Maaya Sakamoto’s Long-Awaited New Single, “Dakishimete,” the ED Theme for The Fire Hunter Season 2, to be Released on Digital Platforms on January 15, 2024!
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‘Dakishimete’ Jacket Cover
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 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.
