Sekaijū no Rinjin yo

"Sekaijū no Rinjin yo" (Japanese: 世界中の隣人よ, lit. "to neighbors around the world"^[1]) is a song released by Japanese idol group Nogizaka46. The song was written in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and was released digitally only as a charity single.

"Sekaijū no Rinjin yo"
Single by Nogizaka46
from the album Time Flies
Released	17 June 2020 (2020-06-17) (Japan) 24 June 2020 (2020-06-24) (Worldwide)
Genre	J-pop
Length	6:11
Label	N46Div.
Producer(s)	Yasushi Akimoto
Nogizaka46 singles chronology
"Shiawase no Hogoshoku" (2020) "Sekaijū no Rinjin yo" (2020) "Route 246" (2020)
Music video
"Sekaijū no Rinjin yo" on YouTube

Background and composition

"Sekaijū no Rinjin yo" was written as a tribute to the efforts of hospital workers during the pandemic as well as citizens practicing social distancing by staying at home. The lyrics call for unity in order to curb the spread of the virus.^[1][2]

The song's music video was revealed on 25 May 2020. In the video, footage of Nogizaka46's members singing at home was played on the jumbotron of an empty Meiji Jingu Stadium, a venue that Nogizaka46 has performed annually as part of the "Midsummer National Tour" from 2014 until 2019.^[1][2] Every member in the group participated in the song, including Mai Shiraishi, who intended on leaving the group after the release of "Shiawase no Hogoshoku" but delayed her departure due to the pandemic. Additionally, eleven former members also performed the song: Rina Ikoma, Rena Ichiki, Karin Itō, Misa Etō, Chiharu Saitō, Yūri Saitō, Iori Sagara, Reika Sakurai, Nishino Nanase, Ami Nōjō, and Yumi Wakatsuki.^[3][4]

Reception

Initially, the song was not intended to be released commercially. However, immediately after the music video was posted on YouTube, the song went viral and reached a million views on YouTube within 20 hours. Therefore, Nogizaka46 decided to release the song as a digital download, where all proceeds would be donated to medical personnel combatting the virus.^[5] The song was released on 17 June within Japan and 24 June internationally.^[6] According to Billboard Japan, the song was the most downloaded song within the week of its release.^[7]

The song was one of nine recipients of the Excellent Work Award at the 62nd Japan Record Awards.^[8]

Charts

Chart (2020)	Peak position
Japan Hot 100 (Billboard)[9]	23

See also

• Hanarete Ite mo
• Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the music industry

References

1. "Watch Nogizaka46's Hopeful 'To Neighbors Around the World' Video, Shot Remotely". Billboard. 27 May 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
2. "乃木坂46、新型コロナウイルス感染拡大防止を呼び掛ける新曲"世界中の隣人よ"MV公開。卒業生メンバーと現役メンバーで制作" (in Japanese). Tower Records Japan. 25 May 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
3. "乃木坂46新曲で現役×OG初タッグ 白石・西野・生駒に市來&斎藤アナもコロナ感染拡大防止呼びかけ" (in Japanese). Oricon. 25 May 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
4. "乃木坂46「世界中の隣人よ」、卒業生交えて描かれた"つながり" 同企画から感じたグループならではの強みも" (in Japanese). Yahoo! Japan. Real Sound. 28 May 2020. Archived from the original on 8 July 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
5. "乃木坂46、卒業生初参加曲が大反響 配信シングル化＆収益を全額寄付へ" (in Japanese). Yahoo! Japan. Oricon. 27 May 2020. Archived from the original on 29 June 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
6. "【配信スタート】乃木坂46 新曲「世界中の隣人よ」". Nogizaka46 Official Website (in Japanese). 13 June 2020. Archived from the original on 16 June 2021. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
7. "【ビルボード】乃木坂46「世界中の隣人よ」がDLソング初登場1位、星野源/BTS/WANIMAがTOP10デビュー" (in Japanese). Billboard Japan. 24 June 2020. Retrieved 20 August 2020.
8. Ryusenkai (19 November 2020). "Winners and Nominees for the 62nd Japan Record Awards Announced". Arama! Japan. Retrieved 13 May 2021.
9. "Billboard Japan Hot 100 [ 2020/06/29 付け ]". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). 29 June 2020. Retrieved 9 January 2021.