Japanese rock band RADWIMPS dropped the official soundtrack for Makoto Shinkai’s film Suzume no Tojimari on November 11, 2022, the same day of the movie’s release. The film is Shinkai’s first in three years and is a coming-of-age story that follows a girl named Suzume as she travels to disaster-stricken locations around Japan, closing doors to keep those nearby safe. Suzume Iwato, the heroine, will be played by Nanoka Hara, while Hokuto Matsumura will portray Souta Munakata. 

The film is now in theaters. RADWIMPS and world-renowned film music composer Kazuma Jinnouchi collaborated on the soundtrack.

Some recording for the film was done overseas at the historic Abbey Road Studios in London, a first for a Shinkai film. In addition to the film’s theme songs Kanata Haruka and Suzume feat. Toaka, the soundtrack contains 25 songs from the film including Tamaki and Suzume no Namida, sung by Yojiro Noda. These songs were created during the film’s production but weren’t included in the movie itself.

The soundtrack is now available on iTunes and other major music streaming sites. Those purchasing the album will receive four different CD-size cards with unique designs. Special offers are limited and are only available for a short time, so don’t miss out!

©2022「すずめの戸締まり」製作委員会

Anime director Makoto Shinkai and popular rock band RADWIMPS are teaming up for the third time, and fans are thrilled. The group will perform the theme for Shinkai’s upcoming film Suzuka no Tojimari, set to be released on November 11. The theme, Suzume feat. Toaka, is now available to stream on all major music streaming sites. 

The theme can be heard in the film’s trailer, and features Toaka, a famous female singer known for her appearances on TikTok. “I felt a connection between Toaka and this song. No one else could come close,” RADWIMPS vocalist Yojiro Noda commented. 

Suzume no Tojimari, Shinkai’s first new film in three years, is a coming-of-age story, following a girl named Suzume as she travels to disaster-stricken locations around Japan, closing doors to keep those nearby safe. Suzume Iwato, the heroine, will be played by Nanoka Hara. Hokuto Matsumura will portray Souta Munakata. Six more cast members have also been revealed, and the latest trailer shows off a bit more of the film’s incredible cast and world. 

Suzume no Tojimari Trailer

https://youtu.be/FVU0zESXS5c–

The theme song and a bit of the film’s musical score can be heard in the new trailer, and many are calling this the most robust musical structure ever heard in a Shinkai film. What do you think? 

©2022「すずめの戸締まり」製作委員会

Famed director Makoto Shinkai and rock band RADWIMPS are teaming up for the third time. The group will provide music for Shinkai’s upcoming film Suzuka no Tojimari, scheduled to open in theaters nationwide on November 11, 2022. Kazuma Jinnouchi, a world-renowned film composer, will work with the group to form the strongest musical team in the history of Shinkai’s films. Previously, RADWIMPS worked with Shinkai on 2016’s Your Name and 2019’s Weathering With You.

At the film’s announcement press conference, Shinkai gave his thoughts. “I want to create a film that gives people a reason to come to the theater,” he said. “I want to create imagery and sounds that will immerse every single person in the audience.” With this determination to create a new and unique theater experience, Shinkai decided to have not only RADWIMPS work on the film’s music, but Kazuma Jinnouchi as well. This would mean a bolder score, but also a larger challenge.

Yojiro Noda, the lead vocalist, songwriter, and guitarist of RADWIMPS, gave a comment. “Working with Kazuma Jinnouchi, who has such a long history of creating music for movies and video games, gave me a new perspective. His amount of experience is hard to put into words.” 

“The music we created for the film’s action scenes was largely influenced by my experience in Hollywood,” Jinnouchi said. 

Some recording for the film was done overseas at the historic Abbey Road Studios in London, a first for a Shinkai film. 

The new theme song, aptly titled Suzume, can be heard in the trailer for the film. At Noda’s request, the production team searched for the most suitable voice for the song–one that would truly express the film’s vibe. After listening to audition tapes and a number of voices from around the web, TikTok sensation Toaka was chosen as the song’s vocalist. “I felt a connection between Toaka and this song. No one else could come close,” Noda commented. 

