Bijin (song)

"Bijin"
Standard edition cover
Single by Chanmina
from the album Harenchi
Language
  • Japanese
  • English
ReleasedApril 14, 2021 (2021-04-14)
GenreHip-hop
Length2:39
LabelWarner Japan
Composer(s)Ryosuke Sakai
Lyricist(s)Mina Otomonai
Producer(s)Ryosuke "Dr. R" Sakai
Chanmina singles chronology
"Holy Moly Holy Night"
(2020) 		"Bijin"
(2021) 		"Tokyo 4AM"
(2022)
Music video
"Bijin" on YouTube

"Bijin" (美人; lit. 'a beautiful person'; stylized in all upper cased lettering) is a song recorded by South Korean-Japanese rapper and singer Chanmina, released on April 14, 2021, by Warner Music Japan. Inspired by the feminine beauty ideal, the lyrics are about her scrutiny towards the social norm of women following beauty standards. With production handled by Ryosuke "Dr. R" Sakai, "Bijin" subsequently served as the second and final single for Chanmina's third studio album, Harenchi (2021).

Background and release

Chanmina released her second physical single "Angel" in late 2020, which was used by Monster Energy as a commercial tie-in.[1] In February 2021, Chanmina announced the release of a new single. In a press release, her staff shared that "Bijin" would be released digitally in March while a physical CD would be released in April with three B-side tracks, the R&B ballad "Needy",[2] "Morning Mood", and "Dahlia".[3]

"Bijin" was released digitally on March 19, 2021, initially as a promotional single.[4] It was later released as a maxi single on April 14, 2021. A limited edition version of the single included a bonus DVD of footage from Chanmina's The Princess Project.[5] Bonus first press goods included a key ring and sticker.[5]

Music and lyrics

Musically, "Bijin" is a hip-hop song.[4] Lyrically, the song condemns the feminine beauty ideal.[2] Chanmina based the lyrics on others negatively perceiving her physical appearance.[6] "Bijin" makes references to Leonardo da Vinci's paintings with the lyrics: "This isn't how I should look, da Vinci / Make me look just a little bit prettier / Add some contrast in there, too / I wanna show the world just how beautiful I am" (こんなはずないわよダヴィンチ / もう少しだけべっぴんに / コントラストも入れて頂戴 / 全世界を懲らしめたい).[7] Primarily in Japanese, "Bijin" blends English phrases within its verses. In an interview with Cinra, Chanmina described receiving cynical comments of her appearance when she debuted in 2016. She makes references to this with the third verse of "Bijin": "Remember what you said to me / You can't be beautiful / You can't be famous / An ugly bitch like you shouldn't be a singer" (あの時言ったよな / You can't be beautiful / You can't be famous / 醜いブスが歌ってんじゃないよ).[8] Uncomfortable with the change of heart on her later look, she was inspired to write "Bijin" after receiving both negative and positive comments of her physical attractiveness.[7]

Promotion

"Bijin" was used by Abema as the theme song for GX - Densetsu no Kyaba Jō ga On'nanoko o Daikaikaku.[9]

Music video

A music video for "Bijin" premiered on Chanmina's YouTube channel on March 19. Directed by Yuki Tsujimoto, the music video is set in an alternative universe of feudal Japan where "the concept of beauty is strictly defined".[10] Chanmina plays the role of a noble lady with Masahiro Takashima as her beauty advisor.[10] The music video was later age-restricted by YouTube due to a scene where Chanmina hangs herself.

In May 2021, a choreography video from the music video of "Bijin" was released on Chanmina's YouTube channel.[11]

Live performances

Chanmina performed "Bijin" on the 210th episode of The First Take.[12] In 2023, during her first concert tour, Area of Diamond, Chanmina performed "Bijin". Her performance of "Bijin" at the Yokohama Arena received heavy coverage after she stopped performing mid-way and begun to remove her makeup while on stage.[13][14][15][16]

Commercial performance

Following its physical release, "Bijin" debuted and peaked at number 15 on the Oricon Singles Chart.[17] It initially failed to enter the Billboard Japan Hot 100 until a year after its release following a performance of the song on The First Take. Following Chanmina's appearance on the YouTube channel, the music video for "Bijin" surged in views, gaining over 2 million views in a week.[18] The song later went on to debut and peak at number 65 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100.[19]

Track listing

  • Digital download, streaming and CD
  1. "Bijin" – 2:39
  2. "Needy" – 3:08
  3. "Morning Mood" – 2:59
  4. "Dahlia" – 3:33

Charts

Chart performance for "Bijin"
Chart (2021–2022) Peak
position
Japan (Japan Hot 100)[19] 65
Japan (Oricon)[17] 15

Certifications

Certifications for "Bijin"
Region Certification Certified units/sales
Streaming
Japan (RIAJ)[20] Platinum 100,000,000†

† Streaming-only figures based on certification alone.

Awich remix

"Bijin (remix)"
Promotional single by Chanmina featuring Awich
from the album Naked
Language
  • Japanese
  • English
ReleasedApril 10, 2023 (2023-04-10)
Length2:40
Label
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)Ryosuke "Dr. R" Sakai

On April 10, 2023, Chanmina released a remix of "Bijin" featuring Japanese rapper Awich. The remix was released by No Label Music and Warner Music Japan, as a promotional single for Chanmina's fourth studio album, Naked (2023).

