus remains on timeless interpersonal bonds.

Release and promotion

Single release

"Zenzenzense" was released digitally by as a promotional single in the form of its movie version ahead of the soundtrack album Your Name., which came out on August 24, 2016. The track served as a key theme song for Makoto Shinkai's animated film , contributing to the movie's promotional campaign through its inclusion in trailers and advertisements. The single achieved significant commercial success shortly after its digital launch, debuting at number one on the Hot Animation chart and maintaining dominance throughout much of 2016. It was named the top song on the year-end Hot Animation chart for that year. In recognition of its digital sales performance, the (RIAJ) certified "Zenzenzense (movie ver.)" as Million in February 2017, denoting over 1,000,000 units downloaded. An original version of the song appeared on ' album Human Bloom (released November 23, 2016), distinct from the movie adaptation with slight variations in arrangement. Subsequently, an English-language adaptation was featured on the CD Your Name. English edition, issued on February 22, 2017, alongside English versions of three other theme songs: "Dream Lantern," "Sparkle," and "Nandemonaiya." This physical single peaked at number 6 on the weekly singles chart.

Marketing and media appearances

"Zenzenzense (movie ver.)" was issued as a digital single on July 25, , approximately one month before the theatrical release of the film on August 26, , functioning as a primary promotional track to heighten anticipation for the and movie. The official for the movie version, produced by , debuted on on August 19, , showcasing the band in whimsical scenarios such as fights and rural farm life, elements that echoed the film's blend of fantasy and everyday Japanese settings. This video rapidly gained traction, becoming the second most-viewed Japanese on for with over 50 million views by year's end, amplifying the song's visibility globally. The track featured extensively in . trailers, underscoring key montage sequences to convey the story's themes of connection and time displacement, thereby driving pre-release hype. Accompanying the full album's release on August 24, 2016, promotional incentives included retailer-exclusive cards illustrated with scenes from the theme songs, including "Zenzenzense," to encourage physical and digital purchases. Post-release, the song's media presence expanded through RADWIMPS' concert tours, where it served as a highlight; for instance, during the 2023 North American tour, live renditions at venues like Times Square in New York drew large crowds, sustaining the track's cultural momentum.

Music video

Production

The official music video for the "movie ver." of "Zenzenzense" utilizes selected animated sequences from the 2016 film Your Name., directed by Makoto Shinkai and produced by CoMix Wave Films in collaboration with Toho. Released on August 19, 2016, via the band's official YouTube channel, the video compiles footage primarily from the film's body-switching and exploratory scenes, where the song's upbeat rock tempo underscores the protagonists' disorienting yet exhilarating experiences. The production of these sequences occurred as part of the film's overall animation pipeline at , a studio specializing in high-quality feature-length with a focus on detailed visuals and emotional . The process began with Shinkai providing detailed storyboards and scripts, which informed the creation of layouts and key animation frames by the Animation Department. Animators, including key staff like Minoru Ōhashi, developed character movements to capture the chaotic energy of the body swaps, iterating based on Shinkai's on-site feedback to align with the narrative's themes of connection and time. Background art was crafted by the studio's Background Department, drawing from real-world references to depict contrasting settings like urban and rural Itomori, ensuring visual depth that complemented the song's dynamic rhythm during chase and transition scenes. The 3D CG Department integrated computer-generated elements, such as fluid camera movements around and vehicles, to enhance spatial dynamism without overpowering the hand-drawn style. Final compositing in the Photography Department involved layering these components with precise lighting and to synchronize visual pacing with the track's . Integration of "Zenzenzense" into these scenes stemmed from an early collaboration between Shinkai and , where the director shared preliminary storyboards and character designs to guide the band's composition process. This ensured the song's motifs of past lives and convergence amplified the emotional beats in the , with the music's build-up mirroring the escalating tension in the protagonists' interactions. The resulting video, while not a standalone production, leverages the film's 107-minute runtime to create a cohesive promotional piece that highlights the synergy between visuals and sound.

