"Kira Kira" (キラキラ, lit. Glitter) is a song written and recorded by Japanese-American singer-songwriter Ai featuring Japanese comedian and actress Naomi Watanabe. It was released to radio on July 6, 2017, and later as a digital single on August 1, 2017. It served as a single from the deluxe version of Ai's eleventh studio album, Wa to Yo.[1]

"Kira Kira"
Single by Ai featuring Naomi Watanabe[a]
from the album Wa to Yo to (Deluxe Edition)
Language
ReleasedJuly 6, 2017 (2017-07-06)
Genre
Length3:40
Label
Songwriter(s)Ai Uemura
Producer(s)
  • Uta
  • Uemura
Ai singles chronology
"Justice Will Prevail at Last"
(2017)
"Kira Kira"
(2017)
"Summer Magic"
(2019)
Naomi Watanabe singles chronology
"Kira Kira"
(2017)
"Kiss Me More"
(2022)
Music video
"Kira Kira" on YouTube

Upon its release, "Kira Kira" debuted and peaked at number 19 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100. The song was nominated for the Grand Prix award and won the Excellent works Award at the 59th Japan Records Awards.[2]

Background and release edit

An excerpt of "Kira Kira" served as the theme song for the Japanese drama Kanna-san!.[3] In July 2017, the full version of the song was sent to Japanese J-Wave radio station.[4] Watanabe revealed to J-Wave it was her first full-scale studio recording.[4]

A music video for Kira Kira was released on August 31, 2017.

Accolades edit

Year Organization Award/work Result Ref.
2017 59th Japan Record Awards Grand Prix Award Nominated [5]
Excellent Work Award Won

Live performances edit

Ai and Watanabe performed "Kira Kira" at the "25th Tokyo Girls Collection".[6] Ai performed the song with Watanabe at the 68th NHK Kōhaku Uta Gassen.[7]

Music video edit

Directed by Studio Moross' founder Aries Moross, Ai and Watanabe are seen singing behind a green screen with various animations.[8]

Track listing edit

Digital download and streaming

  1. "Kira Kira" — 3:40

Charts edit

Chart performance for "Kira Kira"
Chart (2017) Peak

position

Japan Digital Singles Chart (Oricon)[9] 29
Japan Hot 100 (Billboard Japan)[10] 19

Credits and personnel edit

Credits adapted from Tidal.[11]

Release history edit

Release history and formats for "Kira Kira"
Region Date Format Label Ref.
Japan July 6, 2017
  • Radio airplay
Universal Japan [4]
August 1, 2017 [12]

Notes edit

  1. ^ Watanabe is credited as Kanna, the character she portrays in the Japanese comedy Kanna-san!

References edit

  1. ^ "AI、最新アルバム曲で構成したメドレーMV". natalie.mu.
  2. ^ "Naomi Watanabe is enthusiastic about music activities and keeps laughing at "red and white" rehearsal with AI". natalie.mu.
  3. ^ "主題歌はAI×渡辺直美が歌う「キラキラ feat. カンナ」に決定!". TBS.
  4. ^ a b c "AI x Naomi Watanabe "Kanna San!" Theme song full version unveiled on air!!!". prtimes.jp. July 6, 2017.
  5. ^ "「レコ大」乃木坂、大知、欅坂、セカオワらノミネート&アルバム賞はSuchmos". Natalie Music (in Japanese). Retrieved September 14, 2022.
  6. ^ "渡辺直美:AIと主演連ドラ「カンナさーん!」主題歌熱唱 観客熱狂も最後は息切れ". Mantan. September 2, 2017.
  7. ^ "第68回NHK紅白歌合戦:曲目・曲順を発表 大トリはゆず「栄光の架橋」". MANTANWEB(まんたんウェブ) (in Japanese). December 23, 2017. Retrieved December 28, 2021.
  8. ^ "KIRA KIRA FT. KANNA - Studio Moross". Studio Moross.
  9. ^ "AIのデジタルシングル売上TOP4作品". ORICON NEWS. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
  10. ^ "Billboard Japan Hot Albums: 2017/08/09". Billboard Japan. Retrieved November 17, 2022.
  11. ^ "Credits / Wa To Yo To / AI - TIDAL (US)". listen.tidal.com.
  12. ^ "AI "Glitter Glitter" feat. Kanna - Single". Apple Music.