J-pop duo YOASOBI joined Overwatch for a collab centered on memory, music, and the bonds that hold Heroes together. Only a few days ago, the song theme for this collaboration was released, titled “ORION,” inspired by a short story in the game featured on their anticipated new album, ‘THE BOOK for,.’ This new album continues their THE BOOK series, which started with the group’s formation. ‘THE BOOK for,’ acts as Book Four in the series; the play on words carries the heartfelt message, “for everyone who receives our music.” In collaboration, YOASOBI released a special U.S.-exclusive vinyl edition with limited-edition jacket artwork in collaboration with Overwatch.
YOASOBI, which headlined the renowned Radio City Music Hall in New York City and performed at Coachella, has been emerging as one of the leading J-Pop groups in the world. In addition to numerous in-game and anime collaborations, their distinct style, music, and vibrant visuals have gained widespread popularity in the anime and gaming communities. Following the OVERWATCH collaboration, YOASOBI will embark on their highly anticipated North American tour, NEVER ENDING STORIES, which will take place this summer.
OVERWATCH x YOASOBI in GAME
Join YOASOBI and OVERWATCH from June 30 to July 20 as they introduce six new legendary hero skins, each loaded with striking artistic details full of bright neon colors. Adding bold, kanji-inspired motifs that celebrate YOASOBI’s spirit to the game’s favorite heroes. These new cosmetics feature enhanced VFX ambience; fun dance emotes include official music and choreography provided through the collaboration.
Characters Kiriko, Genji, and Hanzo journey through Shimada lore and shape the battlefield through distance, loss, and the long road back. Following Kiriko’s perspective, the collaboration explores what it means to grow apart, hold on, and find your way through years of conflict. Through YOASOBI’s music focusing on the new short story, “The Fall of a Sparrow”; a fully animated music video; collectible cosmetics; and map updates, you’ll confront the past and the ties your heroes can’t leave behind.
This special collaboration features six heroes with six new looks, dressed in the iconic and familiar YOASOBI signature style and flair, full of thematic elements. Each skin was carefully crafted to reflect each hero’s spirit and story:
Dragon Star Hanzo — Wrapped in luminous hard-light accents and striking kanji details, Hanzo carries the weight of the past while looking toward what comes next.
Dragon Star Genji — Growth is a journey, and Genji’s vibrant new look combines custom effects with bold stylization to celebrate the hero he’s become and the road still ahead.
Fox Star Kiriko — Bright and fearless, Kiriko takes center stage in a skin inspired by the connections that keep us moving forward, no matter how far apart we drift.
Spirit Star Mizuki — Equal parts confidence and self-expression, Mizuki’s premium design shines with custom lighting, hard-light effects, and enough personality to make the city feel like his stage.
Space Star Juno — With her eyes on the stars and her future wide open, Juno’s skin brings wonder, optimism, and dazzling visual flair to the fight for a better future.
Fire Star Anran — Calm, confident, and effortlessly stylish, Anran’s look blends premium effects and kanji-inspired design into a skin that leaves a lasting impression.
NEVER ENDING STORIES
Japanese musical duo YOASOBI, made up of Ayase (composer) and ikura (vocalist), will return to North America this summer for their highly anticipated Never Ending Stories tour. The two will be playing at some of North America’s most iconic venues including Los Angeles’ Hollywood Bowl. They will also be playing at Chicago’s Lollapalooza and will be making their first-ever Canadian appearance at OSHEAGA.
Taking the #1 spot on the 2020 Billboard JAPAN Combined Song Chart and Streaming Song Chart for songs like “Into The Night (Yoru ni Kakeru)” and the #1 Song of the Year in 2023 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart for “IDOL,” breaking a multitude of records and amassing 22 consecutive weeks in the #1 spot. The song also broke the record for the fastest single to reach 100 million streams on the Billboard Japan chart and surged to #1 on the Billboard Global Excl. U.S. chart.
TOUR DATES
July 31—Montreal, QC—OSHEAGA*
August 2—Chicago, IL—Lollapalooza*
August 4—Boston, MA—TD Garden
August 6 —Brooklyn, NY—Barclays Center
August 8—Hamilton, ON—TD Coliseum
August 12—Seattle, WA—Climate Pledge Arena
August 14—Oakland, CA—Oakland Arena
August 16—Los Angeles, CA—Hollywood Bowl
* Festival
Tickets are available HERE.
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Featured Image Credit: BLIZZARD ENTERTAINMENT
