Wikipedia

Life (Gen Hoshino song)

"Life" (Japanese: 生命体, Hepburn: Seimeitai, lit. 'Life' in the context of lifeform) (Japanese pronunciation: [seːmeːtai]) is a song by Japanese singer-songwriter and musician Gen Hoshino. Used as the theme song for the 2022 Asian Games and 2023 World Athletics Championships on TBS Television, the song was written and produced by Hoshino, who co-arranged it with Mabanua. It was first released as a digital-exclusive single by Speedstar Records on August 14, 2023, and was later re-released as a CD single with "Why" on December 27, 2023. A fast-paced rock and R&B song with elements of gospel, "Life" lyrically interprets the mentality of athletes when competing in sports. It features guest background vocals from singer Ua.

"Life"
The digital single cover artwork to "Life". It consists of abstract bright colors, scattered with yellow and white dots and lines.
Digital single cover
Single by Gen Hoshino
LanguageJapanese
A-side"Why" (double A-side)
B-side
ReleasedAugust 14, 2023 (2023-08-14)
Genre
Length3:11
LabelSpeedstar
Songwriter(s)Gen Hoshino
Producer(s)Gen Hoshino
Gen Hoshino singles chronology
"I Wanna Be Your Ghost"
(2022) 		"Why" / "Life"
(2023)
Music video
"Life" on YouTube

Due to restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Asian Games were rescheduled to be within a month of the Athletics Championships, which prompted TBS to commission Hoshino for a theme song to use in their broadcast of both. Written besides his EP Lighthouse (2023), Hoshino envisioned "Life" as a song that encourages athletes and everyone else living within the present. He took musical inspiration from gospel.

"Life" was received positively by music critics in Japan, who praised its composition; some also found depth within its lyrics. Upon release, the song debuted at numbers seven and 44 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and Oricon Combined Singles Charts, respectively. It topped the digital download component charts of both publications and was the most-aired song on Japanese radio within its week of release. The music video, directed by GroupN, features footage of Hoshino singing, interlayed with scenes of various people living their lives. "Life" was promoted by Hoshino with several televised live performances, including at the 74th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen on New Year's Eve.

Background

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Prior to "Life", Gen Hoshino had written songs for sports-related tie-ups, such as "Hello Song" (2016) for a campaign by the Ad Council Japan that encouraged preparation for the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo,[1] and "Continues" (2016) for broadcast of the 2016 Summer Paralympics on SKY PerfecTV!.[2] Due to restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2022 Asian Games were postponed to September and October 2023,[3] only a month after the 2023 World Athletics Championships would be held in August.[4] The song "All My Treasures" (2007) by Yūji Oda had served as the theme song for TBS Television's broadcast of the Athletics Championships for sixteen years; however, the 2023 event's close scheduling with the Asian Games prompted the network to commission a new original theme song for their broadcast of both. They contacted Hoshino, who accepted; he told Billboard Japan that he was honored to have been asked during the rare circumstance of two events being held so close together.[5][6]: 1 

Writing and production

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The song features guest background vocals by singer Ua (pictured in 2016).

Hoshino invisioned "Life" as a song that encourages athletes, sports fans, and everyone else that lives within the chaos of the present time.[5] Written at the same time as Hoshino's EP Lighthouse (2023),[7] roughly half of the song's lyrics had already been completed when he conceived the title "Life".[8] The Japanese title, seimeitai (生命体), literally translates to lifeform, which Hoshino thought was perfect for the song's theming on living in present times. He related the concept of a living organism to sports: "Suddenly, I had this idea that people are born onto a racetrack of sorts, and we only feel freedom in respect to that race ... I think that not just humans, but everything living—even microrganisms that we cannot read the emotions of—live on that racetrack ... For a song about living in present times, I thought that the title 'Life', literally the body of a living creature, perfectly represented its relation to sports."[6]: 3 

