:Diorama (Kenshi Yonezu album)

Yonezu first released music on the Internet using Vocaloid software, and uploaded videos to the video steaming website Nico Nico Douga from 2009 to 2011. Many of his songs were very popular on the site, including "Matryoshka" with 5,000,000 views and "Musunde Hiraite Rasetsu to Mukuro" with 3,000,000 views amassed by the release of Diorama.{{cite web |url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/68569 |title=ハチ＝米津玄師、1stアルバム「diorama」発表 |trans-title=Hachi=Kenshi Yonezu, releasing 1st album Diorama |publisher=Natalie.mu |date=April 27, 2012 |accessdate=September 22, 2013}} In 2010. Yonezu self-released two albums of Vocaloid songs, Hanataba to Suisō in February and Official Orange in November. Official Orange also featured a song where Yonezu used his own vocals, {{nihongo|"Yūen Shigai|遊園市街||"Amusement City Streets"}}.

In April 2010, Yonezu joined the dōjin animation collective {{nihongo|Minakata Kenkyūjo|南方研究所||"Minakata Laboratory"}}, a group that he'd worked with since his "Clock Lock Works" video in November 2009.{{cite web |url=http://minaken.net/about.html |title=About"南方研究所" |publisher=Minakata Kenkyūjo |language=Japanese |accessdate=September 25, 2013 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20121228013405/http://minaken.net/about.html |archivedate=December 28, 2012 }} The group had worked on Yonezu's songs "Clock Lock Works," "World's End Umbrella," {{nihongo|"Sajō no Yumekui Shōjo"|沙上の夢喰い少女||"Dream-eater Girl on the Sand"}} and {{nihongo|"Wonderland to Hitsuji no Uta"|ワンダーランドと羊の歌||"Wonderland and the Sheep's Song"}}.

In March 2011, Yonezu and 7 other musicians created Balloom, an independent music label for Internet musicians to widen their musical opportunities.{{cite web | url=http://www.oricon.co.jp/news/music/85426/full/ | script-title=ja:人気クリエイター8組が音楽レーベル設立！ |trans-title=8 popular creators form a music label! |publisher=Oricon | language=Japanese |date=March 4, 2011 | accessdate=September 25, 2013}} Since the first meetings Yonezu had with the company, he intended to release music using his own voice and not Vocaloid software.{{cite web | url=http://natalie.mu/music/pp/balloombest/page/4 | title=V.A.「BALLOOM BEST」発売記念特集 とくインタビュー |trans-title=Interview with Toku, various artists Balloom Best release |work=Tomonori Shiba |publisher=Natalie | language=Japanese |date=September 27, 2013 | accessdate=September 27, 2013}}

The album was sung, written, produced, arranged and mixed all by Yonezu himself. He began planning Diorama in 2010,{{cite web | url=http://natalie.mu/music/pp/yonezukenshi | title=米津玄師1stアルバム「diorama」インタビュー |trans-title=Kenshi Yonezu 1st album Diorama interview |publisher=Natalie |work=Ryu Fuku | language=Japanese |date=May 16, 2012 | accessdate=September 25, 2013}} and the album took a year and a half to complete.{{cite web |url=http://www.tfm.co.jp/lock/staff/onair/2012/0613/ |title=『 夢の職業★3DAYS 』ーDAY2ー 米津玄師先生、初来校!!! |trans-title=Dream jobs 3 Days – Day 2: Mr. Kenshi Yonezu, first time at school |publisher=School of Lock! |language=Japanese |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131031121323/http://www.tfm.co.jp/lock/staff/onair/2012/0613/ |date=June 13, 2012 |archivedate=October 31, 2013 |accessdate=September 27, 2013 |url-status=dead }} Yonezu did not collaborate with other musicians on the album, as he felt at the time that he was not a good communicator. The album is a concept album about an imaginary town that is built on top of a catfish. All of the songs are stories that happen in the town. The idea of having a miniature town was one of Yonezu's first when planning the album, and he created characters and stories for the people who lived in the town. Yonezu considers the lyrics of "Vivi" to be the closest to his own feelings. The song "Machi" was originally titled {{nihongo|"Furu Asa"|降る朝||"Falling Morning"}}, and the lyrics were put in a blog post by Yonezu on March 16, 2011.{{cite web | url=http://yakari.blog17.fc2.com/blog-entry-362.html | script-title=ja:降る朝 |trans-title=Furu Asa |work=Kenshi Yonezu | language=Japanese |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131029200314/http://yakari.blog17.fc2.com/blog-entry-362.html |date=March 16, 2011 |archivedate=October 29, 2013 | accessdate=November 13, 2013}}

Yonezu drew all of the illustrations in the booklet himself, including the cover. He drew the catfish in the style they were drawn in Edo period Japan. He was also the illustrator for the videos for "Go Go Yūreisen" and "Vivi" that were uploaded to Nico Nico Douga and YouTube to promote the album. The art for the album was inspired by the art of Edward Gorey, and remained in black and white as he finds colouring tedious.

