呼び声

"Yobigoe" (Calling Voice) is a powerful exploration of self-actualization and the courage required to embrace change during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. The central theme revolves around the concept of "Honki" (earnestness/seriousness) and the internal struggle to define oneself.

The "calling voice" of the title is revealed to be neither divine nor external, but the voice of the future self or one's own latent potential. In the beginning, the protagonist is paralyzed by the "stain on the ceiling"—a metaphor for fixation on the mundane and the anxiety of the status quo. They feel a vague "something" (nanika) stirring within them, which they initially cannot name.

The recurring command to "Change" acts as a catalyst. It signifies a deliberate choice to break out of the comfort zone. The lyrics acknowledge that the future is "uncertain" (futashika) and that one might be riddled with "anxiety and misunderstandings." However, Vaundy reframes these negatives as proof of being alive and ready to grow. The trembling voice is reinterpreted not as weakness, but as excitement for the challenge ahead.

Ultimately, the song is a collective declaration that we are the authors of our own change. By listening to that internal call, we can "sing the future" even when the path isn't clear, transforming fear into a driving force for life.

The song opens with a contemplative image at the "center of this planet," where the narrator senses an undefined "something" that lights up the darkness. This presence fills the room, described abstractly as a "crimson memory" or something filling a void. The imagery shifts to the mundane—a "stain on the ceiling"—representing a multitude of nameless feelings and the stagnation of the present moment.

A question arises: will I run away, or will I stay here? The fear of loneliness and the end of this dream looms. However, a command breaks through the hesitation: "Now, Change!" The narrator urges themselves and the listeners to reach out for things that shine and won't fade, no matter how dark the night is. Even with an uncertain future, they declare that "we can still sing."

The second verse dives back into internal conflict. The narrator admits to being full of anxiety and misunderstandings, questioning if their efforts are just self-satisfaction. Yet, their voice is trembling—not just with fear, but with anticipation (musha-burui). The realization hits that the "calling voice" they've been hearing is actually their own.

The chorus erupts again with the mantra of "Change," reinforcing the resolve to reach for the light. The bridge acknowledges that while some shining things may fade, the act of reaching out is what matters. The song concludes with a powerful affirmation of the future. By recognizing the "calling voice" as their own instinct and desire for growth, the narrator and the collective "we" decide to embrace the unknown, singing loudly into the tomorrow they are creating.

"Yobigoe" was released digitally on December 24, 2025. It was written, composed, arranged, and produced by Vaundy specifically as the theme song for the NHK "Vaundy 18 Fes" (18 Festival).

The "18 Fes" is an annual televised event in Japan where a popular artist collaborates with 1,000 young people aged 17 to 20 (the "18-year-old generation") to create a one-time performance. For this project, Vaundy solicited videos and messages from participants under the theme of "Honki" (Earnestness/Seriousness). He reviewed these submissions to understand the collective mindset, anxieties, and hopes of this generation.

Vaundy noted in interviews that he wanted to create a song that was "difficult to sing" to challenge the participants, reflecting the difficulty of living earnestly. He aimed to capture the raw energy of 1,000 people screaming their desire to change. The song was premiered during the broadcast of the festival on December 23, 2025, featuring the massive choir of 1,000 participants performing alongside Vaundy.

The song employs a mix of rhythmic flow and declarative shouts characteristic of Vaundy's style. The verses often use a syncopated, almost spoken-word delivery that mimics the pacing of anxious thoughts. This contrasts with the chorus, which follows a more traditional, melodic phrasing to maximize singability.

The rhyme scheme is loose, prioritizing the rhythm of Japanese phonetics (mora) over strict end-rhymes. However, strong assonance is used in key phrases (e.g., connecting "Nanika" with "Tashika"). The tempo is upbeat and driving, creating a sense of urgency that matches the lyrical theme of running toward the future before the "dream ends."

Musical Techniques:

• Anthemic Chorus: The song is designed for a massive choir. The chorus features wide, open melodies that allow for 1,000 voices to harmonize, creating a "Wall of Sound" effect that amplifies the emotional weight.
• Dynamic Contrast: The verses are often tighter and more rhythmic, reflecting the internal monologue and anxiety, while the choruses explode with full band instrumentation and choral backing to represent the release of "Change."
• Driving Rhythm: A propulsive rock beat underpins the track, mimicking the heartbeat of anticipation (musha-burui) mentioned in the lyrics.

Literary Techniques:

• Repetition: The word "Change" is used as a rhythmic hook and a command, hammering home the central theme. The word "Nanika" (Something) is also repeated to emphasize the undefined nature of the youth's potential.
• Direct Address: The lyrics shift between internal monologue and a collective "we" (bokura), inviting the listener to join the narrative of overcoming doubt.

As the theme song for the NHK "18 Fes" (2025), "Yobigoe" holds significant cultural weight for the young generation in Japan. The "18 Fes" series is known for producing generational anthems (previous artists include ONE OK ROCK and RADWIMPS), and "Yobigoe" continues this legacy.

Upon its release in December 2025, the song performed well on digital charts, reaching the Billboard Japan Hot 100. It serves as a time capsule for the sentiments of 18-year-olds in 2025/2026, capturing their specific anxieties and determination. The performance video featuring the 1,000-person choir became a viral hit, resonating not just with teenagers but with anyone facing a turning point in life.

The lyrics of "Yobigoe" utilize abstract yet visceral imagery to convey internal states:

• The Stain on the Ceiling (Tenjou no shimi): Represents the boredom, stagnation, and fixation on trivial flaws that paralyze a person when they are stuck in their room (or their mind). It is a symbol of the "unchanging now."
• Crimson Memory (Beniiro no kioku): "Crimson" suggests blood, heat, vitality, or a sunset. It symbolizes a raw, primal feeling of being alive that predates logical thought—a "hole" in the heart that needs to be filled with action.
• The Center of the Planet: A metaphor for the core of one's self. The changes start from the deep center of one's existence before manifesting outwardly.
• The Calling Voice (Yobigoe): Symbolizes intuition and the future self. Initially perceiving it as an external "something," the protagonist eventually realizes it is their own voice, symbolizing the acceptance of personal agency.
• Darkness vs. Shining Things: The contrast between the "night" (uncertainty/fear) and "things that shine and won't fade" (core values/dreams) highlights the struggle to maintain hope amidst anxiety.

"Now, Change!"

This is the central motif of the song. It appears at the pivot points of the track, signaling the shift from introspection to action. It serves as both a command to the self and a rallying cry for the generation.

"Nanika" (Something)

In the verses, the narrator repeatedly refers to "something" (lighting the dark, filling the room, smelling like a memory). This motif represents the undefinable potential of youth—a feeling that is powerful but has not yet taken a concrete form.