Lost in Japan

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
"Lost in Japan"
The cover consists of a floral design in the lower left corner with the title spelled out vertically in the centre
Single by Shawn Mendes
from the album Shawn Mendes
ReleasedMarch 23, 2018 (2018-03-23)
Genre
Length3:20
LabelIsland
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Teddy Geiger
  • Shawn Mendes
  • Nate Mercereau (add.)
  • Louis Bell (add.)
Shawn Mendes singles chronology
"In My Blood"
(2018)
"Lost in Japan"
(2018)
"Youth"
(2018)

"Lost in Japan" is a song recorded by Canadian singer Shawn Mendes. It was written by Mendes, Scott Harris, Nate Mercereau and Teddy Geiger, with production handled by Mendes, Mercereau, Geiger and Louis Bell. The song was released by Island Records on March 23, 2018, as a second single for Mendes' self-titled third studio album. An official remix by German music producer Zedd was released on September 27, 2018.

Release

The song's title was first spotted in the background of Mendes' Instagram posts from when he was recording the album in Jamaica, leading to speculation on the possibility of Mendes releasing two singles,[1] hence the two dates in an earlier teaser.[2][3][4] He announced the song mere hours after the release of "In My Blood", writing on Twitter: "Wanted to give you another song".[5]

Composition

"Lost in Japan" is a funk, pop and R&B song,[6][7] with "funky strings and driving bass" that bears resemblances to the work of Justin Timberlake.[8] During interviews, Mendes stated that he was inspired by all of the Timberlake songs he was listening to at the time, especially Justified–and a dream. "I had this dream that I was lost in this country and I woke up the next day and we had this cool piano part and the song was birthed."[9][10]

Lars Brandle of Billboard wrote that the song "opens with a subtle spell of piano then changes gears with a fat bass sound and groove".[11] It transformed from "a slow, piano-driven number" into "a passionate, hook-laden love song", according to CBS Radio's Robyn Collins.[12] Lyrically, Mendes offers to travel the globe in order to be closer to his love interest.[13]

Critical reception

Mike Nied of Idolator regarded the "atmospheric" song as "another solid gold bop", complimenting its ability "to present a new, more mature version of the superstar".[14] Sam Damshenas of Gay Times opined that the song "displays a saucier, funkier side" to Mendes.[15] Jordan Sargent of Spin praised the track, deeming it "notably well-made pop music" and "refreshingly spacious", despite being ambivalent towards his previous single "In My Blood".[16] Billboard named it the 22nd best song of the first half of 2018,[17] Elle considered it the 2nd,[18] while Uproxx listed it at No. 8 for the best pop songs of 2018.[19]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal.[20]

  • Shawn Mendes – vocals, background vocals, songwriting, production, guitar
  • Scott Harris – songwriting, guitar
  • Nate Mercereau – songwriting, additional production, keyboard, bass, guitar, percussion, piano
  • Teddy Geiger – background vocals, songwriting, production, drums, guitar, percussion, programming
  • Louis Bell – additional production
  • Harry Burr – mixing assistance, studio personnel
  • Andrew Maury – mixing, studio personnel
  • George Seara – vocal engineering, studio personnel

Charts

Weekly charts

Chart (2018–19) Peak
position
Australia (ARIA)[21] 27
Austria (Ö3 Austria Top 40)[22] 26
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Flanders)[23] 15
Brazil International Pop Songs (Crowley Charts)[24] 9
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[25] 39
CIS (TopHit)[26] 24
Czech Republic (Singles Digitál Top 100)[27] 23
Denmark (Tracklisten)[28] 20
Germany (Official German Charts)[29] 69
Hungary (Single Top 40)[30] 2
Hungary (Stream Top 40)[31] 9
Ireland (IRMA)[32] 35
Italy (FIMI)[33] 67
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[34] 45
New Zealand (Recorded Music NZ)[35] 32
Portugal (AFP)[36] 26
Russia Airplay (TopHit)[37] 18
Scotland (OCC)[38] 21
Slovakia (Rádio Top 100)[39] 44
Slovakia (Singles Digitál Top 100)[40] 11
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[41] 55
Switzerland (Schweizer Hitparade)[42] 23
UK Singles (OCC)[43] 30
US Billboard Hot 100[44] 64
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)[45] 15