The album had three illustrated music videos released, "Go Go Yūreisen," "Vivi" and "Koi to Byōnetsu." However, Yonezu had originally planned to release four or five videos for songs on the album.{{cite web | url=http://yakari.blog17.fc2.com/blog-entry-381.html | script-title=ja:ゴーゴー幽霊船 |publisher=Kenshi Yonezu official blog | language=Japanese |date=February 20, 2012 | accessdate=October 3, 2013}}

On February 19, 2012, the song "Go Go Yūreisen" was uploaded to Nico Nico Douga and YouTube, and became the number one viewed video for the day on Nico Nico Douga on February 21.{{cite web |url=http://www.excite.co.jp/News/net_clm/20120221/Niconews_2012_02_030166.html |script-title=ja:最新動画が話題の『米津玄師』とは？ |trans-title=Who is new video topic Kenshi Yonezu? |work=Nico Nico Info |publisher=Excite News |language=Japanese |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924051437/http://www.excite.co.jp/News/net_clm/20120221/Niconews_2012_02_030166.html |date=February 22, 2012 |archivedate=September 24, 2015 |accessdate=September 27, 2013 |url-status=dead }} The song was released as a single on iTunes on March 21.{{cite web | url=https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/gogo-you-ling-chuan-single/id508673795 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012053907/https://itunes.apple.com/jp/album/gogo-you-ling-chuan-single/id508673795 | url-status=dead | archive-date=October 12, 2013 | title=ゴーゴー幽霊船 – Single |publisher=iTunes | language=Japanese | accessdate=September 27, 2013}} This was followed by a video for the song "Vivi," released on March 15. Both songs and their illustration videos were played on music video channels.{{cite web | url=http://www.spaceshowertv.com/search/detail.cgi?mu=0089799&ch=0 | script-title=ja:ゴーゴー幽霊船 |publisher=Space Shower | language=Japanese | accessdate=September 27, 2013}}{{cite web | url=http://www.spaceshowertv.com/search/detail.cgi?mu=0090017&ch=0 | title=vivi |publisher=Space Shower | language=Japanese | accessdate=September 27, 2013}}

On March 28, Balloom began distributing free sampler CDs to stores such as Tower Records, HMV, Shinseido, Village Vanguard, Comic Toranoana, Animate and Wonder Goo.{{cite web |url=http://balloom.net/top.html |title=米津玄師「diorama」無料サンプラー配布開始 |trans-title=Free sampler distribution for Kenshi Yonezu's Diorama |publisher=Balloom |language=Japanese |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002051201/http://balloom.net/top.html |date=March 28, 2012 |archivedate=October 2, 2013 |accessdate=September 27, 2013 |url-status=dead }} Free rental CDs were also released to Tsutaya on April 6.{{cite web |url=http://balloom.net/top.html |title=TSUTAYAにて「diorama」収録曲無料レンタル開始 |trans-title=Free rental disc for Diorama at Tsutaya |publisher=Balloom |language=Japanese |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002051201/http://balloom.net/top.html |date=April 6, 2012 |archivedate=October 2, 2013 |accessdate=September 27, 2013 |url-status=dead }} On April 5, an anime music video for "Koi to Byōnetsu" directed by Minakata Kenkyūjo was released. The video was featured on the album's DVD. On April 26, the song "Vivi" was released on Dwango for a limited 24-hour period, and reached number one on the store's charts that day.{{cite web |url=http://balloom.net/top.html |title=米津玄師「vivi」着うたフル配信日決定！応募者全員プレゼントも！ |trans-title=Kenshi Yonezu "Vivi" full-length ringtone download day! Plus a present for all purchasers |publisher=Balloom |language=Japanese |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131002051201/http://balloom.net/top.html |date=April 13, 2012 |archivedate=October 2, 2013 |accessdate=September 27, 2013 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.excite.co.jp/News/net_clm/20120426/Niconews_2012_04_031764.html |script-title=ja:4/26限定！米津玄師プレゼント企画 |trans-title=April 26 only! Kenshi Yonezu present project |work=Nico Nico Info |publisher=Excite News |language=Japanese |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001232235/http://www.excite.co.jp/News/net_clm/20120426/Niconews_2012_04_031764.html |date=April 26, 2012 |archivedate=October 1, 2013 |accessdate=September 27, 2013 |url-status=dead }} On the day of release, Yonezu went to Nico Nico Douga event building Nico Nico Honsha for a signing session.{{cite web |url=http://www.excite.co.jp/News/net_clm/20120511/Niconews_2012_05_032544.html |title=ニコニコ本社で米津玄師『diorama』リリース記念サイン会開催 |trans-title=Kenshi Yonezu Diorama release party signing at Nico Nico Honsha |work=Nico Nico Info |publisher=Excite News |language=Japanese |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20131001232721/http://www.excite.co.jp/News/net_clm/20120511/Niconews_2012_05_032544.html |date=May 11, 2012 |archivedate=October 1, 2013 |accessdate=September 27, 2013 |url-status=dead }} On June 13, Yonezu made an appearance on the Tokyo FM radio show School of Lock!{{cite web | url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/71058 | title=今夜「SCHOOL OF LOCK!」に米津玄師2時間生出演 |trans-title=Kenshi Yonezu two-hour feature tonight on School of Lock! |publisher=Natalie | language=Japanese |date=June 13, 2012 | accessdate=September 27, 2013}}

