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Kenshi Yonezu on Chainsaw Man and his new album IRIS: A Deep-Dive into Creative Process

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  Published in Humor and Quirks on Tuesday, November 25th 2025 at 4:30 GMT by NME

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Kenshi Yonezu on “Chainsaw Man” and his new album IRIS – a deep‑dive into his creative process

NME’s in‑depth interview with Japanese pop‑rock star‑turned‑composer Kenshi Yonezu offers an illuminating look at how the artist has shifted from mainstream hit‑maker to anime soundtrack auteur, while still charting a new personal course with his forthcoming album IRIS. Spanning Yonezu’s entire career, the piece weaves together his early viral beginnings, his mastery of digital production, and his latest work for the hugely popular Chainsaw Man anime, revealing the ways in which Yonezu’s artistry is becoming increasingly interwoven with contemporary pop culture.

From “Uchiage Hanabi” to IRIS: a career arc

The interview opens with a quick refresher on Yonezu’s meteoric rise. The same creator who once posted a homemade “Uchiage Hanabi” (Fireworks) clip on Nico Nico Douga and subsequently signed with Sony Music has built a discography that spans the spectrum from bubble‑gum pop to experimental rock. The article cites the success of 2018’s “Lemon” – a track that sold millions and dominated radio waves – as a turning point that gave Yonezu the freedom to experiment with his own sound.

In the context of IRIS, Yonezu explains that the album is an “evolution” rather than a departure. He emphasizes that IRIS will explore darker, more complex sonic textures than his earlier work, blending electronic beats with orchestral elements and even subtle world‑music influences. While the article does not list the track‑list in full, it hints at a thematic coherence that threads through the album’s 12 songs, each anchored by Yonezu’s signature blend of heartfelt lyricism and meticulous production.

The Chainsaw Man collaboration

A major portion of the interview revolves around Yonezu’s commission to write the opening theme “Iris” (the song’s title track) for the Chainsaw Man anime adaptation, which premiered in 2022 to cult‑classic status. The article notes that Yonezu’s selection as the opening theme composer was the result of a recommendation from the series’ producers, who were impressed by his ability to fuse “raw emotional punch” with pop accessibility.

Yonezu talks at length about his creative process for the opening. He says that the team first presented him with the series’ visual tone and thematic core – a mix of horror, humor, and existential dread. Yonezu then “turned that into a musical narrative,” building a track that mirrors the anime’s shift from high‑octane action to introspective character moments. The interview provides quotes such as, “I wanted the music to feel like a second protagonist, to drive the story forward as much as the animation does.” The article also references Yonezu’s own prior experience working on anime soundtracks, like the Boys Over Flowers OST, which helped him navigate the unique demands of composing for moving pictures.

In addition to the opening, Yonezu has contributed additional tracks to the Chainsaw Man soundtrack, including the “Yamabiko” theme that accompanies the character Akira. The article includes a short clip of Yonezu explaining how each song was designed to echo the personality of its character, a testament to his meticulous storytelling approach.

Production philosophy and technique

A recurring theme in the interview is Yonezu’s “do‑everything” philosophy. The article stresses that Yonezu writes, records, arranges, and produces all of his own tracks, a practice that has become even more pronounced since his transition to full‑time music production. He discusses his use of a home studio equipped with a range of software and hardware synthesizers, as well as his penchant for layering multiple vocal tracks to create the lush harmonies that define his songs.

The piece touches on Yonezu’s collaboration with other musicians and vocalists, especially for the Chainsaw Man opening. He worked with a small ensemble of instrumentalists to achieve the hybrid rock‑orchestral sound that the anime’s producers demanded. For the IRIS album, Yonezu says he’s leaning into analog gear to capture a warmer feel, but will still harness digital tools for precision and texture.

Themes, influences, and future plans

The interview frames Yonezu’s work as an ongoing conversation between personal introspection and the external world. He explains that IRIS is about “finding oneself in a world that keeps spinning faster,” a motif that also underpins the Chainsaw Man narrative. Yonezu cites influences ranging from Western pop acts such as The 1975 to Japanese indie bands like Ling Tosite Sigure, blending them into a distinctive sonic voice that is at once global and distinctly Japanese.

Looking ahead, Yonezu hints at an even bigger role in anime, suggesting he might direct a feature film soundtrack in the future. He also reveals plans for a world tour to promote IRIS, an endeavor that will mark the first time he will perform in several European markets in years. The article concludes by noting that Yonezu’s growing fanbase extends far beyond Japan, thanks to platforms like Spotify and YouTube, and that his work for Chainsaw Man has only amplified his international visibility.

Key takeaways

1. Creative autonomy – Yonezu remains the sole writer, performer, and producer of his music, which gives him full control over the sonic narrative of his tracks.

2. Narrative‑centric composition – Whether crafting IRIS or the Chainsaw Man opening, Yonezu treats each song as a character that interacts with the story’s emotional beats.

3. Hybrid production – His use of both analog warmth and digital precision creates a signature sound that feels both contemporary and timeless.

4. Cross‑media expansion – The Chainsaw Man collaboration has opened doors for Yonezu into the anime industry, paving the way for future projects that combine music with visual storytelling.

5. Global outreach – The upcoming IRIS tour and his growing online presence illustrate how Yonezu’s music resonates with listeners worldwide, transcending language and cultural barriers.

By blending his personal musical evolution with high‑profile projects like Chainsaw Man, Kenshi Yonezu continues to redefine what it means to be a pop star in the 21st century—one that is not just a performer, but a storyteller, composer, and global cultural icon.