EXILE THE SECOND's new song "high-five ~The sound of joy~" composed by GLAY and TAKURO has been selected as the competitive swimming song "Ippei Watanabe cheering song"

■“I would be happy if this song becomes a support song for Ippei-kun, who is aiming for the gold medal, and for you who continue to take on challenges.” (EXILE NESMITH)

EXILE THE SECOND’s new song “high-five ~Kanjou Oto~” has been selected as the support song for Ippei Watanabe, the Japanese national swimming team.

The song is a solo song by EXILE NESMITH. This rock number was written by TAKURO, the leader and main composer of Japan’s leading rock band GLAY, in order to give a cheering song to Ippei Watanabe, with whom he has been friends for some time.

The lyrics were written by NESMITH himself, and the powerful melody conveys the message, “Even if you fail once, you can move forward with strong faith and surpass your past self to seize glory. This is a positive message that will show us the path we need to take.

It is a song that not only supports Ippei Watanabe, but all people who continue to take on challenges.

We’ve received comments from three people, so be sure to check them out.

This new song “high-five ~Kanjou Oto~” will be included in the new album “THE FAR EAST COWBOYZ” released on June 5th, and distribution is scheduled to begin on the same day.

Additionally, additional performances in Osaka and Shizuoka were announced at the final performance of “EXILE THE SECOND LIVE TOUR 2024 “THE FAR EAST COWBOYZ” held on May 12th. Let’s check this out too.

■Ippei Watanabe comment
I am Ippei Watanabe, a competitive swimmer.
When I received this song, I was able to feel the joy of being able to take on the challenge of my future goals, as the various successes and setbacks I have experienced up until now have supported me.
I want people to feel the challenge of pursuing their dreams and goals, both through sports and through their songs.
■GLAY TAKURO comment
I was inspired to dedicate this song to Ippei Watanabe, a great swimmer and close friend of my friend Nesmith.
Celebrating his incredible talent and indomitable spirit, this song tells the moving story of his many successes and even more challenges through music.
We sincerely support his future endeavors and hope that he continues to shine at the top of the world.
GLAY TAKURO
■EXILE NESMITH comment
This time, it has been decided that the new album “THE FAR EAST COWBOYZ” will include “high-five ~The Sound of Joy~”, which I wrote the lyrics for and had TAKURO from GLAY compose it.
I added my own dream of “I’d like TAKURO to write a song someday” to Ippei Watanabe’s dream of “winning a gold medal,” and with TAKURO’s approval, we began producing the song.
It was a gold medal on a big stage that I missed once, but I have been preparing and practicing for the coming day.
After three years, Ippei won the opportunity to make his dream come true.
This song has also been improved over the course of three years and will be recorded along with my feelings for him.
Like the lyrics of this song, I would be happy if this song becomes a support song for Ippei-kun, who is aiming for a gold medal, and for you who continue to take on challenges.
May the proof you receive in your destination lead you to the continuation of your next dream.