The song “強風オールバック” by Yukopi, which is often translated as “Kyoufuu All Back” meaning “Powerful Wind, All Back,” has carved out a unique niche in the internet music scene. The ear worm creation of Yukopi a YouTuber known for crafting short, catchy songs based on everyday occurrences and posting them on social media, has taken both Japan and internet culture by storm, garnering 88 million views and 1.2 million “likes” on YouTube alone. The song, coupled with an animated music video featuring the Vocaloid character Yuki Kaai, tells the story of a young girl leaving her home only to find herself buffeted by powerful winds, hampering her journey by blowing her back to where she began no matter how hard she tries to move forward.

The track gained significant traction after its release on YouTube and NicoNico, a popular Japanese YouTube alternative, on March 15th, 2023, where it quickly spread due to its infectious tune and relatable content. The song’s massive popularity is evident in its performance on music charts, as it claimed the top spot on Billboard Japan’s “NicoNico VOCALOID SONGS TOP20.”

A Vocaloid is a singer that is completely computer generated. Created by Yamaha, Vocaloid characters are based on the Vocaloid software package that composers can feed lyrics to and “teach” how to sing a song. Currently, there are over 100 different Vocaloid voice banks for musicians to choose from, each with a distinct sound and personality and “look” provided by a in-house artist. The most famous Vocaloid is Hatsune Miku, although with the success of “Powerful Wind, All Back, Yuki Kaai’s star appears to be on the rise. The song achieved an impressive five-week consecutive stay at number one, eventually becoming the chart’s highest record-holder for most weeks at the top, blowing Hatsune Miku away and even seizing the first-ever annual number one spot by the end of 2023.

Moreover, the song’s widespread appeal led to an outpouring of user-generated content, including numerous fan videos, covers, and remixes that helped further amplify its reach and impact. This engagement with the fan community played a crucial role in the song’s sustained chart success. The phrase “Powerful Wind, All Back” was so impactful to Japanese society that it was recognized as the 2nd runner-up to Japan’s Word of the Year competition for 2023.

The song’s viral status was cemented when it was featured in a commercial for Nissin Cup Noodles, which premiered on July 19th, 2023. This commercialization showcased a playful reinterpretation of the song, further embedding it in the cultural zeitgeist.

Its ability to connect with fans and become part of a larger digital conversation is a testament to Yukopi’s talent in creating music that resonates widely. “Powerful Wind, All Base” has become more than a song; it’s a cultural phenomenon that highlights the power of digital platforms in bringing communities together through shared entertainment experiences​.

With that in mind, here’s a look at some of the more interesting variations that “Powerfull Wind, All Back” has inspired:

The Nissin Cup Ramen ad version.

Chineese cosplayer SeeU recreated the video, sharing it with her 2 million fans.

This comedic take on the video claims to be a “real” take on the situation.

Classical musican Johann Sebastian Bach shares his take on the song.

An English-langage cover of the song by popular YouTuber Will Stetson.

A mashup with the popular Jpop song “Probably the Wind” by Sakanaction.

And finally, the version where the wind wins.