Suzume no Tojimari, Shinkai’s first new film in three years, is a coming-of-age story, following a girl named Suzume as she travels to disaster-stricken locations around Japan, closing doors to keep those nearby safe. 

Suzume Iwato, the heroine, will be played by Nanoka Hara. Souta Munakata will be portrayed by Hokuto Matsumura. Be sure to check out the latest trailer!

Suzume no Tojimari Trailer

©2022「すずめの戸締まり」製作委員会

In March 2022, the cover song project CrosSing was launched. Amassing instant popularity, tracks featured as part of the project have pulled in millions of views, and includes covers by popular voice actors Maaya Uchida, Kana Hanazawa, Akari Kito, and towana, the vocalist of popular ani-song unit fhána. 

On June 15, Ryotaro Akazawa appeared to perform his rendition of the popular RADWIMPS song Futarigoto. The actor called the song one of his most memorable, noting that it was one of the themes of his youth. Below, you can see the actor singing his heart out!

Futarigoto – Ryotaro Akazawa (Recording)

An interview with Ryotaro Akazawa in which the actor discusses his thoughts on the song will be released on June 17 at 20:00.

CrosSing has also announced two special campaigns! The first is a follow and Retweet campaign: two people following the official CrosSing Twitter and TikTok who retweet the appropriate Tweet will win autographs. A LINE MUSIC Playback campaign is also underway, and those playing the song over 300 times in the first two weeks will receive a special autographed image. See the CrosSing Twitter page for more details.

With the start of the second season, CrosSing is leveling up! Tune in to see who will be performing next.

The Pony Canyon YouTube channel has revealed a new trailer for the DVD and Blu-ray release of the drama series Do Not Say Mystery, scheduled for August 3, 2022.

Viewership for the series, which aired in January 2022, broke the all-time record for a commercially broadcast TV drama series and became a hot topic for months after. The DVD and Blu-ray releases will include plenty of extras, including Masaki Suda’s birthday event, round table discussions, and more.

The drama was based on Yumi Tamura’s manga series of the same name, serialized in Monthly Flowers magazine since 2017. In the story, Kunou Totonou, a perceptive college student who is often forced to think his way out of dangerous situations, is questioned by police after he is suspected of killing his classmate.

@田村由美／小学館　©フジテレビジョン

Mister Donut is teaming up with Gion Tsujiri, a traditional green tea maker in Uji, Kyoto, for some tasty new treats starting March 25 for a limited time. Four new items will be available until the end of April. To celebrate the new collaboration, a new TV commercial starring actor Masaki Suda has started airing nationwide.

Fresh Pon de Uji Green Tea

Fresh Pon de Uji Green Tea with Brown Sugar Syrup

Uji Hojicha Warabimochi

Uji Hojicha Mochi with Whipped Cream

In the new ad, Suga is seen in a manly kimono with one of the new products in hand. Remaking on the soft and chewy texture of the new items–which are kneaded with Gion Tsujiri’s Uji Green Tea–Suda slowly falls in love with Mister Donut and commands viewers to do the same. How could you not?

Which of these new items look the best? 

Interview

――How do you feel about the Fresh Pon de Uji Green Tea and the Fresh Pon de Uji Green Tea with Brown Sugar Syrup?

“They’re so crazy delicious. Each of them are so moist and smell so yummy, and the topping…I mean, that’s everyone’s favorite, right?”

――Speaking of toppings, what are some of your favorites?

“I love garlic and green onion on just about everything. Cheese is also my go-to. Condiments are everything.”

――How about the Warabimochi and the Whipped Cream Mochi? 

“I can’t get enough of them. I’d definitely buy them myself. They aren’t too bitter, and I could really enjoy the rich aroma of the hojicha. It’s honestly amazing that Mister Donut can come out with these creative new items so often. This isn’t like memorizing lines in a play or following a formula. It must take so much work.”

――Do you prefer matcha or hojicha?

“That’s really tough. (laugh) I like both. I love the flavor of matcha but I think hojicha has flavors that aren’t as common. I find myself eating a lot of chocolate, drinking lattes, or grabbing hojicha more often.”

――How did it feel to shoot the Mister Donut commercial in a kimono?

