Today, Chiba Yuki‘s new digital single “Shinu ka Ikiru ka” was released. The song serves as the ending theme for the Netflix anime series “Steel Ball Run: JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure.” It has been met with considerable backlash in part due to who produced it, a newcomer to the world of Japanese music: Dr. Luke.
While Dr. Luke is known for working with acts such as Katy Perry, Doja Cat, and Nicki Minaj, his career has been scarred by his working relationship with Kesha, which ended in a series of lawsuits and countersuits. Kesha alleges that he sexually, physically, verbally, and emotionally abused her since the beginning of their professional relationship. She also claimed that he drugged and raped her on two occasions, as well as made threats against Kesha and her family.
Given this, fans of “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure” worldwide took to social media to wonder why such a man was allowed near the music of their beloved anime.
The fans that speak Japanese have noted how bad the lyrics are and how horrible of a rapper Yuki is. Both Japanese and non-Japanese fans have expressed annoyance at the chorus of the song basically just being the anime’s title repeated over and over.
It’s also been noted that by using this song, the anime is breaking with its tradition of using a famous foreign song.
Take a listen below!
