is a song written and recorded by Japanese-American singer-songwriter Ai. Originally released digitally on November 18, 2011 as the second single from Ai's ninth studio album, Independent, it was released physically on December 14, 2011, by EMI Music Japan alongside "Letter in the Sky".
Used as a commercial theme song for Coca-Cola's Christmas campaign in Japan from 2011 to 2015, "Happiness" became one of Ai's best performing singles in the 2010s to date with 3 million digital downloads. In 2013, the single received a Platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of Japan (RIAJ).
Background and release In October 2011, "Letter in the Sky" was released digitally as the lead single for Independent. With the release, it was announced the song would be released physically in December.
"Happiness" originally was released to Chaka-Uta, a digital transmission technology in Japan used to distribute ringtones and songs to Japanese mobile phones in November 2011. It later was released to other digital stores. On December 14, "Happiness" was released physically with "Letter in the Sky" as a double A-side single.
Music videos Three music videos were made for "Happiness" and its remixes. The original music video was released in December 2011. In the video, Ai portrays a janitor, a high school principal, and a salesman driving a Coca-Cola delivery truck. The video switches between the three characters she portrays. At the end of the music video, Ai is seen performing the song as herself with the students of the school.
In 2012, a music video for the "Smile Version" of "Happiness" was released. The music video was shot in Yokohama.
In 2013, a music video for the "Giving Version" of "Happiness" was released.
Commercial performance The physical release of "Happiness / Letter in the Sky" debuted at number 14 on the Oricon weekly singles chart. On the Billboard Japan charts, "Happiness" debuted at number 4 and peaked at number 2 on the Japan Hot 100. The physical single peaked at number 13 on the Top Singles Sales chart. "Happiness" appeared in many year-end rankings.
Track listing All tracks written and produced by Ai Uemura unless noted. All tracks produced by Uta unless noted.
Charts
Weekly charts + Chart performance for "Happiness" Chart (2011–12) Peakposition Japan Adult Contemporary Airplay (Billboard Japan) 1 Japan Hot 100 (Billboard Japan) 2 Japan Singles Chart (Oricon) 14 Japan Top Singles Sales (Billboard Japan) 13 + Chart performance for "Happiness" Chart (2013) Peakposition Japan Albums Chart (Oricon) 139
Year-end charts + Year-end chart performance for "Happiness" Chart (2012) Peakposition Japan Adult Contemporary Airplay (Billboard Japan) 14 Japan Hot 100 (Billboard Japan) 5 Japan Radio Songs (Billboard Japan) 12
Credits and personnel Credits adapted from Tidal.
Original version Ai Uemura – vocals, songwriter, producer Uta – producer, programming, recording arranger English version Ai Uemura – vocals, songwriter, producer Uta – producer, programming, recording arranger Latisha Hyman – songwriter Reggae Summer remix Ai Uemura – vocals, songwriter, producer Uta – producer, programming, recording arranger Mighty Crown – arranger, work arranger Danny Bassic – bass (vocals) Kirk Drummie – drums Monti – guitar Deen Fraser – horn Devon – keyboards Sami-T – programming, recording arranger
Certifications
Happiness (Gospel Version)
On October 30, 2019, Ai released a gospel version of "Happiness" as promotional single from her 2019 compilation album, Kansha!!!! - Thank You for 20 Years New and Best.
Background To celebrate her twenty-year anniversary in the music industry and the then upcoming 2020 Summer Olympics, Ai traveled to Los Angeles, California to record new material, which later was revealed to be It's All Me, Vol. 1 (2020) and It's All Me, Vol. 2 (2021). While recording new material, Ai recorded gospel arrangements of her previously released hit singles.
Release history + Release history and formats for "Happiness (Gospel Version)" Region Date Format(s) Label Various October 30, 2019 EMI
Eito version
Japanese musician Eito covered "Happiness" for the Coca-Cola winter 2020 campaign. His cover was released on November 11, 2020, by A.S.A.B. His cover was included as a bonus track on his debut studio album, Sukkarakan.
Live performances Eito performed the song live with Ai at the "Coca-Cola" Ribbon Bottle Happiness Night on December 10, 2020.
Release history + Release history and formats for "Happiness" Region Date Format(s) Label Various November 11, 2020 A.S.A.B Release history + Release history and formats for "Happiness" Region Date Format(s) Version Label Japan November 23, 2011 Original EMI Music Japan December 14, 2011 January 16, 2013 EP December 3, 2013 Pack EP EMI Records Japan December 11, 2013 Gift Pack EP Various October 30, 2019 EP EMI November 8, 2023 Dolby Atmos mix Japan February 26, 2025 7-inch vinyl Vinyl (+ Reggae Summer remix) Various February 28, 2025
See also
List of best-selling singles in Japan
Footnotes
References