"Work" (stylized as "WâÂÂRK") is a song by Japanese band and Japanese singer Ringo Sheena, released on May 17, 2023, through Ariola Japan as the first opening theme for the ' (2023) anime television series. The song had peaked at number 5 on Japan's Oricon chart.
The song first aired on February 26, 2023. It was later released digitally on April 1 and was later released physically on May 17, alongside "2045" as a double A-side single. "Work" is the opening song for the ' anime, performed as a duet by Millennium Parade, the musical project of Daiki Tsuneta, and Ringo Sheena. It serves as the first collaboration between the two.
The song's TV version spans for a duration of one minute and 30 seconds, whereas the full version lasts for three minutes and 21 seconds. "Work" reflects on the struggles and contradictions of life and work, criticizing the mundane routine of society while urging listeners to break free, explore themselves, and confront both personal flaws and societal norms. It blends introspection with commentary on modern labor, conformity, and existential questions, challenging the idea of a âÂÂcorrectâ path in life and celebrating individuality and survival through adversity. In the music video, the opening visuals of the song for HellâÂÂs Paradise juxtapose intense motion and stark imagery of characters fighting for survival, symbolizing the constant struggle between life and death, a central theme of the series. Characters shown in combat, movement, and transformation visually mirror the songâÂÂs existential lyrics about testing oneself and confronting lifeâÂÂs challenges. These visuals reinforce the animeâÂÂs storyâÂÂdeathâÂÂrow convicts fighting monstrous threats to obtain the elixir of life.
The music video for "Work" was directed by Yuichi Kodama with the help of Ryuken Sato and Naoki Kaneko, and was produced by Mamoru Inagaki with Mizuki Ohno. The video features both singers in the city, later panning to them on a stage.
The song was regarded by Anime Corner as one of the "Top Anime Opening Picks" in Spring 2023. In 2024, the song would be nominated as Best Opening Sequence and Best Anime Song at the 8th Crunchyroll Anime Awards.