Musically, Hoshino intended to incorporate inspiration from gospel music to create a sound that releases listeners from ego and pressures. Himself not a Christian, he wanted to process gospel through his own musical style and only take inspiration to avoid distastefully replicating the genre.[6]: 1, 3  For the recording and mixing process, Hoshino said he had grown tired of the standard consistency in Japanese music production, so instead took an approach that prioritized the "soul" within the instrumental performance.[6]: 2  For the song's drums, Hoshino had a real musician imitate what he had programmed: "There's something moving about a human performance that tries to imitate and outdo machines. It's a mixture of human and machine-like qualities".[9]

"Life" features guest background vocals by solo singer Ua. Initially, Hoshino and usual collaborator Ryosuke Nagaoka tried to record the backing vocals on their own, but felt that something more was needed and considered enlisting the help of an outsider. Ua was suggested by her and Hoshino's mutual manager at Victor Entertainment; Hoshino liked the suggestion due to Ua's roots in gospel and soul music, but felt hesitant since her voice would most likely not be recognizable amongst the other singers. However, the manager thought this would make it easier for Ua and went ahead with the offer; according to Hoshino, she gladly accepted.[6]: 1 [10]

Composition and lyrics

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"Life"
The end to the song's first chorus. "Life" features an almost acoustic-like instrumental, led by upright piano and drums. It is a rock and R&B song that takes inspiration from gospel.
Problems playing this file? See media help.

"Life" was written and produced by Hoshino, who co-arranged it with frequent collaborator Mabanua. The instrumental line-up on the track is minimal and consists of only upright piano (performed by Hoshino and Mabanua), electric bass (Mabanua), drums (Shun Ishiwaka), and alto saxophone (Satoru Takeshima). The song also includes handclaps performed by background vocalists Nagaoka and Ua.[11][12] Minus the electric bass, the entire instrumentation is almost acoustic, which writers for Rhythm & Drums Magazine noted as a departure from Hoshino's programming-heavy works in the years prior to the song. They also pointed out the absence of guitar.[13] "Life" was mastered by Takahiro Uchida and mixed by Shojiro Watanabe; Satoshi Goto is credited with additional assistance. Recording is credited to Watanabe, Shu Saida, Mabanua, Hoshino, and Takeshima, the lattermost of which recorded his saxophone from home.[11][6]: 2 

"Life" runs for three minutes and eleven seconds (3:11).[14] Musically, it is a fast-paced Japanese rock and R&B song that reminisces to gospel music.[13][15][16] The song is driven by the melodies of the upright pianos and the beat of Ishiwaka's drums, which move through quick chord changes.[12][13] The track does not have a proper intro nor outro, which represents the sudden start and end to life.[17] From its opening, the drums on "Life" run dotted notes on a ride cymbal and leads the beat with a half open hi-hat.[13] The chorus sees Hoshino singing in a high-pitched tone, whereas a solo on alto sax is performed by Takeshima in the song's middle phase.[12]

The lyrics depicts the perceived mentality of an athlete competing and the exhilaration of sports: "Kaze ni hada ga mazari toketeku / Sakaime wa kieru" ("My skin melds with the wind and melts away / Boundaries disappear"). The text covers the continuation of life after the conclusion of a competition and ends with a return to reality: "Anata wa tashika ni koko ni iru / Soshite tsuzuku" ("Without a doubt, you're here / And life goes on").[12][note 1]

Release and promotion

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The music video to "Life" features sprinter Yoshihide Kiryū (left) and former Nogizaka46 member Asuka Saitō (right; both pictured in 2019), among others.

On June 30, 2023, "Life" was announced as the theme song to the 2023 World Athletics Championships and Asian Games on TBS.[18] Alongside a new promotional artist visual on August 7, Hoshino announced that the song would be released as a single on August 14, 2023, five days ahead of the start of the Athletics Championships and nine days ahead of the Asian Games.[19] On the slated date, "Life" was released as a digital-exclusive single by the Victor Entertainment label Speedstar Records, roughly one year after Hoshino's previous single "I Wanna Be Your Ghost" (2022).[13][20] Promotion for the release included a campaign by Victor where listeners who downloaded the song or added it to their streaming libraries could win a phone wallpaper based on the single's cover art, a two-set postcard set featuring photos of Hoshino, and a different wallpaper drawn by him.[21][22]