Year-end charts

Chart (2018) Position
Portugal (AFP)[46] 161
Chart (2019) Position
Portugal (AFP)[47] 141

Certifications

Region Certification Certified units/sales
Australia (ARIA)[48] 4× Platinum 280,000
Canada (Music Canada)[49] 3× Platinum 240,000
Denmark (IFPI Danmark)[50] Platinum 90,000
Italy (FIMI)[51] Platinum 50,000
Mexico (AMPROFON)[52] Platinum 60,000
New Zealand (RMNZ)[53] Gold 15,000
Poland (ZPAV)[54] 2× Platinum 100,000
Portugal (AFP)[55] Platinum 10,000
Spain (PROMUSICAE)[56] Gold 30,000
United Kingdom (BPI)[57] Gold 400,000
United States (RIAA)[58] 2× Platinum 2,000,000

Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Release history

Region Date Format Label Ref.
Various March 23, 2018 Island [59]
Italy September 28, 2018 Contemporary hit radio Universal [60]

Zedd remix

"Lost in Japan" (remix)
Single by Shawn Mendes and Zedd
ReleasedSeptember 27, 2018 (2018-09-27)
Length3:21
LabelIsland
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
Shawn Mendes singles chronology
"Nervous"
(2018)
"Lost in Japan" (remix)
(2018)
"If I Can't Have You"
(2019)
Zedd singles chronology
"Happy Now"
(2018)
"Lost in Japan" (remix)
(2018)
"365"
(2019)
Music video
"Lost in Japan" on YouTube

A remix of "Lost in Japan" by Zedd was released on September 27, 2018,[62] and was sent to the US contemporary hit radio on October 2, 2018.[63]

Music video

A music video for the song was released on October 25, 2018. The video features both the original and remix versions of the song. The music video reenacts scenes from the 2003 film Lost in Translation, where Mendes plays the role of Bob (originally portrayed by Bill Murray). It features guest appearances from Norwegian actress Alisha Boe (who plays Scarlett Johansson's character Charlotte) and remixer Zedd. The music video was directed by Jay Martin and shot by Kai Saul.[64]

Credits and personnel

Credits adapted from Tidal.[65]

  • Shawn Mendes – vocals, background vocals, songwriting, production, guitar
  • Scott Harris – songwriting, guitar
  • Nate Mercereau – songwriting, additional production, keyboard, bass, guitar, percussion, piano
  • Teddy Geiger – background vocals, songwriting, production, drums, guitar, percussion, programming
  • Louis Bell – additional production
  • Harry Burr – mixing assistance, studio personnel
  • Andrew Maury – mixing, studio personnel
  • George Seara – vocal engineering, studio personnel
  • Zedd – additional production, remixing, studio personnel

Charts

Chart (2018) Peak
position
Belgium (Ultratop 50 Flanders)[66] 25
Belgium (Ultratip Bubbling Under Wallonia)[67] 10
Canada (Canadian Hot 100)[68] 22
Canada AC (Billboard)[69] 18
Canada CHR/Top 40 (Billboard)[70] 15
Canada Hot AC (Billboard)[71] 12
Colombia (National-Report)[72] 64
Croatia (HRT)[73] 65
Mexico Airplay (Billboard)[74] 15
Netherlands (Dutch Top 40)[75] 19
Netherlands (Single Top 100)[76] 42
New Zealand Hot Singles (RMNZ)[77] 4
Poland (Polish Airplay Top 100)[78] 9
Romania (Airplay 100)[79] 64
Slovenia (SloTop50)[80] 48
Sweden (Sverigetopplistan)[81] 94
US Billboard Hot 100[82] 48
US Adult Contemporary (Billboard)[83] 30
US Adult Top 40 (Billboard)[84] 16
US Mainstream Top 40 (Billboard)[85] 15
Venezuela (National-Report)[86] 19

Release history

Region Date Format Label Ref.
Various September 27, 2018 Island [61]
Italy September 28, 2018 Contemporary hit radio Universal [87]
United Kingdom September 29, 2018 Island [88]
United States October 2, 2018 [63]