Content and release

The official music video for "Zenzenzense (movie ver.)" was uploaded to the RADWIMPS YouTube channel on August 19, 2016, shortly following its premiere on the Japanese television program Music Station. The video serves as a promotional tie-in for the anime film Your Name, from which the song originates, and runs for 4:44. It features edited footage directly from the film, synchronized to the track's upbeat rock arrangement, emphasizing the narrative's core body-swapping premise between protagonists Taki Tachibana and Mitsuha Miyamizu. The content focuses on a high-energy montage depicting the characters' disorienting and comedic experiences in each other's bodies: Taki navigating Mitsuha's rural life in Itomori, including traditional rituals and countryside chores, while Mitsuha adapts to Taki's fast-paced urban routine in , such as school, part-time work, and social interactions. These scenes capture the film's themes of displacement, adaptation, and budding connection across time and space, with dynamic and vibrant amplifying the song's driving tempo and lyrics about past lives and inevitable encounters. The video's visual style, directed by as part of the film's production, blends humor, wonder, and subtle emotional depth without spoilers, making it accessible as a standalone clip while enticing viewers to the full movie. As of November 2025, the video has amassed over 340 million views on , contributing significantly to the song's global popularity and the 's promotional success ahead of its August 26, 2016, theatrical release in . An alternative "original ver." , featuring live-action footage with green landscapes, ninjas, and farmers in a whimsical, performance-based , was released later on November 22, 2016, but the movie version remains the primary visual associated with the track's context.

Critical reception

Professional reviews

"Zenzenzense" received generally favorable reviews from music critics, who praised its high energy and anthemic qualities while noting some structural excesses. In a collective review by The Singles Jukebox, the song earned an average score of 6.1 out of 10 across seven critics. Sonia Yang awarded it a perfect 10, lauding the band's tight chemistry, the insightful blending introspection with urgency, and the chorus that builds to a bridge, describing it as a fusion of ' classic and modern styles. Edward Okulicz gave it an 8, highlighting the energetic rhythm and arena-ready "whoa-oh" sections reminiscent of pop-rock. Conversely, Thomas Inskeep scored it a 3, criticizing its over-the-top energy as akin to an excessive track, while Juana Giaimo (6) found the bridge's football-chant-like elements empty despite the overall vigor. As part of the soundtrack, the song was highlighted for its role in elevating the album's pop-rock elements. Anime Instrumentality's review of the soundtrack described "Zenzenzense" as the catchiest of 2016, emphasizing its fiery determination and transcendent energy that propels the narrative's themes of time and connection. The track's heartfelt delivery and dynamic shifts were seen as key strengths, contrasting with the soundtrack's more forgettable . In Japanese music media, reception was more mixed. A staff review on Arama! Japan rated it 5 out of 10, calling it unremarkable and lacking uniqueness, suggesting it could belong to any generic band without standing out.

Accolades and recognition

"Zenzenzense" garnered notable accolades in , primarily tied to its role as the lead theme song for the 2016 animated film . The song's contribution to the film's soundtrack earned broader recognition. received the Special Award at the 58th in December 2016 for the soundtrack, which featured "Zenzenzense" prominently among its 22 original tracks. At the 40th Japan Academy Prize in 2017, RADWIMPS won the Outstanding Achievement in Music award for the film's score. Further honors came at the 31st Japan Gold Disc Awards in 2017, where "Zenzenzense (movie ver.)" was selected as one of the Best 5 Songs by Download, and the Your Name album took Soundtrack Album of the Year. In 2018, "Zenzenzense" received the Gold Medal at the NexTone Award for songwriting excellence, awarded to Yojiro Noda and RADWIMPS.

Commercial performance

Chart performance

"Zenzenzense" debuted at number one on the chart upon its digital release on July 25, 2016, marking ' first chart-topping single on the ranking. The track maintained a strong presence, charting for 63 consecutive weeks and accumulating high scores across , downloads, and streaming metrics. On year-end tallies, it secured the number-two position on the 2016 , behind only AKB48's "Tsubasa wa Iranai," with a composite score of 176,963.20 driven by radio , digital sales, and buzz. In the anime-specific category, "Zenzenzense" dominated the 2016 Hot Animation year-end chart at number one, outperforming other theme songs from the film through superior performance in downloads, on-air rotations, and mentions. The song's digital success led to a Million certification from the (RIAJ) for exceeding 1,000,000 units in downloads, reflecting its widespread popularity tied to the film's blockbuster release.
Chart (2016)Peak positionYear-end position
12
11

Sales and certifications

The movie version of "Zenzenzense" achieved substantial digital sales success, earning a certification from the (RIAJ) in September 2016 for surpassing 250,000 paid downloads. This was followed by a Million certification in for exceeding 1,000,000 paid downloads, marking it as one of the top-selling digital singles of its era. The original version of the also received a certification from the RIAJ in August 2017 for over 100,000 paid downloads.

