Popular vocalist Maaya Sakamoto will be singing theme songs for two TV anime starting in April in Japan. The first is the opening theme for Deaimon, a story set in an old confectionery store in Kyoto. The title is “Sumire.” The lyrics were written by Sakamoto herself, and the composition and arrangement was done by Shigeru Kishida of Kururi, a Japanese rock band from Kyoto, matching the setting of the anime. Sakamoto has stated that she has always loved the band Kururi and was deeply moved by the collaboration. She will also be voicing Mari Yukihira, the mother of the anime’s heroine, Itsuka Yukihira.

The second song is “Kotoba ni Dekinai,” the ED theme for the third season of the popular anime Ascendance of a Bookworm, which has sold over 6 million copies (including e-books). Sakamoto commented, “This song is full of feelings of gratitude for irreplaceable people and places, and feelings that inspire you when you’re discouraged. In that sense, it’s a sad song but also one that allows you to positively move forward.” It is a fitting ending for the third season.

Comment from Maaya Sakamoto:

“Sumire” is the theme song of Deaimon. I wrote the lyrics and asked Shigeru Kishida of Kururi, a band that I’ve always loved, to handle the composition. I think that I was able to write very peaceful lyrics, guided by the warm melody. Sumire (Violets) are a common flower in everyday life, and you can even find them growing in gaps in concrete. They’re so small that you might overlook them, but they are actually very powerful and huddle together to bloom. I chose this title due to the characteristics that these flowers share with people. I’m delighted to have another precious song that I can continue singing into the future.

“Kotoba ni Dekinai” is the ending theme for the third season of Ascendance of a Bookworm, and I handled the lyrics and composition. This song is full of feelings of gratitude for irreplaceable people and places, and feelings that inspire you when you’re discouraged. In that sense, it’s a sad song but also one that allows you to positively move forward. People who are going through many new encounters and farewells as their environment changes this spring may be particularly able to identify with it. Please give it a listen.

As we look forward to both releases be sure to check out the lyric video of her fourth concept album Duets, below!

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