References

  1. ^ White, Jack (March 20, 2018). "Shawn Mendes teases new music is coming this week". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 23, 2018.
  2. ^ Marzovilla, Julia (March 19, 2018). "Shawn Mendes Has Fans Freaking Out Over Cryptic Tweets That Seem to Hint at New Music". Billboard. Retrieved March 23, 2018.
  3. ^ Macke, Johnni (March 20, 2018). "Shawn Mendes Sends Fans Into Frenzy With Date Reveals". People's Choice Awards. Retrieved March 23, 2018.
  4. ^ Prance, Sam (March 20, 2018). "Shawn Mendes Is Releasing New Music This Week". MTV News. Retrieved March 23, 2018.
  5. ^ Longmire, Becca (March 23, 2018). "Shawn Mendes Sparks Online Meltdown As He Treats Fans To Another New Track 'Lost In Japan'". Entertainment Tonight Canada. Archived from the original on March 23, 2018. Retrieved March 23, 2018.
  6. ^ DeVille, Chris (March 29, 2018). "Lil Dicky Is Making A Career Out Of Being Charismatic And Problematic In Equal Measure". Stereogum. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  7. ^ Tanzer, Myles (April 3, 2018). "Okay, but I really like this Shawn Mendes song". The Fader. Retrieved April 5, 2018.
  8. ^ "LISTEN: Shawn Mendes Debuts 'Lost In Japan'". iHeartRadio. March 23, 2018. Retrieved March 23, 2018.
  9. ^ "Shawn Mendes Talks Lost in Japan, In My Blood & Camila Cabello". YouTube. March 24, 2018.
  10. ^ Schiller, Rebecca (March 23, 2018). "Shawn Mendes Talks Justin Timberlake-Inspired 'Lost in Japan,' Says He's 'Really Proud' of 'In My Blood': Watch". Billboard. Retrieved March 23, 2018.
  11. ^ Brandle, Lars (March 23, 2018). "Shawn Mendes Drops Sexy New Song 'Lost In Japan': Listen". Billboard. Retrieved March 23, 2018.
  12. ^ Collins, Robyn (March 23, 2018). "Shawn Mendes Drops Second Track In A Row, 'Lost In Japan': Listen". CBS Radio. Archived from the original on March 24, 2018. Retrieved March 23, 2018.
  13. ^ "Shawn Mendes Gifts Us Funk-Fuelled New Track 'Lost In Japan'". MTV News. March 23, 2018. Retrieved March 23, 2018.
  14. ^ Nied, Mike (March 23, 2018). "Shawn Mendes' "Lost In Japan" Is An Atmospheric Smash". Idolator. Retrieved March 23, 2018.
  15. ^ Damshenas, Sam (March 23, 2018). "Shawn Mendes is looking for a hook-up on new single Lost In Japan". Gay Times. Retrieved March 23, 2018.
  16. ^ Sargent, Jordan (March 23, 2018). "Shawn Mendes "Lost In Japan" Review". Spin. Retrieved March 23, 2018.
  17. ^ Billboard Staff (June 6, 2018). "The 50 Best Songs of 2018 (So Far): Critics' Picks". Billboard. Retrieved June 6, 2018.
  18. ^ Penrose, Nerisha (June 27, 2018). "The 15 Best Songs of 2018 (So Far)". Elle. Retrieved June 27, 2018.
  19. ^ Chloe Gilke, Caitlin White (June 13, 2018). "The 20 Best Pop Songs of 2018 So Far". Uproxx. Retrieved June 13, 2018.
  20. ^ "Try the TIDAL Web Player". listen.tidal.com. Retrieved 2019-06-24.
  21. ^ "Shawn Mendes – Lost in Japan". ARIA Top 50 Singles. Retrieved March 31, 2018.
  22. ^ "Shawn Mendes – Lost in Japan" (in German). Ö3 Austria Top 40. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  23. ^ "Shawn Mendes – Lost in Japan" (in Dutch). Ultratip. Retrieved April 14, 2018.
  24. ^ "Top 10 Pop Internacional: 15/04/2019 - 19/04/2019" (in Portuguese). Crowley Broadcast Analysis. Retrieved June 6, 2019.
  25. ^ "Shawn Mendes Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
  26. ^ Shawn Mendes — Lost in Japan. TopHit. Retrieved April 14, 2018.
  27. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Change the chart to CZ – SINGLES DIGITAL – TOP 100 and insert 201813 into search. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  28. ^ "Track Top-40 Uge 11, 2019". Hitlisten. Retrieved March 27, 2019.
