Kenshi Yonezu‘s ‘Peace Sign’ has been certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), confirming over 500,000 units sold in the US market. The certification, awarded in May 2026, makes Yonezu the only artist in history to receive three RIAA certifications for Japanese-language songs.
His Chainsaw Man opening theme ‘KICK BACK’ was certified Gold in August 2023 and Platinum in September 2025, both firsts for a Japanese-language track. ‘Peace Sign’ now adds a third certification to that tally.
Released on June 21st 2017, ‘Peace Sign’ was written as the opening theme for the second season of the anime adaptation of My Hero Academia, with jacket artwork inspired by the series illustrated by Yonezu himself. Its music video has since surpassed 330 million views.
In a video comment, Yonezu shared his thoughts on the song’s reception.
“I think it’s something fortunate as a musician that so many people listened to this song and enjoyed it, and I believe that’s entirely thanks to the wonderful work that is My Hero Academia.”
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The certification coincides with the 10th anniversary of the My Hero Academia anime adaptation. Nearly nine years on from its original release, ‘Peace Sign’ has continued to find new audiences abroad, drawing strong responses at every stop of Yonezu’s 2025 JUNK world tour across Asia, Europe, and North America.
Founded in 1952, the RIAA awards Gold and Platinum certifications based on U.S. sales and streaming data. Gold status is granted to songs that have sold over 500,000 units.
Yonezu’s certifications follow growing recognition for Japanese-language music in the U.S. Hip-hop duo Creepy Nuts became the first Japanese act to earn RIAA Gold for two separate Japanese-language songs in 2025, with ‘Bling-Bang-Bang-Born’ and ‘Otonoke’. Yonezu’s third certification places him in a category of his own among Japanese-language artists in the United States.