Background and release

In a press release on March 21, 2023, Chanmina announced her fourth studio album, Naked. Sharing the launch of her own record label, she revealed the track listing of the album, including a remix of "Bijin" with Awich.[21]

During an encore performance at her Area of Diamond Tour in Yokohama, Chanmina performed "Bijin" for a second time in a different rendition.[14] After its chorus, she announced the surprise appearance of Awich.[22] The pair performed the song as a duet.[13]

On April 10, the remix version of "Bijin" was released digitally as a promotional single.[23]

Release history

Release history and formats for "Bijin"
Region Date Format(s) Version Label Ref.
Various March 19, 2021
Promotional single Warner [2]
Japan April 14, 2021 EP [24]
Maxi single [25]
Limited maxi single [26]
Various May 27, 2022
  • Digital download
  • streaming
 The First Take [27]
April 10, 2023 Remix
  • No Label
  • Warner
 [23]

References

  1. ^ "ちゃんみな、"Monster Ultra Paradise 2020 Summer"タイアップ曲収録のシングル『Angel』9/9発売。表題曲ティーザー映像公開。初回盤DVDにはホール・ツアー東京公演の映像も". Skream. July 7, 2020. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  2. ^ a b c "ちゃんみな、現代の美への概念を疑う3rdシングル『美人』リリース". Rolling Stone Japan (in Japanese). February 24, 2021. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  3. ^ "ちゃんみな新シングル「美人」発売決定、現代の"美"に対してアイロニックなリリックつづる（動画あり）". Natalie (in Japanese). February 24, 2021. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  4. ^ a b "ちゃんみな、3rdシングル『美人』リリース 現代の"美の概念"に対する想い綴ったHIP HOPチューンに". Real Sound (in Japanese). February 25, 2021. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  5. ^ a b "ちゃんみな｜ニューシングル『美人』4月14日発売". Tower Records Japan. February 24, 2021. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  6. ^ "インタビュー：ちゃんみな、集大成ともいえる3rdフル・アルバム その名も『ハレンチ』". CDJournal (in Japanese). Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  7. ^ a b Shinichiro, Takagi "Jet" (April 13, 2021). "ちゃんみなが経験した、容姿に基づく中傷と賛美 自らラップで切る | CINRA". Cinra (in Japanese). Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  8. ^ Yamazaki, Haruna (March 20, 2021). "17歳の私は「綺麗になった」と言われて"絶望"した。女性アーティストが4年間抱えていた思い". BuzzFeed (in Japanese). Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  9. ^ "ちゃんみな、「美人」がABEMA『GX-伝説のキャバ嬢が女の子を大改革-』主題歌に". Barks (in Japanese). June 17, 2021. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  10. ^ a b "ちゃんみなが女帝を演じる「美人」MV公開。髙嶋政宏も出演". Barks (in Japanese). March 18, 2021. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  11. ^ "ちゃんみな、「美人」パフォーマンス映像公開 振付はGENTA YAMAGUCHI". Real Sound (in Japanese). May 10, 2021. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  12. ^ "ちゃんみな渾身の一曲「美人」。初登場の『THE FIRST TAKE』での最高にクールなパフォーマンス". The First Times (in Japanese). Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  13. ^ a b "【オフィシャルレポ】ちゃんみな、横浜アリーナで魅せた驚きのパフォーマンス". Ototoy (in Japanese). March 22, 2023. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  14. ^ a b "ちゃんみな、自身最大規模となる横アリのレポート到着、総勢34名のダンサーとともに24曲を披露". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). March 23, 2023. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  15. ^ "【ライブレポート】ちゃんみなが大観衆の前で武装解除、満員の横アリでさらけ出した"素顔"（写真19枚）". Natalie (in Japanese). March 24, 2023. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  16. ^ "ちゃんみな にとって横浜アリーナは通過点に過ぎない 衝撃的なパフォーマンスで観客を圧倒した『AREA OF DIAMOND』". Real Sound (in Japanese). April 11, 2023. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  17. ^ a b "美人(初回生産限定盤) | ちゃんみな". Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  18. ^ "【YouTubeチャート】ちゃんみな代表作「美人」急上昇でTOP10入り". ORICON NEWS. June 25, 2024. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  19. ^ a b "Billboard Japan Hot 100: Week of May 9, 2022". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  20. ^ "Japanese single streaming certifications – ちゃんみな – 美人" (in Japanese). Recording Industry Association of Japan. Retrieved June 26, 2025. Select 2025年5月 on the drop-down menu
  21. ^ "ちゃんみな1年半ぶりアルバムを新レーベルよりリリース、Awich迎えた「美人」リミックスも収録". Natalie (in Japanese). Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  22. ^ "ちゃんみながAwich迎えた「美人」リリース、横アリワンマンのライブ映像も公開（コメントあり / 動画あり）". Natalie (in Japanese). Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  23. ^ a b "ちゃんみな、Awichをフィーチャーした「美人（Remix）feat. Awich」のライブ映像公開！音源の先行配信も開始". The First Times (in Japanese). Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  24. ^ "‎美人 - EP - ちゃんみなのアルバム". Apple Music. April 14, 2021. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  25. ^ "Bijin [Regular Edition] Chanmina CD Maxi". CDJapan. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  26. ^ "Bijin [w/ DVD, Limited Edition] Chanmina CD Maxi". CDJapan. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
  27. ^ "ちゃんみな、THE FIRST TAKEバージョン「ハレンチ」「美人」配信リリース". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). May 26, 2022. Retrieved June 1, 2025.
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