Vogue Japan has launched a special collaboration between actor Mugi Kadowaki and ballet dancer Shoko Nakamura for its YouTube channel. The video is now available to watch and shows how dance is bringing new life and light to the stillness caused by two years of the pandemic. This project is also linked to the April issue of Vogue Japan released on March 2 which features newly-shot photos of the performers that can only be seen in the magazine.

The first collaboration featured Mitsuki Takahata and RIEHATA. Kadowaki, who once dreamed of becoming a professional ballet dancer, later gave up on that dream. In this collab, she challenges that part of herself again as a form of self-expression. The video shows pro dancer Shoko Nakamura meeting with the actress to warm up and practice. Check out the full video on the Vogue Japan YouTube channel, complete with performances, interviews, and behind-the-scenes footage.

The choreography theme is ‘the past and the future,’ with the first half of the dance inspired by two people meeting in the past and crossing paths again. In the second half, the artists try to express themselves using paint.

“I made it a priority to move freely,” Nakamura said. Drenched in colorful paints, the two danced playfully. “I feel so refreshed,” Kadowaki said after filming ended. “If you’re stressed  or in a situation where you’re having a hard time being around people, just to the park and dance.”

Nakamura reflected on the collaboration with a smile. “I think each of us went into this with our own thoughts and goals, but the second the music started, we just let it move us.”

Sayonara Kuchibiru (“Goodbye Lips”) is an upcoming Japanese film starring co-leads Nana Komatsu and Mugi Kadowaki along with Ryo Narita. The musical movie is set to hit Japanese theatres on May 31, 2019.

The film follows the story of Reo (Nana Komatsu) and Haru (Mugi Kadowaki) who form the popular guitar duo HaruReo. The film is directed and written by Akihiko Shiota (Harmful Insect, Dororo) and features big names in the music industry including Japanese singer-songwriter Motohiro Hata who produced the film’s main theme Sayonara Kuchibiru and Aimyon who composed and wrote the lyrics for the insert songs Dare ni Datte Wake ga Aru and Tachimachi Arashi.

While hype surrounding Komatsu and Kadowaki putting their real voices and music performances to the movie surges, it has been announced that HaruReo are to make their real-life major debut with the release of their Sayonara Kuchibiru EP on May 22.

The EP will include both the theme song by Motohiro Hata and both insert songs from Aimyon―all sung by HaruReo.

Regarding the music Hata commented, “I will be overjoyed if lots of people enjoy the song alongside the film.” Aimyon also commented, “Thank you for singing these songs. Congratulations on your debut.”

The EP’s cover photo was taken by Japanese photographer Kotori Kawashima, a name in high demand across various industries known for working with popular voice actors and artists on their photo collections. The cover features both Haru and Reo sat facing each other with natural expressions.

The music video for the film’s main theme Sayonara Kuchibiru has also been released. It can be viewed on HaruReo’s official website which just opened today.

The video was directed by Tomokazu Yamada who is known for having directed such hit works as Kenshi Yonezu’s Lemon and Aimyon’s Marigold. The song itself is a medium ballad which Hata wrote while reading the film’s script and thinking about both Haru and Reo. It talks about separation and the hope that lies in the future beyond it. The music video reflects that theme splendidly by focusing on three people spending their last time together. It reflects the pure innocence of the three main characters of the film: Reo, Haru and Shima.

Yamada also shot a new artist photo of the duo pictured below.

Komatsu, Kadowaki and Narita released comments on the music video shoot. Komatsu said, “I was so happy to meet with the three of them again after so long. The video shoot was very chill. We just spoke about silly things the entire time [laughs].” Kadowaki said, “We didn’t get to spend quiet time together on the film set, so it was precious, great, and made me happy.” Narita said, “Although the music video has a different atmosphere from the film, parts of it still feel similar. It shows a real sense of distance.”

Sayonara Kuchibiru, Dare ni Datte Wake ga Aru and Tachimachi Arashi will all hit Japanese radio from today.

©2019 “Sayonara Kuchibiru” Production Committee

Sayonara Kuchibiru (“Goodbye Lips”) is an upcoming Japanese film starring co-leads Nana Komatsu and Mugi Kadowaki along with Ryo Narita. The musical movie is set to hit Japanese theatres on May 31, 2019.

The film is directed and written by Akihiko Shiota (Harmful Insect, Dororo) whose career has made his name known at several film festivals overseas.

The film features big names in the music industry including Japanese singer-songwriter Motohiro Hata who produced the film’s main theme Sayonara Kuchibiru and Aimyon who composed and wrote the lyrics for the insert song Tachimachi Arashi.

See the new trailer below.

Reo (Nana Komatsu) and Haru (Mugi Kadowaki) form the popular guitar duo HaruReo. In the trailer, we the musicians suddenly decide they want to break up, and confide in their attendant Shima once more. During their nationwide tour, a love triangle begins to form, as Reo has feelings for Shima, but Shima has feelings for Haru.

The trailer also reveals a kiss scene between the two singers. A single cut showcasing the moment before the kiss was released officially.

The actresses themselves both sing and perform HaruReo’s songs. This is the first time that Nana Komatsu has had to sing in her career. She and Kadowaki underwent months of training to sing and play the guitar as well as film the emotional live scene we see in the trailer.

Sayonara Kuchibiru is set to tackle the bonds we have between people and the importance of looking ahead. Don’t miss the film coming this spring.

Japanese fashion brand “niko and …” have announced that singer and actor Masaki Suda, and actress and model Nana Komatsu will continue to be their fashion brand ambassadors throughout 2019.

To kick off 2019 promotions, “niko and…” are releasing a movie clip created around their concept “Deau Niau”, which aims to commemorate the first time we meet new people (deau), and how that first meeting turns into something special (niau). The movie clip, which will be entitled “Ah, Haru” (Spring is coming soon) features Suda and Komatsu and will be released on Friday 8th March. However, a teaser illustration and website will be released in advance on Friday 8th February.

Art director Chie Morimoto directed the movie and designed the teaser illustration.

■ An interview with Art Director Chie Morimoto

Q. What is the concept of this web movie? What did you focus on in particular? 

Chie Morimoto: The concept is that nature does not bring us spring, but rather, spring arrives when we feel it arrive in us. This web movie aims to encourage viewers to open up to their feelings and enjoy the coming of a new season.

Q. What feelings did you put into designing the teaser illustration? 

Chie Morimoto: The opening up of a heart to its playful side in a “come on spring! Hurry up!” kind of way. Just like the concept of “Deau Niau” I felt my heart open up once again to allow it to be shaken by emotions as spring occurs again when I was creating the illustration.

Q. What is your impression of “niko and…” brand ambassadors Suda and Komatsu who will be starring in the web movie?

Chie Morimoto: Both Suda and Komatsu are splendid. Just watching their previous works is enough to give anyone goosebumps. Those two are capable of pulling off anything in a perfectly natural way. Just like everyone else, I am also a fan of “niko and…”. When the movie is released, I am looking forward to seeing their expressions portray the feeling of “discovering something new”.

Please keep an eye out for “niko and …” and their new spring creations!