Cultural impact

Usage in media

"Zenzenzense" prominently featured in the 2016 animated film (Kimi no Na wa.), directed by , as one of its four main theme songs, contributing to the movie's soundtrack alongside 26 other tracks composed by . The song's movie version, edited to fit the narrative, plays during key sequences involving the protagonists' body-swapping experiences, enhancing the film's themes of time, connection, and past lives. Its integration helped propel to become Japan's highest-grossing film of 2016, with the track's energetic rock style underscoring the story's emotional and fantastical elements. Beyond the film, "Zenzenzense" has appeared in the Taiko no Tatsujin rhythm game series, where players drum along to instrumental covers of popular tracks. It is included in Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum 'n' Fun! for Nintendo Switch and Taiko no Tatsujin: Drum Session! for PlayStation 4, both released in 2018, allowing users to engage with the song through interactive gameplay modes. The track also features in later entries like Taiko no Tatsujin: Rhythm Festival for Nintendo Switch (2022), listed under pop songs from anime sources, further extending its presence in gaming media. These usages highlight the song's versatility, bridging anime cinema and interactive entertainment, while its original and movie versions continue to appear in promotional materials and live performances tied to 's enduring popularity.

Legacy and influence

"Zenzenzense" significantly contributed to the global success of the 2016 film , propelling into international prominence and exemplifying the integration of with storytelling. The track topped Japan's year-end Hot Animation chart for 2016, dominating with high streaming, download, and video view counts, which underscored its immediate cultural resonance in . This success not only boosted the film's box-office performance but also highlighted how theme songs could drive broader music consumption, with "Zenzenzense" becoming a staple in playlists and live performances that drew massive crowds, such as the sold-out concerts in March 2017 where audience excitement peaked during its play. The song's influence extended beyond Japan, introducing RADWIMPS to worldwide audiences and influencing the anime music landscape by demonstrating the power of collaborative soundtracks. Its energetic rock style, tailored to the film's emotional climax, helped Your Name. achieve megahit status, with director Makoto Shinkai crediting RADWIMPS' music as essential to its worldwide phenomenon. This partnership set a precedent for future Shinkai films like Weathering with You (2019) and Suzume (2022), where RADWIMPS' compositions continued to shape narratives and expand anime's musical boundaries, blending orchestral elements with rock to evoke nostalgia and emotion. The track's global appeal led to RADWIMPS' first North American tour in 2023, marking a shift toward international recognition for Japanese rock bands in anime contexts. Furthermore, "Zenzenzense" influenced the production process in music, emphasizing mutual creative exchange between composers and directors. The 1.5-year scoring effort for involved music altering story elements, such as dialogue and scenes, establishing a model for immersive that prioritized thematic integration over conventional scoring. This approach has inspired subsequent projects to leverage established rock acts, enhancing the genre's emotional depth and commercial viability on a global scale.

Personnel and credits

Songwriting and production

"Zenzenzense" was primarily written by , the lead vocalist and primary songwriter of , who served as composer, lyricist, arranger, and producer for the track. composed the song shortly after reading the screenplay for , drawing from the emotional core of the main characters' experiences as guided by director . The track features on vocals, guitar, and , with Akira Kuwahara on , Yusuke Takeda on , and Mizuki Mori on drums. The production process for "Zenzenzense" was integrated into the broader soundtrack creation for Your Name., which spanned nearly 1.5 years and evolved in tandem with the film's animation. RADWIMPS, as the collective producer, worked from video storyboards provided by Shinkai to align the music with specific scenes, particularly the film's climax where the song heightens tension and exhilaration. Unlike the band's typical album production, which involves full group collaboration, the work on vocal tracks like "Zenzenzense" emphasized individual contributions, with members handling parts separately at home or in the studio before integration. Revisions were frequent as the animation progressed, with changes to the story, dialogue, or scene timing necessitating adjustments to the song's arrangement to ensure precise synchronization. Noda noted that the music played a role in each scene, influencing and being influenced by Shinkai's vision, creating a symbiotic relationship described by the director as "two wheels of the same ." This iterative approach resulted in a movie version of "Zenzenzense" tailored for the film's emotional peaks, distinct from the original demo included on ' album Human Bloom.