GroupN directed the music video to "Life", which was premiered to YouTube on August 14, 2023, at 0:00 (JST).[23][24] The video features Hoshino singing in an arena venue next to footage of "various people living in the present".[25] Filmed in the span of four days, it includes guest appearances from some of the song's performing musicians like Mabanua and Ishiwaka, professional athletic sprinter Yoshihide Kiryū, former Nogizaka46 member Asuka Saitō, and dancer The D Soraki.[13][25] The scenes of Hoshino singing are interlayed with the other footage via split screen to mimick the appearance of a running track.[26]

Behind-the-scenes from the song's music video were released on September 13, 2023,[27] and minute-long videos showing only Soraki and Saitō's dance performances were uploaded on September 29.[28] In December 2024, audio commentary by Hoshino and his frequent video collaborator Santa Yamagishi was added to the "Life" music video utilizing YouTube's multi-language audio tracks feature.[29]

Double A-side single

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Further information: Why (Gen Hoshino song) § Promotion and release

On December 27, 2023, "Life" was re-released as a double A-sided single with the song "Why", the ending theme to the anime film Spy × Family Code: White.[30] Hoshino had announced in November that "Life" would be included as the latter half of a CD single, but did not immediately disclose details on "Why".[31] He revealed its title on December 5,[32] and officially announced it as the ending theme to Spy × Family Code: White on December 22, the day of the film's premiere.[33] Hoshino's first CD single in almost two years after "Fushigi" / "Create" (2021),[34] the B-side to "Why" / "Life" features "Odd Couple"—a song written by Hoshino for the comedy duo Audrey's radio festival at the Tokyo Dome—and the instrumental "Beyond the Sequence", used in a commercial for UCC Ueshima Coffee starring Hoshino.[35]

In an interview with Billboard Japan, Hoshino said that he did not initially intend to release "Why" and "Life" as double A-sides. However, upon the completion of "Why", he felt that the two songs had connected.[9] Emi Sugiura, in a review of the double A-side for Rockin'On Japan, agreed on the connection. Despite their different identities musically,[note 2] Sugiura felt like "Why" was a sequel to the story of "Life", since both songs discuss living without seeking out meaning.[34]

Reception

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Further information: Why (Gen Hoshino song) § Reception

Japanese music critics enjoyed "Life" and praised its composition and message; several critics noted the performance of the participating musicians. Writing for Real Sound, Tomoyuki Mori praised the song's gospel-influenced R&B sound, but particularly highlighted the melodies and Hoshino's vocal delivery: he called these "new inventions" and wrote that they are carried by a "refined physicality".[16] Emi Sugiura at Rockin'On Japan described "Life" as a supportive song—celebrating life—that encourages listeners to continue running forward. Amidst the simple composition, she found Ishiwaka's drumming and the background vocals of Ua and Nagaoka to be a tangible part of the composition's energy.[15] Writers at Rhythm & Drums Magazine concluded that the song was dense on drums; they called Ishiwaka's drumming "lively", as if it had been recorded in a spacious studio.[13] Mori and Sugiura both found depth in the song's lyrics. Mori opined that the lyrics—which he felt leads listeners towards "total freedom" by "transcending [their] own conciousness"—increased in depth with each listen.[16] Sugiura wrote that, despite the deep lyrics, the sound and Hoshino's vocals encourage listeners to not think too deeply about its meaning.[15]

Commercially, "Life" sold 13,713 digital copies within its first week, according to Billboard Japan. They reported that it was the most downloaded song that week, as well as the most aired on radio.[37] The song debuted at number seven on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 and at number 44 on Oricon's Combined Singles Chart.[38][39] It became Hoshino's third consecutive single to top the Billboard Japan Top Download Songs and his sixth consecutive number one on the Oricon Digital Singles Chart.[37][40]

Live performances

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At the 74th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen, Hoshino performed "Life" from the top of the Toranomon Hills skyscrapers (pictured).

