Director Makoto Shinkai Chooses RADWIMPS to Perform Theme for Anime Film Suzume no Tojimari

23.September.2022 | ANIME&GAME / MOVIE / MUSIC

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

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    Comment from Eve

    “I’m incredibly honored because I loved both the original manga and Fukuda’s past works. I wrote this song Shirayuki with the hope that Christmas could be an important day for everyone. I would be so glad if this song makes you nostalgic for winter, making you imagine the cold air that stings your nose and the stars in the clear night sky. I love Kunehito, so I am looking forward to seeing him in the film.”

     

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  • RADWIMPS Begins Streaming Suzume no Tojimari Anime Film Theme Song

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    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. 

     

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    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

  • THE RAMPAGE, NCT 127, and BE:FIRST Release Trailer for Crossover Song ‘Wings’

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    With over 5.56 million people seeing the films in theaters and box-office revenue of over ¥7.8 billion, the High&LoW film series has inspired audiences around Japan for years with its themes of friendship and struggle. In 2019, the film High&Low THE WORST was released as a collaboration with Hiroshi Takahashi’s manga Worst and Crows, which have collectively sold over 80 million copies. A sequel, High&Low THE WORST X, will be released in theaters nationwide on September 9, 2022.

     

    While the film itself is a massive collaboration between rivals, it will also feature a major collaboration between artists! Kazuma Kawamura and Hokuto Yoshino from THE RAMPAGE, Yuta Nakamoto from NCT 127, and Ryoki Miyama from BE:FIRST have come together to perform the song Wings. The track will be played during key scenes in the film and is sure to pull at your heartstrings.

     

    The song came to be after the four became closer acting in the film. Wings is a positive and emotional song about friendship and trust and evokes the image of irreplaceable friends and a man who will never stop moving forward.

     

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    Wings – HiGH&LOW THE WORST X

    https://www.flag-porter.jp/download/r4wWMAoVqQK9b6KMQdEvYnGpx8j6Jm

     

    The film is sure to be the breakout hit of the summer, bringing together powerhouses from THE RAMPAGE, NCT 127, and BE:FIRST when it releases on September 9. The characters, action, and music have all been powered up when compared to the previous film, so be sure to tune in!

     

    Comment from Kazuma Kawamura (Fujio Hanaoka) (THE RAMPAGE)

    “This song transcended the boundaries of our group and a dream crossover was able to happen.

    Without our collaboration in the film, I don’t think we would have had this incredible opportunity to work together on music so quickly. 

    We probably would have just ended up doing a cover or something like that.

    It was such a joy for us to be able to collaborate on a new piece of music that was totally our own.

    It’s a coming-of-age song that matches our roles and certain scenes in the movie perfectly, and I hope it will touch your heart!”

     

    Comment from Hokuto Yoshino (Tsukasa Takajo) (THE RAMPAGE)

    “Even though we’re all in different groups, we were so honored to come together to sing together as a foursome for this film!

    I hope lots of people will enjoy this heartwarming and tender ballad, which shows our individuality but also has a real sense of unity.

    I hope everyone will be able to experience the world of HiGH&LOW THE WORST X in theaters, and I also hope you’ll pay attention to the scenes in which this song is played!”

     

    Comment from Yuta Nakamoto (Ryo Suzaki) (NCT 127)

    “It’s rare to find a song with a medium tempo that’s so emotionally moving, and it was a fresh and fun experience to sing a song for my first movie. Although some parts were difficult, it was a great experience and I’m grateful for it. 

    Ryo and Amagai’s relationship is reflected in the lyrics of Wings, and I think that this one will make you emotional.”

     

    Comment from Ryoki Miyama (Amagai Kouhei) (BE:FIRST/RYOKI)

    “This was one of the most nerve-wracking recordings I’ve ever done.

    Singing with everyone was a valuable experience, and I really wanted to give it my all. I discussed it with the director and after a number of takes, I think we were able to get the most emotional of the bunch.

    We’re so happy to bring this film to life, and along with so many talented artists and actors, this song is really the culmination of everyone’s hard work.”

     

    ©2022「HiGH&LOW THE WORST X」製作委員会 ©髙橋ヒロシ(秋田書店) HI-AX

  • Members of THE RAMPAGE, NCT127, and FANTASTICS to Appear in ‘HiGH&LOW THE WORST X’ Film

    22.July.2022 | MOVIE

    During the BATTLE OF TOKYO ~TIME 4 Jr.EXILE’ performance at Saitama Super Arena on July 21, a new trailer for the upcoming film HiGH&LOW THE WORST X was shown to a massive audience. A new collaboration with Hiroshi Takahashi’s manga Worst and Crows, fans are amped up for this new entry to the film series. A new visual for the movie was also revealed.

     

    The new trailer is filled with incredible action scenes set to the film’s theme song THE POWER, while the footage of the three-school alliance led by Amagai includes the rap song RIDE OR DIE by MA55IVE THE RAMPAGE. Expectations are high for this installation of the wildly popular film saga, with the final scene in the trailer showing a massive amount of rowdy high schoolers ready to brawl. The overwhelming scale of the movie is sure to impress both fans and newcomers alike.

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    The new cast members from Suzuran Boys’ High School, known as the School of the Crows, have also been unveiled. Daichi Henry Mikami, a professional martial artist, will be making his acting debut, while Mizuki Itagaki, a popular young actor who has appeared in a number of high-profile films, will also appear. The cast will also include Yuki Tokito, FANTASTICS vocalist and actor Yusei Yagi, FANTASTICS performer Keito Kimura, and singer Yuri Takahashi.  

     

    Another FANTASTICS member making an appearance will be Natsuki Hori. These three members of the up-and-coming group will be participating in the HiGH&LOW series for the first time, so be sure to show them your support!

     

    This film will be a miraculous crossover, bringing together members from THE RAMPAGE, NCT127, BE:FIRST, and FANTASTICS to tell a powerful story, bringing audiences one of the most exciting action blockbusters in history. Will you be watching?

     

    (C)2022「HiGH&LOW THE WORST X」製作委員会 (C)高橋ヒロシ(秋田書店) HI-AX

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