Performance and technical staff

The performance of "Zenzenzense" features the core members of , with handling lead vocals, guitar, and , while also contributing to composition and . Akira Kuwahara provides guitar, and Yusuke Takeda plays bass, reflecting the band's typical lineup for the track. Mizuki Mori performs on drums. Technical staff involved in the production of the movie version include recording engineer Masayoshi Sugai, who handled the primary recording and mixing duties for the . Assistant recording engineer Tetsuro Sawamoto supported the process at Aobadai Studio. The mixing for "Zenzenzense" specifically was overseen by renowned engineer at Spank Studios, with mix coordination by Jamil Kazmi at music for music. Mastering was completed by at Gateway Mastering Studios. Strings cooperation was arranged by Seigen Tokuzawa, enhancing the track's orchestral elements. The production was directed by Kazuki Yamaguchi, under Junji Zenki of voque ting co., ltd.
RolePersonnel
Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Composer, Arranger, Lyricist
Guitar, ProducerAkira Kuwahara
Bass, ProducerYusuke Takeda
DrumsMizuki Mori
Recording Engineer, Mixing EngineerMasayoshi Sugai
Assistant Recording EngineerTetsuro Sawamoto
Mixing Engineer ("Zenzenzense")
Mix Coordination ("Zenzenzense")Jamil Kazmi
Mastering Engineer
Strings CooperationSeigen Tokuzawa
DirectorKazuki Yamaguchi
Executive ProducerJunji Zenki

Release history

Formats and dates

"Zenzenzense" was initially released as a digital single on July 25, 2016, by EMI Records, featuring the movie version tailored for the film Your Name.. This promotional release preceded the full soundtrack by one month and was available exclusively through digital platforms. The track's movie version was subsequently included on the original motion picture soundtrack album 君の名は。 (Your Name.), released on compact disc (CD) on August 24, 2016, also by EMI Records. This two-disc set contained the film's score and vocal tracks, with "Zenzenzense" as track 8 on the first disc. Digital download versions of the soundtrack became available concurrently. The original version of "Zenzenzense," with extended lyrics not used in the film, appeared on ' ninth studio album 人間開花 (Human Bloom), released on November 23, 2016, in standard CD and digital download formats by . A limited edition CD+DVD version was also issued on the same date, including bonus footage. An English-language version of the movie edit was featured on the deluxe English edition of the soundtrack, released on CD on March 10, 2017, by Universal Music. This edition targeted international markets and included translated versions of key tracks. Digital formats followed shortly after.
DateFormatRelease TypeLabelNotes
July 25, 2016Digital downloadPromotional single (movie ver.)Japan-exclusive digital release
August 24, 2016CD, digital download (君の名は。)Movie ver.; two-disc set
November 23, 2016CD, digital downloadStudio album (人間開花)Original ver.; limited CD+DVD edition available
February 22, 2017CD, digital download English Edition (limited)English ver.; Japan-only limited release
March 10, 2017CD, digital download (English edition)Universal MusicEnglish ver. of movie edit

Regional variations

The primary regional variation of "Zenzenzense" stems from its adaptation for international audiences, particularly in English-speaking markets. For the North American theatrical release of the film on April 7, 2017, produced an official English-language version of the song, with lyrics newly written by vocalist to align with the original melody and Japanese lyrics. This version maintains the song's energetic rock structure but translates themes of predestined connection and temporal searching into English, facilitating broader accessibility without in or promotional contexts. In Japan, the song was released exclusively in its original Japanese form as part of the Your Name. soundtrack on August 24, 2016, and later as the full original version on the album Human Bloom in November 2016. Despite the English edition's production for international promotion, a physical CD compilation titled Your Name. English Edition—featuring "Zenzenzense (English ver.)" alongside English versions of three other theme songs—was made available only in Japan starting February 22, 2017, as a limited domestic release. For other regions, such as and , no distinct official versions beyond the Japanese original or the English adaptation were produced; international distributions of the soundtrack typically included both the Japanese and English variants in digital formats like the deluxe edition released globally on March 10, 2017. This approach prioritized the English version for English-dominant markets while relying on the original for subtitled screenings elsewhere, reflecting the film's global strategy.