While live concerts were not performed at the time of release, in the concert for Yonezu's second album Yankee held on June 27, 2014 in Tokyo, Yonezu performed "Machi", "Dagashiya Shōbai", "Vivi", "Hikarabita Bus Hitotsu", and "Go Go Yūreisen".{{cite web | url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/120005 | script-title=ja:米津玄師、初ワンマンで感謝「音楽やってきてよかった」 |trans-title=Kenshi Yonezu gives thanks at his first one man live: "I'm glad I came across music". |publisher=Natalie | language=Japanese |date=June 28, 2014 | accessdate=September 6, 2014}}

The album debuted at number 6 on Oricon's albums chart, selling 25,000 copies. In the same week, it reached number one on Billboard Japan's Top Independent Albums and Singles chart.{{cite web | url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=indepedent&year=2012&month=05&day=28 | title=Top Independent Albums and Singles |publisher=Billboard Japan | language=Japanese |date=May 28, 2012 | access-date=September 27, 2013}} It returned to number one for two weeks in June 2012.{{cite web | url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=indepedent&year=2012&month=06&day=18 | title=Top Independent Albums and Singles |publisher=Billboard Japan | language=Japanese |date=June 18, 2012 | access-date=September 27, 2013}}

After charting on Oricon's top 300 albums chart for 21 weeks, the album became the number 141 most sold album of 2012 in Japan with 48,000 copies. It was ranked the number 9 most sold independent album/single of 2012 according to Billboard.{{cite web | url=http://www.billboard-japan.com/sp/charts/detail/?a=indepedent_year&year=2012 | title=Billboard Japan Top Independent Albums and Singles Year End |publisher=Billboard Japan | language=Japanese |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130502130256/http://www.billboard-japan.com/sp/charts/detail/?a=indepedent_year&year=2012 |year=2012 |archivedate=May 2, 2013 | accessdate=September 27, 2013}} It is the most successful release on the Balloom label.

The album was received favourably by music reviewers, with both CDJournal and Rockin' On's Kotaro Matsumura calling the album a masterpiece.{{cite web | url=http://artist.cdjournal.com/d/diorama/4112021603 | title=Diorama |publisher=CDJournal | language=Japanese| accessdate=September 27, 2013}}{{cite web | url=http://ro69.jp/disc/detail/82879 | script-title=ja:天才が飛躍する。祈り、そして翔べ |trans-title=Genius is leaping. Pray, then fly. |publisher=Rockin' On |work=Kotaro Matsumura | language=Japanese| accessdate=September 27, 2013}} Yosuke Ito of Skream! praised the album's rock taste, strongly forged melody lines and the "word-play"-like catchiness.{{cite web | url=http://skream.jp/diskreview/2012/06/diorama.php | title=Disc Review 米津玄師『diorama』 |publisher=Skream! |work=Yosuke Ito | language=Japanese| accessdate=September 27, 2013}} The album was one of the winners of the 5th CD Shop Awards, an award voted on by music store personnel.{{cite web | url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/84260 | title=CDショップ大賞入賞7作品決定、過去受賞者登場ライブも |trans-title=CD Shop Awards announces seven winners, past winners' live at event |publisher=Natalie | language=Japanese |date=February 4, 2013 | accessdate=September 25, 2013}}