Hoshino included "Life" on his setlists for several televised performances throughout 2023. Three times, he performed it for specials of CDTV Live! Live!: the first of these was on the day of the song's release (August 14), where it accompanied performances of Hoshino's "Sun" (2015) and "Pop Virus" (2018);[41] the second was alongside Hoshino's debut single "Kudaranai no Naka ni" (2011) on September 14;[42] the third was alongside "Comedy" (2022) on the program's Christmas special on December 18.[43] On September 21, Hoshino appeared on NHK's Songs to perform "Life", "Fushigi", and an acoustic version of his 2016 single "Koi".[44] In December, Hoshino returned to NHK for the 74th iteration of the annual New Year's Eve special Kōhaku Uta Gassen. His ninth consecutive appearance on the special, Hoshino performed "Life" in front of a nighttime backdrop from a top floor of a Toranomon Hills skyscraper in Minato, Tokyo.[45] The Kōhaku performance was uploaded in full to NHK's YouTube account, but has since been removed.[46]

Personnel

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Credits adapted from Hoshino's website[11]

Track listing

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All tracks are written by Gen Hoshino expect where otherwise noted.

"Life" — digital single[14]
No.TitleLength
1."Life" (生命体, Seimeitai)3:11
"Why" / "Life" — Regular edition[47]
No.TitleLength
1."Why" (光の跡, Hikari no Ato, lit. 'Traces of Light')4:10
2."Life"3:13
3."Odd Couple" (おともだち, Otomodachi, lit. 'Friends')3:12
4."Beyond the Sequence"3:25
Total length:14:00
"Why" / "Life" — Limited edition (DVD/Blu-ray – YP Live Streaming Enkai Hōō-hen)[48]
No.TitleLength
1."Opening"2:03
2."Episode" (エピソード, Episōdo)2:28
3."Sun"4:11
4."Dust" (ダスト, Dasuto)4:29
5."Doraemon" (ドラえもん)4:13
6."Tomato" (そしたら, Soshitara, lit. 'And Then')3:03
7."Dancer" (ダンサー, Dansā)3:17
8."Stove" (ストーブ, Sutōbu)3:37
9."Nothing"5:37
10."Record Noise" (レコードノイズ, Rekōdo Noizu)6:08
11."Fushigi" (不思議, lit. 'Strange')5:00
12."Gag" (ギャグ, Gyagu)4:48
13."Hello Song"4:58
14."Documentary" 
"Why" / "Life" — Limited edition (DVD/Blu-ray – Live the Speedstar)[48]
No.TitleLength
15."Opening"1:04
16."Hirameki" (ひらめき, lit. 'Flash')3:19
17."Barabara" (ばらばら, lit. 'Scatter')4:05
18."Sūdara Bushi [ja]" (スーダラ節, lit. 'Melody of Smooth Trickling'; writers: Yukio Aoshima, Hiroaki Hagiwara; original artist: Crazy Cats)3:55
19."Koi" (恋, lit. 'Love')5:35
20."Bakemono" (化物, lit. 'Monster')3:01
21."Why Don't You Play in Hell?" (地獄でなぜ悪い, Jigoku de Naze Warui, lit. 'What's Bad About Hell?')4:17
22."Kuse no Uta" (くせのうた, lit. 'Habit Song')5:10
23."Kudaranai no Naka ni" (くだらないの中に, lit. 'In the Nonsense')5:19
Total length:2:07:00

Charts

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Weekly chart performance for "Life" (2023)
Chart (2023) Peak
position
Japan (Billboard Japan Hot 100)[38] 7
Japanese Combined Singles (Oricon)[39] 44
Weekly chart performance for "Why" / "Life" (2024)
Chart (2024) Peak
position
Japanese Top Singles Sales (Billboard Japan)[49] 2
Japan (Oricon)[50] 2
Japanese Combined Singles (Oricon)[51] 2
Japanese Anime Singles (Oricon)[52] 1

Release history

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Release dates and formats for "Life" and "Why" / "Life"
Region Date Release and edition Format(s) Label Catalogue code Ref(s).
Various August 14, 2023 "Life" — digital single
Speedstar Records VE3WT-10580 [14][20][53]
South Korea J-Box Entertainment — [54]
Japan December 27, 2023 "Why" / "Life" — standard CD Speedstar Records VICL-37718 [30]
"Why" / "Life" — limited
  • VIZL-2282 (A)
  • VIZL-2283 (B)
 [55][56]
Various "Why" / "Life" — standard
  • Digital download
  • streaming
 — [47]
South Korea J-Box Entertainment — [57]
Japan January 13, 2024 Rental CD Victor Entertainment VICL-37718R [58]

