"Hero" is a song by Japanese recording artist Namie Amuro. It was released as a stand-alone single on July 27, 2016 by Avex Trax and Amuro’s own label Dimension Point; it was distributed physically in Japan and Taiwan, and digitally worldwide. The song was written by Ryosuke Imai and Sunny Boy, whilst production and composing was handled by the latter collaborator. Originally slated to appear as a B-side track to her previous single "Mint", it served as the official Japanese theme song to the 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, broadcast by the NHK. Alongside this, a B-side track titled "Show Me What You’ve Got" appeared on the release of "Hero".
Musically, "Hero" is a pop song that incorporates elements of dance music. It is an empowerment anthem, while the lyrical content focuses on themes such as courage, triumph, and faith; the title of the track is a reference to the competitors at the 2016 Summer Olympics. Upon its release, "Hero" received positive reviews from music critics, who commended the lyrical content and production of the track. Critics also praised its empowerment and its inclusion as a theme song for the Olympics.
Commercially, the single was successful in Japan, peaking at number six on the Oricon Singles Chart, one of her few singles to miss the top five. It performed better on Japan's Billboard charts, peaking at number one on Japan Hot 100 and has since spent 59 weeks on the chart. Digitally, the single has experienced great longevity over time, receiving a triple Platinum certification in April 2018. Six music videos were directed by YKBX, and all visually represent the colours and events of the 2016 Olympics. To promote the single, "Hero" is scheduled to be performed on her 2016–17 Live Style concert tour.
Background and release
In March 2016, Japanese music publication Jame World announced the release of Amuro's single "Mint", scheduled on May 18, 2016. Online publications also reported a new song titled "Hero", which was to be included with the physical and digital formats of "Mint", but was later removed for unknown reasons. Then on March 25, an announcement from Japan Today revealed that "Hero" had been chosen as the NHK Broadcasting theme song for the 2016 Summer Olympics and Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as part of Japan's entry to the event. The NHK committee personally chose Amuro to perform the theme song based on her "powerful voice that can deeply move people’s hearts" and "her popularity among different generations." That same day, Amuro commented that she was "extremely honored" to perform at the Olympics and said it was a "dream happening only once in four years."
"Hero" was first leaked online in mid-April 2016. The single will be released on July 27, 2016 through Avex Trax and Amuro's own label Dimension Point as a CD single and DVD Single in Japan and Taiwan, and a digital EP worldwide. It also served as Amuro's sixth non-album maxi single, after the release of her May 2016 single "Mint". Alongside this, the accompanied formats of the single included a B-side track named "Show Me What You've Got". According to Amuro, she described the sound of "Show Me What You've Got" as a "cheerful" and "fun" pop song that features instrumentation of synthesizers and marching drums. On June 20, first press issues at CDJapan.com offered special gold packaging of both the CD and DVD format, alongside a B2-size poster.
Composition
"Hero" was written by Japanese musician Ryosuke Imai, and composed, arranged, and produced by Sunny Boy. The song's instrumentation includes string sections by the Yuichiro Goto Strings assemble, acoustic guitar by Singo Kubota, and synthesizers and keyboards by Imai and Sunny Boy. The chorus features a choir chanting by: Chiaki Ishii, Kou Kuroda, Minato Kuroda, Momoka Kimura, Imai, Sunny Boy, Yume Iwata, and Yuto Newberry, and was recorded at Avex Studios in Tokyo, Japan by Fumitoshi Nakamura and Wataru Namifusa; Japanese recording artist Emyli provides backing vocals throughout the entire track. Musically, "Hero" was described by Amuro as a pop song that incorporates musical elements of dance music. Lyrically, the song focuses on themes such as courage and triumph, whist referencing factors of Olympians. The NHK committee agreed, labelling the overall song as an "inspirational tune" that serves as a "human anthem to cheer the athletes." The committee further stated that the lyrical content hopefully intertwines with the athletes competing and the audience, stating "Athletes face this grand stage once every 4 years. Together with this dynamic music, we expect to boost people's expressions, and raise everyone's excitement."