“It was so lightweight, it felt great. The stylist told me that it was entirely made of silk. I typically only wear kimono during rehearsals or things like that, but I’d love to wear something like this during a festival. Someday.”

――The new commercial will begin airing during graduation season. Is there anything you’d like to ‘graduate’ this year since it’s the last year in your 20s? 

“That’s true, I am almost 30. I hadn’t thought about it! In my job, everyone is so polite to me, and I have the habit of leaving things up to other people. I need to be more personally responsible. For example, if I have to be somewhere for a meeting in the morning, I always get up at the last minute. Why don’t I get up 10 minutes earlier, you know? I need to be better.”

――What would you like to tell those who are coming of age this year? Do you have anything to say to students and working adults who will start new grades and jobs in the spring? 

“As you grow older, you have less and less to do outside of work. I’m really impressed by people who do something consistently during their free time. I thought I should have done something like that back when I was a teenager, so I tried saving ¥500 coins last year. It was hard to do, even though it was something so small. After a year, I had saved up about ¥40,000 and I felt satisfied, so I stopped. But doing something each day outside of work is important.”

The Last 10 Days opened in Japanese theaters on March 4 and has taken the country by storm over the last two weeks, becoming the #1 film on its opening day and pulling over ¥300 million in its first three days. Now, the music video for the film’s theme song, Uruubito, has just been unveiled!

This music video was directed by Michihito Fujii, who also directed the film. Fujii also reunited the actual film crew. Kentaro Sakaguchi, who starred in the film with Nana Komatsu, also appears in the music video. The video was inspired by the film, and shows Kazuto and Matsuri retracing their memories from Kazuto’s perspective. 

The gorgeous music video almost feels like a sequel to the film, blending footage of RADWIMPS frontman Yojiro Noda with Kazuto’s beloved memories of the past 10 years. The video also features unused footage from the film and stills by cinematographer Keisuke Imamura!

Uruubito – RADWIMPS (Music Video)

Comment from Kentaro Sakaguchi

“When I first heard the song Uruubito, I felt the urge live my life well–to become a person worthy of Mari. The song inspired me to focus more on Kazuto’s feelings, so being able to participate in the music video felt like a fitting way to end this project…I don’t know if that’s the best way to put it, but that’s how it felt.

I was happy to see a different ending for Kazuto. Tracing his memories with Matsuri made it feel like she was with him again. On the first day of shooting, the director played Uruubito in front of the original author, Kosaka Ruka’s grave. I felt her say “thank you for letting me be next to you,” and it proved to me that she still lives in the story. I almost couldn’t hold my feelings back when I saw RADWIMPS actually playing the song. I was so happy that we could all come together again to make this video.

I hope that both those who haven’t seen the film and those who have can come together and enjoy this song together. Remember Matsuri’s story.”

Comment from Michihito Fujii

“When Noda-san asked if I would shoot the music video of Uruubito, I was so thrilled. I don’t think there was any part of Kazuto’s life that couldn’t be portrayed in the movie, but I thought this video would be a way to show his life after the events of the film. 

The staff consisted of the same team that worked on the film, and the scenes of Noda-san’s performance were shot on 16mm film. The road that you see Kazuto walking on was filmed at the same location that appeared in the film. We were aware of the many overlapping locales, like the hill where they watch the sunset, the bridge where they watch fireworks, and Kazuto’s room. The art director rebuilt Kazuto’s room exactly how it was–it was taken down after filming ended six months ago. 

Noda-san visited the ocean, the mountains, Kazuto’s apartment–all of the places that meant something to Matsuri and Kazuto.

I was impressed by the respect he showed to every aspect of the work, including his desire to visit the grave of Kosaka Ruka, the author of the original work.

I hope that those who have seen the movie once will see this music video and want to see the movie again. Even if you haven’t seen the movie, I would be happy if this video inspires you to learn more about Kazuto’s story.”

Comment from Yojiro Noda (RADWIMPS)

“When the idea of shooting a music video for Uruubito came up, I asked Fujii-san to shoot it. In my mind, it wouldn’t be right to have the film’s story and the music video’s story told by two different people. 