Notes

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  1. ^ English lyrics taken from Hoshino's official website[11]
  2. ^ Unlike the acoustic rock-like style of "Life", "Why" is a pop ballad centered around programmed beats and piano.[36]

References

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  1. ^ "星野源がACジャパンCMに新曲提供、憧れの植木等と'共演'も" [Gen Hoshino Writes New Song for AC Japan Commercial, Co-Starring With His Idol Hitoshi Ueki]. Natalie.mu (in Japanese). July 1, 2016. Archived from the original on June 30, 2023. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  2. ^ "星野源、パラリンピック放送テーマソングに新曲「Continues」" [New Gen Hoshino Song "Continues" to Serve Broadcast of the Paralympics]. Natalie.mu (in Japanese). August 5, 2016. Archived from the original on May 23, 2024. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  3. ^ Ansari, Aarish (May 6, 2022). "Asian Games 2022 in China postponed to 2023". International Olympic Committee. Archived from the original on June 27, 2022. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  4. ^ "Final entry lists published for World Athletics Championships Budapest 23" (Press release). World Athletics. Archived from the original on September 17, 2023. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
  5. ^ a b "星野源、TBS 世界陸上&アジア大会テーマソング担当「腹の底から沸き上がってくるワクワク」" [Gen Hoshino Comments on Excitement for World Athletics Championships and Asian Games Theme Song on TBS] (in Japanese). Oricon. June 30, 2023. Archived from the original on January 26, 2024. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  6. ^ a b c d e f Hoshino, Gen (August 23, 2023). "細胞レベルで決められたレールと壁をぶち破る――星野源「生命体」を語る" [Breaking the Rules Decided at the Cellular Level — Gen Hoshino Talks "Life"]. Billboard Japan (Interview) (in Japanese). Interviewed by Takahashi, Yoshiaki. Ikitake, Mariko (foreword). Archived from the original on January 4, 2024. Retrieved January 4, 2024.
  7. ^ Hoshino, Gen (August 15, 2023). 第349回 [Episode 349]. Hoshino Gen no All Night Nippon (radio archive) (in Japanese). Nippon Broadcasting. Event occurs at 1:21:10. Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved December 3, 2024 – via Spotify.
  8. ^ Hoshino, Gen (August 15, 2023). 第349回 [Episode 349]. Hoshino Gen no All Night Nippon (radio archive) (in Japanese). Nippon Broadcasting. Event occurs at 35:38. Retrieved October 31, 2024 – via Spotify.
  9. ^ a b Hoshino, Gen (December 28, 2023). "Gen Hoshino Talks New 'Spy x Family Code: White' Ending Theme 'Why': Interview". Billboard (Interview). Interviewed by Mori, Tomoyuki. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
  10. ^ Hoshino, Gen (August 15, 2023). 第349回 [Episode 349]. Hoshino Gen no All Night Nippon (radio archive) (in Japanese). Nippon Broadcasting. Event occurs at 31:32. Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved December 3, 2024 – via Spotify.
  11. ^ a b c d "Life". HoshinoGen.com (in Japanese). n.d. Archived from the original on December 30, 2023. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
  12. ^ a b c d Imdkm (August 5, 2023). "星野源、競争と熱狂の先で'個'に寄り添うメッセージ　スポーツを飛び越えて生活に重なる「生命体」の眼差し" [Gen Hoshino Connects With the Individuality Ahead of Competition and Enthusiasm — A Look at the Living Ahead of Sports on "Life"]. Real Sound (Press release). Archived from the original on January 12, 2024. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g "星野 源の新曲「生命体」は石若 駿の躍動するドラムが光るアコースティックなロック・ナンバー!!" [Shun Ishiwaka's Lively Drums Shine on Gen Hoshino's New Acoustic Rock Song "Life"]. Rhythm & Drums Magazine (in Japanese). Rittor Music [ja]. August 14, 2018. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