References

  1. https://radwimps.jp/yourname/
  2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDSkFeMVNFs
  3. https://www.billboard.com/pro/billboard-japan-year-end-lists-akb48-justin-bieber/
  4. https://aramajapan.com/news/chart/the-recording-industry-association-of-japan-releases-its-digital-certifications-for-february-3/72789/
  5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yinVriYx7js
  6. https://www.forbes.com/sites/olliebarder/2017/04/18/radwimps-on-how-they-scored-the_music-for-the-anime-blockbuster-your-name/
  7. https://popcrush.com/radwimps-j-rock-your-name-human-bloom-interview/
  8. https://www.timeout.com/bangkok/music/q-a-with-radwimps
  9. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/14/movies/suzume-makoto-shinkai-radwimps.html
  10. https://www.japanese-song.com/zenzenzense/
  11. https://thesinglesjukebox.com/radwimps-zen-zen-zense/
  12. https://www.hooktheory.com/theorytab/view/radwimps/zenzenzense
  13. https://tunebat.com/Info/Zenzenzense-movie-ver-RADWIMPS/2DLrgv7HhJanCuD8L9uJLR
  14. https://blog.animeinstrumentality.net/soundtrack-reviews/kimi-no-na-wa-your-name-soundtrack-review/
  15. https://genius.com/Radwimps-zenzenzense-english-version-lyrics
  16. https://www.musixmatch.com/lyrics/RADWIMPS/Zenzenzense
  17. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-04-06/makoto-shinkai-kimi-no-na-wa-your-name-film-trailer-reveals-august-26-opening-song/.100719
  18. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2016/12/8/radwimps-your-name-theme-song-dominates-billboard-japans-hot-animation-ranking-of-2016
  19. https://music.apple.com/us/song/zenzenzense/1523038457
  20. https://www.oricon.co.jp/prof/321049/rank/single/
  21. https://www.universal-music.co.jp/radwimps/products/upch-80465/
  22. https://genius.com/Radwimps-zenzenzense-movie-ver-lyrics/q/release-date
  23. https://www.crunchyroll.com/news/latest/2016/12/21/radwimps-your-name-theme-song-is-the-second-most-watched-japanese-mv-on-youtube-in-2016
  24. https://jrocknews.com/2016/09/listen-to-radwimps.html
  25. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOkd_Cpe3ds
  26. https://radwimps.jp/en/videos/music-video/page/5/
  27. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/feature/2025-04-18/inside-comix-wave-films-the-studio-that-made-your-name/.217914
  28. https://www.animenbo.com/2025/01/radwimps-unveiled-story-behind-your.html
  29. https://www.cwfilms.jp/en/products/article/kiminona.html
  30. https://aramajapan.com/news/chart/1-song-review-week-of-928-104-ikon-v-radwimps/65547/
  31. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2016-11-18/radwimps-wins-japan-record-awards-special-award-for-your-name-soundtrack/.108959
  32. https://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2017-03-03/in-this-corner-of-the-world-your-name-win-japan-academy-prizes/.112954
  33. https://www.generasia.com/wiki/31st_Japan_Gold_Disc_Awards
  34. https://barks.jp/news/813860
  35. https://taikotime.blogspot.com/2018/06/song-of-week-23-june-2018.html
  36. https://adm.riaj.or.jp/sites/default/files/2025-06/RIAJ2017E.pdf
  37. https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000108.000010908.html
  38. https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000140.000010908.html
  39. https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000173.000010908.html
  40. https://music.apple.com/us/album/your-name/1434005560
  41. https://www.jrocknews.com/2016/04/radwimps-provide-music-new-makoto-shinkai-film-kimi-no-na-wa.html
  42. https://www.billboard.com/pro/billboard-japan-2016-artist-ranking-list-akb48/
  43. https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/taiko-no-tatsujin-drum-n-fun-drum-session-review-r/1900-6417041/
  44. https://dondafulfestival-20th.taiko-ch.net/en/music/
  45. https://www.billboard.com/music/music-news/radwimps-your-name-concert-tokyo-philharmonic-orchestra-dvd-blu-ray-release-date-watch-preview-8248798/
  46. https://www.japantimes.co.jp/culture/2017/03/16/music/radwimps-ride-name-train-fame/
  47. https://www.mens-folio.com/lifestyle/radwimps-on-crafting-worlds-out-of-music-and-their-roots-in-rock/
  48. https://www.shazam.com/song/1523038457/zenzenzense
  49. https://vgmdb.net/album/64890
  50. https://radwimps.jp/ningenkaika/
  51. https://radwimps.jp/en/music/12784/
  52. https://radwimps.jp/news/8937/
  53. https://radwimps.jp/music/8929/
  54. https://radwimps.jp/en/music/12790/
  55. https://radwimps.jp/music/8947/
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