Bijin (song)

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]

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]

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

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]

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]}

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]

• Digital download, streaming and CD

1. "Bijin" – 2:39
2. "Needy" – 3:08
3. "Morning Mood" – 2:59
4. "Dahlia" – 3:33

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).