  14. ^ a b c "'Life' — Album by Gen Hoshino". Apple Music (US). n.d. Archived from the original on December 29, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
  15. ^ a b c Sugiura, Emi (October 2023). "生きる意味を問うより先に体が動く" [The Body Moves Before Pondering the Meaning of Life]. Rockin'On Japan (in Japanese). Archived from the original on January 11, 2024. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
  16. ^ a b c Eriko, Ishii; Mori, Tomoyuki (August 19, 2023). "星野源、マカロニえんぴつ、BTS V、INI、AI、新しい学校のリーダーズ... 注目新譜6作をレビュー" [Gen Hoshino, Macaroni Enpitsu, BTS V, INI, Ai, Atarashii Gakko — Six New Releases in Focus]. Real Sound. Archived from the original on January 11, 2024. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
  17. ^ Hoshino, Gen (August 15, 2023). 第349回 [Episode 349]. Hoshino Gen no All Night Nippon (radio archive) (in Japanese). Nippon Broadcasting. Event occurs at 49:17. Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved December 3, 2024 – via Spotify.
  18. ^ "星野源が世界陸上&アジア大会テーマ曲「生命体」書き下ろし「全ての人を称賛し鼓舞できるよう」" [Gen Hoshino Writes Theme Song "Life" for Athletics Championships and Asian Games, a Song "To Encourage and Inspire Everyone"]. Nikkan Sports (in Japanese). June 30, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
  19. ^ "星野源、約1年ぶりの新曲「生命体」（世界陸上・アジア大会TBS系テーマ曲）の配信リリースが決定　最新ビジュアルも公開" [Gen Hoshino Announces Digital Release of New Athletics Championships and Asian Games Theme Song "Life", Reveals New Visual]. Spice (in Japanese). August 7, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
  20. ^ a b "星野 源 — 生命体 (VE3WT-10580)" [Gen Hoshino — "Life" (VE3WT-10580)] (in Japanese). Victor Entertainment. n.d. Archived from the original on January 25, 2024. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
  21. ^ "星野源、『世界陸上』『アジア大会』テーマソング「生命体」MVプレミア公開　プレゼントがもらえる配信キャンペーンも" [Gen Hoshino to Release Music Video for Athletics Championships and Asian Games Theme Song "Life", Unveils Download/Streaming Campaign to Win Bonuses]. Real Sound (in Japanese). August 12, 2023. Archived from the original on August 14, 2023. Retrieved December 3, 2024.
  22. ^ "「生命体」配信キャンペーン実施決定!" [Announcing "Life" Digital Campaign!] (in Japanese). Victor Entertainment. August 12, 2023. Archived from the original on August 15, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
  23. ^ GroupN [@GROUPN2020] (August 17, 2023). "星野源「生命体」Music Video 監督しました🦾 @gen_senden" (Tweet) (in Japanese). Retrieved December 6, 2024 – via Twitter.
  24. ^ "星野源、約1年ぶりの新曲「生命体」MVを8/14 0時プレミア公開決定" [Gen Hoshino to Premiere Music Video for New Song "Life" at Midnight, August 14]. Skream! (in Japanese). August 12, 2024. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
  25. ^ a b "星野源「生命体」MV、齋藤飛鳥／THE D SoraKi／桐生祥秀が出演" [Music Video to Gen Hoshino's "Life" Features Yoshihide Kiryū, Asuka Saitō, and The D Soraki]. Billboard Japan (in Japanese). August 14, 2024. Archived from the original on January 26, 2024. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
  26. ^ Hoshino, Gen (August 15, 2023). 第349回 [Episode 349]. Hoshino Gen no All Night Nippon (radio archive) (in Japanese). Nippon Broadcasting. Event occurs at 52:50. Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved December 4, 2024 – via Spotify.
  27. ^ "星野源'生命体'PVメイキング映像が公開。齋藤飛鳥、桐生祥秀らのコメントも収録" [Gen Hoshino Shares Behind-the-Scenes to "Life" Music Video, Featuring Messages from Asuka Saitō, Yoshihide Kiryū, and The D Soraki]. Cinra [ja] (in Japanese). September 11, 2015. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
