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[2026] What is Kenshi Yonezu's "Raven"? A full explanation of the NHK soccer theme song.
2026.06.16 10:07
What is Kenshi Yonezu's "Raven"? This article explains the background of its creation, the meaning behind the lyrics, and release information for this new song written as the 2026 NHK soccer theme.
[2026] What is Kenshi Yonezu's "Raven"? A full explanation of the NHK soccer theme song.
table of contents
- What kind of song is "Raven"? Basic Information
- Background of the production and comments from Kenshi Yonezu
- The meaning behind the title "Crow"
- The worldview of the lyrics
- Release information and distribution channels
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What kind of song is "Raven"? Basic Information
Q. What kind of song is Kenshi Yonezu's "Raven"?
A. This is a new song written by Kenshi Yonezu as the NHK soccer theme for 2026. It was digitally released on Monday, June 15, 2026, to coincide with the Japanese national team's first match in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Q. Where can I listen to it?
A. It is available on major streaming services such as Apple Music, Spotify, and Amazon Music.
Q. How long is the song?
A. 4 minutes and 8 seconds.
| item | Content |
| Song title | Crow - Raven |
| artist | Kenshi Yonezu |
| Release date |
Monday, June 15, 2026
|
| Length of song | 4 minutes 8 seconds |
| Positioning |
2026 NHK Soccer Theme
|
| Programs used |
FIFA World Cup 2026, NHK's various soccer programs
|
| Lyrics and composition | Kenshi Yonezu |
| label |
Sony Music Labels Inc.
|
2. Background of the production and Kenshi Yonezu's comments
It was announced on April 28, 2026, that "Raven" had been selected as the "2026 NHK Soccer Theme." The song premiered on NHK General's "Sunday Sports" on May 10th of the same year, and subsequently began airing on various NHK soccer programs. It is also being used in the FIFA World Cup 2026 broadcasts, which begin on June 12th (Friday) Japan time.
The jacket artwork was drawn by Kenshi Yonezu himself and features a crow design.
Regarding the production, Kenshi Yonezu commented as follows through his official website, "REISSUE RECORDS":
"I created a song called 'Karasu' (Crow) as the theme song for NHK's soccer competition. I pondered what kind of song would be best if I, of all people, were to create one based on soccer, a sport I've loved for many years, in this day and age. After trying various things, I ended up with a surprisingly personal song. I created this song based on the wish that the people who stand tall and look ahead within the larger structure of soccer are not only a collective but also healthy individuals."
Instead of taking the form of a typical soccer anthem, the song was crafted to deeply resonate with "individuals" through the medium of soccer, which is reflected in the expression, "It's a surprisingly personal song, even to myself."
3. The meaning behind the title "Crow"
Why "Raven" and not "Crow"?
The fact that the English title uses "Raven" instead of "Crow" (the common bird) has multiple meanings.
First, the symbol of the Japanese national football team is Yatagarasu (three-legged crow) It is often translated into English as "Three-legged Raven," and "Raven" is directly related to its symbolism.
Furthermore, in Western culture, the raven has aspects of wisdom, guidance, a traveler's companion, and a messenger of the gods. In Norse mythology, it is known as the bird that accompanies the chief god Odin and has been depicted as a being that looks out over the world from the sky.
As a result, the title "Raven" functions as a title with three meanings: not just "crow," but "mythological symbolism," "Yatagarasu, the symbol of Japan," and "an individual soaring towards their dreams."
4. The worldview of the lyrics
The lyrics of "Raven" are not just an anthem for soccer players, but a universal theme that depicts the lives of all people pursuing their dreams.
The story carefully depicts the pure dreams the protagonist had in the world of manga as a child, the setbacks and lonely nights that piled up as he grew up, and yet his determination to keep moving forward.
The repeated questions in the lyrics, "Hey, what do you see?" and "Hey, what do you see from up there?", resonate with the perspective of a crow surveying the world from a high vantage point, functioning as quiet questions directed at the listener's own life.
Furthermore, the lyrics "Today we are just one dreamy crow" refer not to the Yatagarasu as a "messenger of God promised victory," but to a crow as "a human being who continues to dream despite being hurt," which directly connects to the theme of "a healthy individual within a group" that Yonezu tried to portray in this song.
5. Release Information and Distribution Channels
| Streaming service | correspondence |
| Apple Music | ✅ |
| Spotify | ✅ |
| Amazon Music | ✅ |
| Recochoku |
✅ (Download purchase also available)
|
| OTOTOY |
✅ (High-resolution audio compatible)
|
| YouTube |
✅ (Official music video now available)
|
The digital single "Karasu - Raven" was released on June 15, 2026. High-resolution audio (FLAC 48.0kHz 24bit) is available for purchase on OTOTOY and other sites.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. When was Kenshi Yonezu's "Raven" released?
A. It was released as a digital single on Monday, June 15, 2026. The release was timed to coincide with Japan's first match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 against the Netherlands (kick-off at 5:00 AM Japan time on the same day).
Q2. In which programs is "Raven" used?
A. This song is used in all of NHK's soccer broadcasts and for the "FIFA World Cup 2026" coverage. It was written specifically as the "2026 NHK Soccer Theme."
Q3. Why is the title "Karasu" (Crow)?
A. In addition to the association with the Yatagarasu, the symbol of the Japanese national soccer team, the name also incorporates the image of a human being moving forward towards their dreams, associating it with "Raven," a symbol of wisdom and guidance in Western mythology. The use of "Raven" instead of "Crow" in English is a deliberate choice by Kenshi Yonezu to convey this double meaning.
Q4. Who drew the cover art?
A. The illustration used is a crow drawn by Kenshi Yonezu himself.
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