  29. ^ "Shawn Mendes – Lost in Japan" (in German). GfK Entertainment charts. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
  30. ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Single (track) Top 40 lista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  31. ^ "Archívum – Slágerlisták – MAHASZ" (in Hungarian). Stream Top 40 slágerlista. Magyar Hanglemezkiadók Szövetsége. Retrieved April 6, 2018.
  32. ^ "Irish-charts.com – Discography Shawn Mendes". Irish Singles Chart. Retrieved March 31, 2018.
  33. ^ "Shawn Mendes – Lost in Japan". Top Digital Download. Retrieved March 31, 2018.
  34. ^ "Shawn Mendes – Lost in Japan" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved March 31, 2018.
  35. ^ "Shawn Mendes – Lost in Japan". Top 40 Singles. Retrieved January 5, 2019.
  36. ^ "Shawn Mendes – Lost in Japan". AFP Top 100 Singles. Retrieved April 18, 2018.
  37. ^ "Russia Airplay Chart for 2018-12-10." TopHit. Retrieved 2018-12-19.
  38. ^ "Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 31, 2018.
  39. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Radio Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: insert 201907 into search. Retrieved February 19, 2019.
  40. ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Slovak). Hitparáda – Singles Digital Top 100 Oficiálna. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select SINGLES DIGITAL - TOP 100 and insert 201813 into search. Retrieved April 4, 2018.
  41. ^ "Shawn Mendes – Lost in Japan". Singles Top 100. Retrieved March 30, 2018.
  42. ^ "Shawn Mendes – Lost in Japan". Swiss Singles Chart. Retrieved April 2, 2018.
  43. ^ "Official Singles Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 31, 2018.
  44. ^ "Shawn Mendes Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved April 3, 2018.
  45. ^ "Shawn Mendes Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved October 9, 2018.
  46. ^ "Top AFP - Audiogest - Top 200 Singles 2018" (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
  47. ^ "Top AFP - Audiogest - Top 3000 Singles + EPs Digitais" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved July 5, 2020.
  48. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2023 Singles" (PDF). Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved December 12, 2023.
  49. ^ "Canadian single certifications – Shawn Mendes – Lost in Japan". Music Canada. Retrieved October 25, 2018.
  50. ^ "Danish single certifications – Shawn Mendes – Lost in Japan". IFPI Danmark. Retrieved June 9, 2020.
  51. ^ "Italian single certifications – Shawn Mendes – Lost in Japan" (in Italian). Federazione Industria Musicale Italiana. Retrieved November 25, 2019.
  52. ^ "Certificaciones" (in Spanish). Asociación Mexicana de Productores de Fonogramas y Videogramas. Retrieved December 17, 2019. Type Shawn Mendes in the box under the ARTISTA column heading and Lost in Japan in the box under the TÍTULO column heading.
  53. ^ "New Zealand single certifications – Shawn Mendes – Lost in Japan". Recorded Music NZ. Retrieved January 4, 2019.
  54. ^ "Wyróżnienia – Platynowe płyty CD - Archiwum - Przyznane w 2021 roku" (in Polish). Polish Society of the Phonographic Industry. Retrieved October 6, 2021.
  55. ^ "Portuguese single certifications – Shawn Mendes – Lost in Japan" (PDF) (in Portuguese). Associação Fonográfica Portuguesa. Retrieved May 23, 2022.
  56. ^ "Spanish single certifications – Shawn Mendes y Zedd – Lost in Japan". El portal de Música. Productores de Música de España. Retrieved February 17, 2024.
  57. ^ "British single certifications – Shawn Mendes – Lost in Japan". British Phonographic Industry. Retrieved March 25, 2020.