  28. ^ "星野源「生命体」ダンスビデオ公開、齋藤飛鳥が躍動する1分15秒" [Gen Hoshino Releases Asuka Saitō's Dance Performance from "Life" Music Video]. Natalie.mu (in Japanese). September 29, 2023. Archived from the original on November 24, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
  29. ^ "星野源、MVのオーディオ・コメンタリーが公開スタート" [Gen Hoshino Adds Audio Commentary to Music Videos] (in Japanese). Tower Records Japan. December 3, 2024. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
  30. ^ a b "星野 源 — 光の跡 / 生命体" [Gen Hoshino — "Why" / "Life"]. CDJournal (in Japanese). n.d. Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
  31. ^ "星野源、約2年半ぶりのシングルを12/27に発売" [Gen Hoshino to Release First Single in Two and a Half Years on December 27]. Barks (in Japanese). November 10, 2023. Archived from the original on January 25, 2024. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  32. ^ "星野源、12/27発売のニューシングル詳細を発表。『オードリーのオールナイトニッポン in 東京ドーム』主題歌も収録" [Gen Hoshino to Feature Audrey no All Night Nippon in Tokyo Dome Theme Song on December 27 Single]. Rockin'On Japan (in Japanese). December 5, 2023. Archived from the original on December 7, 2023. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
  33. ^ "星野源、ニュー・シングル『光の跡/生命体』の全貌が明らかに。表題曲'光の跡'が『劇場版 Spy × Family Code: White』ED主題歌としてサプライズ発表、コラボ・ムービー公開" [Gen Hoshino Reveals "Why" from New Single As Ending Theme to Spy × Family Code: White in Surprise Collaboration Video] (in Japanese). Tower Records Japan. December 5, 2023. Archived from the original on May 28, 2024. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  34. ^ a b Sugiura, Emi (February 2024). "生きる意味ならわからない。けれどとても愛おしい" [I May Not Understand the Meaning of Life. But It Is Incredibly Dear]. Rockin'On Japan (in Japanese). Archived from the original on January 14, 2024. Retrieved December 4, 2024.
  35. ^ "星野源ニューシングルの全収録曲&ジャケット発表" [Gen Hoshino Unveils Full Track Listing and Cover Art to New Single]. Natalie.mu (in Japanese). December 5, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  36. ^ "星野 源ニュー・シングル「光の跡／生命体」はmabanua＆石若＆カースケが参加!" [Mabanua, Shun Ishiwaka, and Kasuke Feature on New Gen Hoshino Single "Why" / "Life"]. Rhythm & Drums Magazine (in Japanese). Rittor Music [ja]. December 29, 2023. Archived from the original on June 13, 2024. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  37. ^ a b "星野源「生命体」がDLソング首位デビュー、YOASOBI／INIが続く" [Gen Hoshino's "Life" Debuts Atop Download Songs Chart, Yoasobi and Ini Follow in Second and Third]. Billboard Japan (in Japanese). August 23, 2024. Archived from the original on September 25, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  38. ^ a b "Billboard Japan Hot 100 — 2023/08/23". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). August 23, 2023. Archived from the original on September 30, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
  39. ^ a b "合算シングル週間50 — 2023年08月28日付" [Weekly Combined Singles Top 50 — August 28, 2023] (in Japanese). Oricon. August 28, 2023. Archived from the original on August 26, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
  40. ^ "星野源、最新作「生命体」で通算6作目の「デジタルシングル」1位" [Gen Hoshino Achieves Sixth Consecutive Number One on Digital Singles Chart with Newest Song "Life"] (in Japanese). Oricon. August 23, 2024. Archived from the original on August 25, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  41. ^ "『CDTVライブ!』4時間半SP第2弾発表 星野源は3曲 キンプリはメドレー+「ichiban」 乃木坂46新曲TV初披露" [CDTV Live! Announces Second Edition of Four-Hour Special: Gen Hoshino to Perform Three Songs, King & Prince to Feature Medley + "Ichiban", Nogizaka46 to Debut New Song] (in Japanese). Oricon. August 7, 2024. Archived from the original on August 18, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  42. ^ "「CDTV」2時間SPに.ENDRECHERI.