Maaya Sakamoto Wants to Bring Fans Closer with Upcoming Release!
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Maaya Sakamoto’s new single “Dakishimete,” which is already available on digital platforms, will also be released as a CD single on April 3.
The lead track, “Dakishimete,” serves as the ending theme for the second season of the WOWOW original anime The Fire Hunter. The lyrics and composition 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. This collaboration marks Sakamoto’s first encounter with Oe, and her restrained yet resonant vocals create a gentle ballad that offers comfort not only to the anime’s tumultuous story but also to many children facing harsh circumstances in real life.
As a coupling track, the new song “Once upon a time” features lyrics by Maaya Sakamoto and composition by the singer-songwriter SIRA, who is known for her excellent chemistry with Sakamoto in previous works such as “un_mute” and “Hidden Notes.” The arrangement, handled by Ryuji Yamamoto, brings forth a cool and jazzy style. The other coupling track is “Dakishimete -Live 2024 Ver.-,” recorded at the rescheduled Tokyo performance of Maaya Sakamoto LIVE TOUR 2023: Kioku no Toshokan on January 2. This version is a live rendition with acoustic arrangements featuring piano and double bass. The blu-ray included with the Limited First Edition will feature 14 songs from the Tokyo live performance.
Additionally, a music video (short ver.) and jacket photos for “Dakishimete” have been released in conjunction with this announcement, with the pre-order links below!