For the filming, we wanted Sakaguchi-san to participate along with the actual film crew. It was a strangely uplifting experience, as if I were being transported into the film’s world. When I went to the rooftop of the apartment where Kazuto lives and to his room, I was so excited as a fan of the movie that I took a ton of pictures. There are so many incredible scenes shot in his apartment.

Just before the shooting date, the director asked for additional shooting in Mishima, and I had the opportunity to visit the hometown of Kosaka-san, the original author of the film. I was so thankful to be able to visit her grave and greet her family members between shoots.

I’m sure that I will watch this music video countless times, and each time I watch it, I will remember the movie 10 Years to Live, Matsuri and Kazuto, and Kosaka-san. I hope that I can share my strength with all of you going forward and that this work will become a part of your daily life.” 

©2022映画「余命10年」製作委員会

The soundtrack for the upcoming film The Last 10 Years is now streaming. Both the film and soundtrack were released on March 4, and fans of RADWIMPS can now enjoy all 29 powerful tracks on iTunes, Spotify, and other major music sites.

The Last 10 Years is an adaptation of Kosaka Ruka’s novel of the same name. The members of RADWIMPS have expressed pure joy over being invited to provide the musical accompaniment for the film. 

Yojiro Noda worked on the film’s soundtrack after reading the script. Nana Komatsu, who plays Matsuri, commented on the soundtrack. “I listened to it every day on the road, and it really gave me a sense of power.” Kentaro Sakaguchi, who plays Kazuro, said that the lyrics of the film’s theme song Uruubito was written from a uniquely Japanese perspective. The band’s music had a profound influence on the director and cast.

“Without a doubt, being involved in this work has changed my life forever,” said Noda. “I hope that the lives of the viewers will change as well.”

©2022映画「余命10年」製作委員会

Popular rock band RADWIMPS wrote both the theme song and all music featured in the upcoming film ‘The Last 10 Years.’ The film and soundtrack will be released on March 4, 2022.

‘The Last 10 Years’ is an adaptation of Kosaka Ruka’s novel of the same name. It tells the story of Matsuri, a 20-year-old woman who learns that she only has 10 years to live due to an incurable disease. She makes the decision not to fall in love until she meets Kazuto, a man who has lost the will to live. Matsuri is portrayed by Komatsu Nana, while Kazuto is played by Sakaguchi Kentaro. The soundtrack will include 29 original songs written by RADWIMPS for the film along with Uruubito, the theme song. Yojiro Noda, the lead singer of the band, met film director Michihito Fujii on the set of Million Yen Women. Noda played a lead role in the drama series, and the two became fast friends, wanting to collaborate musically. 

Nana Komatsu, who plays Matsuri, commented on the soundtrack. “I listened to it every day on the road, and it really gave me a sense of power.” Kentaro Sakaguchi, who plays Kazuro, said that the lyrics of the film’s theme song Uruubito was written from a uniquely Japanese perspective. The band’s music had a profound influence on the director and cast.

‘The Last 10 Years’ Special Trailer (Music by RADWIMPS)

RADWIMPS approached the soundtrack’s creation with incredible enthusiasm. “Without a doubt, being involved in this work has changed my life forever,” said Noda. “I hope that the lives of the viewers will change as well.”

Be sure to listen to the film’s soundtrack on streaming services on March 4!

©2022映画「余命10年」製作委員会

The soundtrack for the upcoming film The Last 10 Years will be released on March 4, the same day the movie will open in theaters across Japan. Popular rock band RADWIMPS wrote both the theme song and all music featured in the film. 

The soundtrack will include 29 original songs written by RADWIMPS for the film along with Uruubito, the theme song. Yojiro Noda, the lead singer of the band, met film director Michihito Fujii on the set of Million Yen Women. Noda played a lead role in the drama series, and the two became fast friends, wanting to collaborate musically. This is the first time that RADWIMPS has composed music for a live-action film. The group previously wrote the music for the animated films Weathering with You and Your Name.

Yojiro Noda worked on the film’s soundtrack after reading the script. “Mr. Noda said that his biggest fear was ruining the delicate emotions surrounding Matsuri and Kazuto’s lives with his music,” Fujii said. “Even though we were recording with a full orchestra, he tried over and over to make sure that the dialogue didn’t clash with the music.”