In October 2012, Dojin pianist Marasy covered "Go Go Yūreisen" on his debut album V-Box.{{cite web | url=http://natalie.mu/music/news/77958 | script-title=ja:まらしぃ初のピアノソロアルバムでボカロ名曲を超絶プレイ |trans-title=Marasy, excellence Vocaloid covers on her first piano solo album |publisher=Natalie | language=Japanese |date=October 9, 2012 | accessdate=September 27, 2013}}

{{tracklist

| all_writing = Kenshi Yonezu

| total_length = 1:01:40

| title1 = Machi

| note1 = {{nihongo2|街}} "Town"

| length1 = 5:40

| title2 = Go Go Yūreisen

| note2 = {{nihongo2|ゴーゴー幽霊船}} "Go Go Ghost Ship"

| length2 = 3:49

| title3 = Dagashiya Shōbai

| note3 = {{nihongo2|駄菓子屋商売}} "The Cheap Sweets Trade"

| length3 = 4:34

| title4 = Caribou

| length4 = 4:15

| title5 = Amefuri Fujin

| note5 = {{nihongo2|あめふり婦人}} "Woman in the Rain"

| length5 = 2:59

| title6 = Disco Balloon

| note6 = {{nihongo2|ディスコバルーン}} Disuko Barūn

| length6 = 4:23

| title7 = Vivi

| length7 = 4:30

| title8 = Toy Patriot

| note8 = {{nihongo2|トイパトリオット}} Toi Patoriotto

| length8 = 4:13

| title9 = Koi to Byōnetsu

| note9 = {{nihongo2|恋と病熱}} "Love and Fever"

| length9 = 4:22

| title10 = Black Sheep

| length10 = 5:09

| title11 = Hikarabita Bus Hitotsu

| note11 = {{nihongo2|乾涸びたバスひとつ}} "One Broken Down Bus"

| length11 = 5:08

| title12 = Kubi Nashi Kankodori

| note12 = {{nihongo2|首なし閑古鳥}} "Headless Cuckoo"

| length12 = 4:23

| title13 = Shinzō Hōei

| note13 = {{nihongo2|心像放映}} "Televised Heart"

| length13 = 4:04

| title14 = Shōhon

| note14 = {{nihongo2|抄本}} "Extract"

| length14 = 4:04

}}

{{Track listing

| headline = DVD

| extra_column =

| title1 = Koi to Byōnetsu

| length1 = 4:25

}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

class="wikitable" !Chart !Amount

Oricon physical sales{{cite web | title=オリコンランキング情報サービス「you大樹」 |trans-title=Oricon Ranking Information Service "You Big Tree" | url=http://ranking.oricon.co.jp | work=Oricon | accessdate=January 6, 2015}} (subscription only) |align="center"|57,000

{{col-2}}

class="wikitable sortable" !Charts (2012) !Peak position

Japan Billboard top independent albums and singles |align="center"|10

Japan Oricon yearly albums |align="center"|141

{{col-end}}

Personnel details were sourced from Diorama's liner notes booklet.{{cite AV media notes |title=Diorama |others=Kenshi Yonezu |year=2012 |language=Japanese |publisher=Balloom |location=Tokyo, Japan}}

{{col-begin}}

{{col-2}}

• Ameo – music video "Koi to Byōnetsu" director
• Chobo Roku – music video "Koi to Byōnetsu" director
• Gaph – art direction, design
• Hiromichi "Tucky" Takiguchi – mastering

{{col-2}}

• Tasuku – music video "Koi to Byōnetsu" director
• Utsushita – music video "Koi to Byōnetsu" director
• Kenshi Yonezu – all instruments, arranger, composer, booklet illustrator, music video illustrator ("Go Go Yūreisen," "Vivi") lyricist, mixer, vocals

{{col-end}}

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{{Kenshi Yonezu}}

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Category:2012 albums

Category:Kenshi Yonezu albums

Category:2010s concept albums

Category:2010s Japanese-language albums