New Artist and Jacket Photos Also Revealed!
Maaya Sakamoto has announced the digital release of a new single, titled “Dakishimete” (meaning “hug” or “embrace”). This song has been chosen as the ending theme for the second season of the WOWOW original anime The Fire Hunter, which will be available for streaming from January 14, with the first episode offered for free. This marks Sakamoto’s second collaboration with The Fire Hunter, following her previous ending theme, “Mada Tooku ni Iru.”
The lyrics and composition for “Dakishimete” were handled by Senri Oe, a renowned singer-songwriter of the 80s and 90s who is currently active as a jazz pianist based in New York. Still highly respected by many artists today, this collaboration marks her first encounter with Maaya Sakamoto. “Dakishimete” is a gentle ballad that beautifully complements the intense narrative of the anime, creating a resonant musical piece that lingers with the soothing vocals of Maaya Sakamoto.
Additionally, a second promotional video featuring the song has been unveiled, along with new artist and jacket photos.
The Fire Hunter 2nd PV
The Fire Hunter is a fantasy novel by Rieko Hinata. Set in a world where humanity has lost fire after an apocalyptic Last War, the story depicts the lives of the 11-year-old girl Touko and the 15-year-old boy Koushi as they face numerous challenges and struggle to survive. As in the first season, the director is Junji Nishimura, known for works such as SAMURAI DEEPER KYO and Kyo Kara Maoh!, while the composition and script are handled by Mamoru Oshii, known for works like GHOST IN THE SHELL and The Sky Crawlers. Additionally, Maaya Sakamoto plays a crucial role in the series as the character Akira.
Comment from Maaya Sakamoto:
The ending theme of the first season, “Mada Tooku ni Iru,” was a powerful song to encourage the characters. However, this song is completely different, featuring a gentle melody.
As they confront formidable enemies on their journey, this music wraps them in a warm blanket, assuring them that everything will be okay and that the future will surely be a good one.
In the real world, many children are currently living in fear, unable to sleep due to the flames of conflict. This song was created with the desire to tightly embrace those lives and encourage them to hold onto hope no matter the situation. Senri Oe has graciously composed this gentle composition.
Product information
Title: Dakishimete (ED theme of WOWOW original anime The Fire Hunter)
Artist: Maaya Sakamoto
Release date: January 15, 2024
Lyrics & composition: Senri Oe
Arrangement: Shin Kono
Distribution information
Available on streaming services and major download sites such as the iTunes Store, RecoChoku, and mora from midnight on January 15.
Pre-add/Pre-save
https://jvcmusic.lnk.to/dakishimete_pre
Streaming services: Apple Music, Spotify, YouTube Music, LINE MUSIC, Amazon Music, Deezer, AWA, Rakuten Music, KKBOX, TOWER RECORDS MUSIC
PROFILE
Born in Tokyo. Active as a child actress from age eight. She made her CD debut in 1996 with the single “Yakusoku wa Iranai.” In 2011, her album You can’t catch me topped the Oricon chart. In 2013, she released Singer-Songwriter, the first album for which she wrote all the music.
In 2019, she released her 30th single “Uchuu no Kioku” (produced by Ringo Sheena) and her 10th original album Kyou Dake no Ongaku. In 2020, she released her 25th anniversary album Single Collection+ Achikochi and the digital single “Yakudo,” which topped the Oricon chart.
In 2021, she released her concept album Duets, which featured a variety of artists, and in the same month, she celebrated the 25th anniversary of her CD debut with a concert at Yokohama Arena, which is now on sale on Blu-ray and DVD.
In May 2022, she released the double tie-up single “Sumire / Kotoba ni Dekinai,” with music written and arranged by Shigeru Kishida. In July of the same year, her radio program “Vitamin M,” in which she has been a personality for 20 years, reached its 1,000th broadcast and entered its 21st year.
In 2023, she released her 33rd single “Mada Tooku ni Iru / un_mute.”
As a lyricist, in addition to writing her own first album, she has also written many songs for other artists, including Kinki Kids’ “Hikari no Kehai,” Mamoru Miyano’s “Toumei,” and Walküre’s “Kaze wa Yokoku Naku Fuku,” and has published her own lyrics book Shishu (Kadokawa).
She also won the 38th Kazuo Kikuta Theater Award for her performance as Jerusha in the musical Daddy-Long-Legs.
She is a voice actress, actress, lyricist, essay writer, and radio personality, and her vibrant voice has won the support of fans all over the world.
Official homepage: http://www.jvcmusic.co.jp/maaya/
Official YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/maayasakamotoCh/