  58. ^ "American single certifications – Shawn Mendes – Lost in Japan". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  59. ^ "Lost In Japan / Shawn Mendes TIDAL". Tidal. Retrieved March 23, 2018.
  60. ^ "Lost In Japan: SHAWN MENDES". Radio Monitor. Retrieved June 18, 2020.
  61. ^ a b "Lost in Japan (Remix) - Single by Shawn Mendes & Zedd". iTunes Store. September 27, 2018. Retrieved September 27, 2018.
  62. ^ Spanos, Brittany (September 27, 2018). "Hear Zedd's Glitchy Remix of Shawn Mendes' 'Lost in Japan'". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on September 28, 2018. Retrieved September 27, 2018.
  63. ^ a b "Top 40/M Future Releases". All Access Media Group. Archived from the original on October 3, 2018. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  64. ^ "Shawn Mendes Romances '13 Reasons Why's Alisha Boe In 'Lost In Japan' Video — Watch". Hollywood Life. October 25, 2018. Archived from the original on October 26, 2018. Retrieved October 27, 2018.
  65. ^ "Try the TIDAL Web Player". listen.tidal.com. Retrieved 2019-06-24.
  66. ^ "Shawn Mendes & Zedd – Lost in Japan (Remix)" (in Dutch). Ultratop 50. Retrieved October 12, 2018.
  67. ^ "Shawn Mendes & Zedd – Lost in Japan (Remix)" (in French). Ultratip. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  68. ^ "Shawn Mendes Chart History (Canadian Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved December 18, 2018.
  69. ^ "Shawn Mendes Chart History (Canada AC)". Billboard. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
  70. ^ "Shawn Mendes Chart History (Canada CHR/Top 40)". Billboard. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
  71. ^ "Shawn Mendes Chart History (Canada Hot AC)". Billboard. Retrieved September 9, 2020.
  72. ^ "Top 100 Colombia" (in Spanish). National-Report. Archived from the original on January 22, 2019. Retrieved July 20, 2019.
  73. ^ "Croatia ARC TOP 100". HRT. Archived from the original on November 21, 2018. Retrieved November 27, 2018.
  74. ^ "Shawn Mendes Chart History (Mexico Airplay)". Billboard. Retrieved July 5, 2021.
  75. ^ "Nederlandse Top 40 – week 42, 2018" (in Dutch). Dutch Top 40. Retrieved October 20, 2018.
  76. ^ "Shawn Mendes & Zedd – Lost in Japan (Remix)" (in Dutch). Single Top 100. Retrieved November 3, 2018.
  77. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. 26 August 2019. Retrieved 24 August 2019.
  78. ^ "Listy bestsellerów, wyróżnienia :: Związek Producentów Audio-Video". Polish Airplay Top 100. Retrieved December 3, 2018.
  79. ^ "Airplay 100 – 16 decembrie 2018" (in Romanian). Kiss FM. December 16, 2018. Retrieved December 17, 2018.
  80. ^ "SloTop50 – Slovenian official singles chart". slotop50.si. Retrieved 3 December 2018.[permanent dead link]
  81. ^ "Sverigetopplistan – Sveriges Officiella Topplista". Sverigetopplistan. Retrieved October 6, 2018.
  82. ^ "Shawn Mendes Chart History (Hot 100)". Billboard. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
  83. ^ "Shawn Mendes Chart History (Adult Contemporary)". Billboard. Retrieved November 13, 2018.
  84. ^ "Shawn Mendes Chart History (Adult Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 6, 2018.
  85. ^ "Shawn Mendes Chart History (Pop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved November 20, 2018.
  86. ^ "Top 100 Venezuela" (in Spanish). National-Report. Archived from the original on December 14, 2018. Retrieved December 14, 2018.
  87. ^ "SHAWN MENDES - LOST IN JAPAN (Radio Date: 28-09-2018)". EarOne. September 28, 2018. Retrieved March 31, 2020.
  88. ^ "BBC – Radio 1 – Playlist". BBC Radio 1. September 29, 2018. Archived from the original on October 2, 2018. Retrieved September 29, 2018.