The Last 10 Years Trailer

‘The Last 10 Years’ is an adaptation of Kosaka Ruka’s novel of the same name. It tells the story of Matsuri, a 20-year-old woman who learns that she only has 10 years to live due to an incurable disease. She makes the decision not to fall in love until she meets Kazuto, a man who has lost the will to live. Matsuri is portrayed by Komatsu Nana, while Kazuto is played by Sakaguchi Kentaro. 

©2022映画「余命10年」製作委員会

The theme song for the film ‘The Last 10 Years’ will be performed by RADWIMPS. The track is titled Uruubito, and fans can look forward to hearing the heartwrenching song in the movie when it releases on March 4, 2022.

Vocalist and guitarist Noda Yojiro worked on the theme song as well as the film’s soundtrack after reading the script. This will be the third time RADWIMPS will be in charge of the entire soundtrack of a film, previously working on ‘Kimi no Na wa.’ and ‘Tenko no Ko.’

‘The Last 10 Years’ Trailer

Comment from Noda Yojiro (RADWIMPS)

This is my first time working on a live-action film, and it was a new and challenging experience. As I watched the scenes in the film, I had trouble deciding how I should approach Matsuri and Kazuto and those living around them. 

I’ve probably watched this film 100 times already, and yet, when all of the arrangements were completed and the orchestra performed the final recording, I was still in tears as I watched it on screen.

Matsuri’s life is filled with meaning, and I know that viewers will leave with a new view of how best to live their life.

Comment from Fujii Michihito (Director)

When I read the script for ‘The Last 10 Years,’ the music created by Noda Yojiro flowed so naturally with the story of Matsuri and Kazuto.

Noda created the music before seeing the film, basing his inspiration on the script itself. Filming proceeded while the cast listened to his music. This work could have only been completed with his guidance. I hope that you’ll experience this incredible film when it releases in theaters next year. 

‘The Last 10 Years’ is an adaptation of Kosaka Ruka’s novel of the same name. It tells the story of Matsuri, a 20-year-old woman who learns that she only has 10 years to live due to an incurable disease. She makes the decision not to fall in love until she meets Kazuto, a man who has lost the will to live. Matsuri is portrayed by Komatsu Nana, while Kazuto is played by Sakaguchi Kentaro. 

©2022映画「余命10年」製作委員会

On November 23, 2021, RADWIMPS released their new album ‘FOREVER DAZE’ on the 16th anniversary of their major-label debut. A new report has been published highlighting the first day of the band’s new tour on December 4 at Pia Arena MM. 

RADWIMPS Official Live Report

“It went by in the blink of an eye. Thank you so much for coming out. All I can do is say ‘thank you.’ There is so much more I’d love to say, but when I see all of your faces like this, all I can manage to get out is ‘thank you.’ Meeting each and every one of you makes this all more real. I’ve been waiting to be able to do this for such a long time. Thank you.” 

This is how vocalist Yojiro Noda thanked the audience with all his heart and soul at the end of the show. The first day of the ‘FOREVER IN THE DAZE TOUR 2021-2022’ was a joyous occasion after nearly two years of the pandemic, with fans gathering to praise the band’s first new album in three years ‘FOREVER DAZE.’ 

Day one took place on December 4 at Pia Arena MM in Kanagawa. In addition to RADWIMPS members, drummers Mizuki Mori and Masafumi Eno, as well as guitarists Taiking (Suchmos) and Mizuki Masuda (miida) joined the band for this tour only. Since the tour has just started, I won’t spoil the set list and production, but the ensemble brought some incredible energy to the stage. RADWIMPS seemed to take on new life with each and every song performed, and the audience was slowly and steadily inspired by both Noda’s incredible vocals and the powerful instrumentals. As Noda said in a comment regarding the new album, “No matter how hard things get, I can always make music.” 

How will the new songs found on FOREVER DAZE fit in with the band’s classic tracks? The performance features graphics from visual artist Kento Yamada that will wow audiences more than they could ever anticipate. The curtain has risen on this new RADWIMPS. Get ready to see them in a whole new light. 

（text： Shoichi Miyake）

The ‘FOREVER IN THE DAZE TOUR 2021-2022’ is coming to six locations across Japan for twelve shows total. For more information, check out the official website!