Bakufu Slump to release their first new song in 26 years, "IKIGAI" digitally! Jacket illustration by Southern All Stars' Kazuyuki Sekiguchi

■ “I hope you’ll listen to our song and remember “IKIGAI”!” (Sunplaza Nakano, Bakufu Slump)

Bakufu Slump has decided to digitally release their first new song in 26 years, “IKIGAI,” on August 25th, the 40th anniversary of their major debut.

Regarding this song, vocalist Sanplaza Nakano, who wrote the lyrics, said, “The word ‘ikigai’, like ‘Kawaii’ and ‘Mottainai’, has become ‘IKIGAI’ and is starting to become a global common word. However, I think that we Japanese have actually forgotten this word for a while. I hope that you will listen to our song and be reminded of ‘IKIGAI’!”

The music video was also shot for the first time in about 30 years. This work, which features a simple, straightforward, and stylish performance, is not just a “revival” but the “latest explosive slump of 2024.” It is a work that can be enjoyed not only by fans, but by all music fans.

A teaser video was also released. The director is Takuya Tada, who has produced many popular works such as DA PUMP’s “USA.”

Even more noteworthy is the release jacket. It features an illustration drawn especially for this release by Sekiguchi Kazuyuki, the bassist for Southern All Stars who is also an illustrator. In fact, Sekiguchi’s illustrations were used on the jackets for both the debut single “Shukan Tokyo ‘Shoujo A'” and the album “Yoi”, and now, 40 years later, Bakufu Slump has requested that Sekiguchi draw portraits of the band members again, which he readily agreed to. Comparing the two jackets and finding the differences could be one way to enjoy the album.

Bakufu Slump, who have been receiving various news for their 40th anniversary, including the release of their first new single in 26 years and the release of their music video, will be holding a long-awaited tour in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Hyogo. This is the first tour for Bakufu Slump in 26 years, and the tour, titled “Bakufu Slump ~ IKIGAI ~ 40th Anniversary Debut Japan-China Friendship LIVE “Your” IKIGAI Nandesuka?”, will begin as a pre-party at Nagoya ELL in Aichi, where they have been performing since before their debut, and will have four performances in three cities: Hyogo Performing Arts Center and LINE CUBE SHIBUYA in Tokyo.

We are looking forward to seeing which songs from their many hits will be performed at the live show. For more information on the tour, please visit their official website.