1980s-inspired idol Hitomi Arai made her debut in 2019, with a nostalgic image that recalls the youthful innocence of a bygone era. On November 25, she will release her third single, a cover of “時には昔の話を” (“Toki ni wa Mukashi no Hanashi wo”) which was made famous by Tokiko Kato, who was a sensation in the 1980s with songs like “Hyakuman Bon no Bara”. Kato’s version was previously used as the ending song in the classic Studio Ghibli animated movie Porco Rosso. The lyrics are about embracing your loved ones while pursuing your dreams and looking back on warm memories of the freedom of youth. This timeless, emotional song will win the hearts of all those who face the future while yearning for times past. The jacket artwork is designed with a tasteful ’80s aesthetic, while Arai’s spectacular outfit pays homage to Madame Gina, the chanson singer in Porco Rosso. The single will be available as a CD-only standard edition, or a CD+DVD limited edition that include the music video and several live videos.

Ahead of the release, Arai commented, “In these uncertain times, sometimes we all need to stop and take stock, to look back at our past, to focus on the good times and the things that are important to each of us. I hope you’ll find it helpful to do this too. I can’t wait for you to hear my version of a song that is so dear to my heart.”

Be sure to check out the music video teaser for the track along with the order links for the single below!

Standard edition

Limited edition

Hitomi Arai「Toki ni wa Mukashi no Hanashi wo」

01. Toki ni wa Mukashi no Hanashi wo

02. Toki ni wa Mukashi no Hanashi wo (Instrumental)

Limited Edition DVD

01. Toki ni wa Mukashi no Hanashi wo Music Video

02. Hitomi Arai Live Video

01. Hitomi, Kourin

02. Koi no Mirage

03. Delicate ni Suki shite