、セクゾ、HYDE、三浦大知、ゆず、緑黄色社会" [Two-Hour Special of CDTV to Feature Endercheri, Sexy Zone, Hyde, Daichi Miura, Yuzu, Ryokuoushoku Shakai]. Natalie.mu (in Japanese). September 11, 2024. Archived from the original on January 31, 2024. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  43. ^ "「CDTV」クリスマスSPにJO1、SixTONES、Snow Man、セカオワ、10-FEET、星野源、ミセス" [CDTV Christmas Special to Feature JO1, SixTones, Snow Man, Sekai no Owari, 10-Feet, Gen Hoshino, and Mrs. Green Apple]. Natalie.mu (in Japanese). December 4, 2023. Archived from the original on January 1, 2024. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  44. ^ "星野源、1年ぶりにNHK『SONGS』出演。最新曲'生命体'や'恋'弾き語りバージョンをテレビ初披露" [Gen Hoshino to Perform Newest Single "Life" and Acoustic Version of "Koi" on NHK's Songs]. Natalie.mu (in Japanese). September 14, 2023. Archived from the original on September 14, 2023. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  45. ^ "星野源、紅白で夜景バックに「生命体」歌唱　「生きたい人生を力強く…」込めた思い語る" [Gen Hoshino Performs "Life" In Front of Night Backdrop at Kōhaku]. Mynavi News (in Japanese). January 1, 2024. Archived from the original on January 9, 2024. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  46. ^ "星野源の紅白ステージを何度でも" [Rewatch Gen Hoshino's Kōhaku Performance]. Natalie.mu (in Japanese). January 10, 2024. Archived from the original on January 12, 2024. Retrieved December 5, 2024.
  47. ^ a b Citations regarding the digital release of "Why" / "Life":
  48. ^ a b "星野源 — 光の跡/生命体 [CD+DVD] <初回限定盤B>" [Gen Hoshino — "Why" / "Life" (CD+DVD) (First Limited Edition B)] (in Japanese). Tower Records Japan. n.d. Archived from the original on September 21, 2024. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  49. ^ "Billboard Japan Top Singles Sales — 2024/01/03". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). January 8, 2024. Archived from the original on May 24, 2024. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
  50. ^ "光の跡/生命体" ["Why" / "Life"] (in Japanese). Oricon. n.d. Archived from the original on January 17, 2024. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
  51. ^ "星野源の合算シングル売上TOP11作品" [Gen Hoshino's Top 11 Combined Singles by Sales] (in Japanese). Oricon. n.d. Archived from the original on December 27, 2023. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
  52. ^ "アニメシングル週間20 — 2024/01/08付" [Weekly Anime Singles Top 20 — January 8, 2024] (in Japanese). Oricon. January 8, 2024. Archived from the original on January 10, 2024. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
  53. ^ "'Life' — Single by Gen Hoshino" (in Chinese). Apple Music. n.d. Retrieved October 29, 2024.
  54. ^ "生命体 (Life)" (in Korean). Bugs!. n.d. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
  55. ^ "星野 源 — 光の跡 / 生命体 [Blu-ray+CD] [限定]" [Gen Hoshino — "Why" / "Life" (Blu-ray+CD) (Limited)]. CDJournal (in Japanese). n.d. Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
  56. ^ "星野 源 — 光の跡 / 生命体 [DVD+CD] [限定]" [Gen Hoshino — "Why" / "Life" (DVD+CD) (Limited)]. CDJournal (in Japanese). n.d. Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved October 28, 2024.
  57. ^ "光の跡/生命体 (Why / Life)" (in Korean). Bugs!. n.d. Archived from the original on May 25, 2024. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
  58. ^ "星野源 — 光の跡/生命体 (シングル)" [Gen Hoshino — "Why" / "Life" (Single)] (in Japanese). DMM.com. n.d. Retrieved May 25, 2024.
edit
  • "Life" on Hoshino's official website
  • "Life" playlist on YouTube, with music videos and behind-the-scenes
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