Hero – YOASOBI「勇者」- TVアニメ『葬送のフリーレン』オープニングテーマ
YOASOBI, the Japanese music duo consisting of composer Ayase and vocalist Ikura, has quickly become a dominant force in the global J-pop scene with their signature style of blending storytelling and music. Their track, “Yūsha” (勇者, “Hero”), continues this tradition by serving as the official opening theme for the highly anticipated anime Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (『葬送のフリーレン』). The song, with its captivating melody and deep narrative, perfectly complements the anime’s introspective themes of life, legacy, and the emotional struggles of the characters as they grapple with time and change.
The song “Yūsha” serves as both an emotional journey and a powerful introduction to Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and the official music video takes it one step further, immersing the viewer in a beautifully animated visual experience. With overtones of epic adventure, reflection on the past, and a melancholic exploration of a hero’s journey, YOASOBI’s “Yūsha” creates a perfect blend of emotion and energy that reflects the themes of the anime.
Connection with Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (Sōsō no Frieren) is an anime adaptation based on the manga of the same name, written by Kanehito Yamada and illustrated by Tsukasa Abe. The story revolves around Frieren, an elf mage who has outlived her human companions after they defeated a Demon King, marking the end of an era. The plot explores how Frieren, who has always viewed time differently due to her long lifespan, begins to reflect on the importance of her connections with those who have passed and those she encounters along her journey.
“Yūsha” fits seamlessly into this narrative, as the song dives deep into the themes of time, change, and self-reflection. YOASOBI’s ability to translate a complex narrative into a digestible yet meaningful song allows “Yūsha” to become more than just an opening theme — it becomes an anthem for Frieren’s internal struggles and growth.
The lyrics reflect Frieren’s journey of coming to terms with her own emotions, her past, and the people she has lost. In many ways, the song mirrors her quest to understand human life and mortality, something she had not fully grasped until her companions passed away. Through this lens, the song’s title, “Yūsha,” or “Hero,” holds a double meaning: it represents not just the literal heroes who defeated the Demon King but also the emotional resilience Frieren must embody to face her inner turmoil.
Musical Composition: A Signature YOASOBI Sound
Musically, “Yūsha” is quintessentially YOASOBI — a combination of upbeat rhythms, electronic elements, and emotionally charged melodies. Ayase, the mastermind behind the music, weaves together an arrangement that complements the anime’s themes, using a vibrant tempo to represent the adventure and highs of the hero’s journey while also incorporating softer, introspective moments that echo Frieren’s more personal battles.
The song opens with a light, almost ethereal melody, gradually building momentum with an energetic beat that captures the essence of a grand adventure. The blend of piano, synth, and electronic beats gives the song a modern J-pop flavor, while Ikura’s voice brings an emotional intensity to the song. Her vocals rise and fall, mirroring the emotional peaks and valleys of Frieren’s story — one of loss, reflection, and eventual growth.
The chorus, which soars with hope and determination, embodies the central message of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End: even when the adventure seems over, the journey of self-discovery continues. There’s an underlying tone of nostalgia in the melody, which complements the anime’s themes of looking back on past deeds and understanding their significance in the present.
Visuals: A Stunning Music Video
The official music video for “Yūsha” is a stunning visual representation of both the song’s themes and the anime it complements. The animation is rich in detail and vivid colors, mirroring the fantastical world of Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End. The video combines scenes from the anime with original animation, blending the narrative of the song with that of the series in a seamless and captivating way.
In the video, we see iconic moments of the anime’s protagonist, Frieren, walking through memories of her past adventures. There are scenes of her standing alone, gazing at the stars, or in the midst of vast, desolate landscapes, symbolizing her emotional isolation after the passing of her companions. The scenes are reflective of Frieren’s long life and the bittersweetness that comes with outliving her friends. The visuals of crumbling statues, glowing stars, and lush forests highlight the transience of life, and how Frieren’s journey is as much about understanding herself as it is about the world around her.
The contrast between the vibrant world and Frieren’s contemplative solitude mirrors the duality found in “Yūsha” — the tension between the past and present, the external adventures, and the internal emotional battles.
Lyrics: Emotional Depth and Reflection
Lyrically, “Yūsha” tells a story that aligns with Frieren’s journey but also stands on its own as a narrative about growth, self-understanding, and the weight of legacy. The lyrics delve into the complexities of being a hero and the responsibilities that come with it — not just in the sense of battle and victory, but in understanding one’s place in the world after the adventure ends.
Phrases like “Even heroes must face their own inner demons” and “What is left when the battles are over?” reflect the melancholic undertone of the song. Frieren, who may be seen as a hero by others, grapples with the emotional aftermath of her adventures. The song’s repeated use of the word “yūsha” (hero) questions what it truly means to be a hero — is it the acts of bravery on the battlefield, or the courage to confront one’s own vulnerabilities and emotions?
Conclusion: A Perfect Fusion of Music and Storytelling
“Yūsha” by YOASOBI is a powerful song that not only serves as a captivating opening for Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End but also stands alone as a rich, emotional journey in itself. The music, lyrics, and visuals combine to create an experience that resonates deeply with fans of the anime and music lovers alike.
Through its melodic composition, emotional depth, and connection to the anime’s themes, “Yūsha” captures the essence of Frieren’s quest for understanding — not just of the world around her but of herself and her place in it. YOASOBI continues to prove their prowess in creating music that tells a story, and “Yūsha” is yet another shining example of their ability to craft songs that linger in the minds and hearts of listeners.
まるで御伽の話
終わり迎えた証
長過ぎる旅路から
切り出した一節
それはかつてこの地に
影を落とした悪を
討ち取りし勇者との
短い旅の記憶
物語は終わり
勇者は眠りにつく
穏やかな日常を
この地に残して
時の流れは無情に
人を忘れさせる
そこに生きた軌跡も
錆び付いていく
それでも君の
言葉も願いも勇気も
今も確かに私の中で
生きている
同じ途を選んだ
それだけだったはずなのに
いつの間にかどうして
頬を伝う涙の理由をもっと
知りたいんだ
今更だって
共に歩んだ旅路を辿れば
そこに君は居なくとも
きっと見つけられる
物語は続く
一人の旅へと発つ
立ち寄る街で出会う
人の記憶の中に残る君は
相も変わらずお人好しで
格好つけてばかりだね
あちらこちらに作ったシンボルは
勝ち取った平和の証
それすら
未来でいつか
私が一人にならないように
あの旅を思い出せるように
残された目印
まるで御伽の話
終わり迎えた証
私を変えた出会い
百分の一の旅路
君の勇気をいつか
風がさらって
誰の記憶から消えてしまっても
私が未来に連れて行くから
君の手を取った
あの日全て始まった
くだらなくて
思わずふっと笑ってしまうような
ありふれた時間が今も眩しい
知りたいんだ
今更だって
振り返るとそこにはいつでも
優しく微笑みかける
君がいるから
新たな旅の始まりは
君が守り抜いたこの地に
芽吹いた命と共に