Another face of Kafu, Kaika’s third single “Higurashi no Uta” is released today. The music video directed by film director Yamato Yuki will also premiere.

The third single, “Higurashi no Uta,” by virtual singer-songwriter Kaihana, affiliated with KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO/PHENOMENON RECORD, was released today, Wednesday, September 18, 2024.

A music video directed by film director Yuki Yamato will also be released at 8pm on the same day.

■Digital distribution of “Higurashi no Uta” by Mawarika

https://PHENOMENON-RECORD.lnk.to/EverydaySong

The long-awaited digital release of “Higurashi no Uta”, the song first performed at Kafu’s 4th ONE-MAN LIVE “Kaiuta”

Kafu’s other form, the virtual singer-songwriter “Mawarihana,” made her debut at Kafu’s 4th ONE-MAN LIVE “Kaiuta” held at Yoyogi National Gymnasium No. 1 on Sunday, January 14, 2024.

This project marks a new turning point for Kafu, who is capable of a wide variety of approaches and expressions, and will see her turn the impulsive feelings that well up from within her into songs.

The latest title from this project is the new song “Higurashi no Uta,” which has already been released, following the second single “Teddy Bear” released last month.

This song has been eagerly awaited since it was first performed in “Kaiuta”. Although it was performed on a live stage, it was actually a song that “Mawarihana” wrote when she was in her second year of high school. The song is based on what “Mawarihana” herself was thinking about on her way to school in the morning, on her way home, and before she went to sleep.

The song expresses the lonely impression of the end of summer, when the cicadas begin to sing, by mixing lo-fi Hip Hop and poetry, and Mawarihana’s cool, slightly lonely singing voice further accentuates the transience of the song.

■A music video by film director Yuki Yamato, who has worked on numerous films and music videos for famous artists, has also been released.

This work “Higurashi no Uta” is the MV of “Tenkousei” by Maikahttps://youtu.be/AxlZ5DovJCs?si=mx9EAFk7XzzChX3GThe music video was directed by Yuki Yamada, who also directed the music video for “The Great Passage.”

Yamato and Maehana first met in 2019 when they performed the theme song for the movie “Hot Gimmick” as Kafu, and they have now decided to work on this song following the unreleased song “Tenkousei”, which is currently available exclusively on YouTube.

The music video expresses the anxieties and conflicts that high school students have about their future, and the emotional transition from childhood to adulthood. The lead role is played by Inage Mao, a high school student actor and winner of the Grand Prix at the 2015 BEST KIDS AUDITION.

This music video will premiere on Mawarihana’s YouTube channel from 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 18th.

Please enjoy the visual beauty that only Mawarihana and director Yamada Yuki can create, and the world view that evokes a sense of transience.

■Mawaruhana “Higurashi no Uta” MV

https://youtu.be/xVb7RkzNeoc

Premiere: Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 8:00 PM

■MV Artist, director, and lead actor comments

《Comment on Mawarihana》

There are many times when feelings that were unclear at the time become clear later, like “This is what I was thinking” or “This is what I wanted to say”. As I get older and it becomes more difficult to intuitively express my emotions, I also become more adept at unconsciously using a stock of poses for joy, anger, sadness, and happiness, or what I do when I’m happy.

But I wanted to think that I didn’t have to rush to a conclusion or try to force myself to let go of the shapeless feelings running around in my chest, thinking, “It’s over now,” or, “It’s vague and undecided.” It’s okay to remain unable to forgive things that you can’t forgive, and it’s okay to forget about them.

I hope that this song will be a companion to you at any time, at times when you feel tense, or on nights when someone needs to sleep.

Following “Transfer Student,” director Yamato Yuki has created a truly wonderful music video.

When I first saw it, it reminded me of the feeling I had in high school, of a constant, tingly urge to keep me going. Laughing, crying, pretending to be strong, pushing others away – there really is no right or wrong.

If we keep swimming, where will we end up?

One thing I know is that clear loneliness can be my own light at any time.

The story that Yamato gave to this song is filled with moments that truly bring that strength and beauty to visible form, and no matter how many times I watch it, tears still flow.

Thank you very much.

We hope you will continue to support “Higurashi no Uta” for a long time to come!

Comment from lead actor Makoto Inage

When I listened to Higurashi no Uta, it directly conveyed Kaori’s thoughts and wishes for the world today, and it really resonated with me.

Playing the role of Seisei, it was difficult to express his worries through facial expressions and movements, especially since he had no lines.

I hope that in the dance scenes I can show my true, natural self, free from the bottom of my heart.

I also want you to pay attention to the shortest hairstyle I’ve ever had in my life. I’m grateful to have been involved in this production.

“Everyone is different and everyone is good.” May the world become a place where everyone can cherish their individuality, cherish each other, and live true to themselves.

Comment from Director Yuki Yamato

Our homework this summer was to create a video that would best suit the song, which reflects Maehana’s soul.

I was filled with the desire to portray Maehana’s trembling voice, her words about living while giving up, and the sheet music that is still solid, a scene that stirs like rays of light, a scene that expands like overtones.

It was a true midsummer day, as if we were celebrating the life of the protagonist, and as a director I feel blessed that we were able to record this video, where everyone brought their one and only bodies and hearts together.

Thank you, Mawarihana, for your courage and for capturing this precious season in song.

■Maihana “Higurashi no Uta” song information

Released on Wednesday, September 18, 2024

Lyrics and composition: Mawarihana

Arrangement: Sosuke Oikawa

■ Digital distribution

https://PHENOMENON-RECORD.lnk.to/EverydaySong

■Music Video

https://youtu.be/xVb7RkzNeoc

Premiere: Wednesday, September 18, 2024 at 8:00 PM

■ Live event information for Mawarihana

KAMITSUBAKI WARS 2024

Kamitsubaki Makuhari Sensen IN Makuhari Messe Event Hall

Held on November 2nd (Sat) and 3rd (Sun)

(DAY-1) VWP 2nd ONE-MAN LIVE “Phenomenon II (Re)”

(DAY-2) Kafu 4th ONE-MAN LIVE “Kaika (re)”

Venue Tickets

(DAY-1) https://rt.jp/vwp

(DAY-2) https://rt.jp/kaf

Streaming ticket

(DAY-1)https://www.zan-live.com/live/detail/10444

(DAY-2)https://www.zan-live.com/live/detail/10445

■Maehana Artist Profile

A new generation virtual singer-songwriter.

They made their debut on January 14, 2024 at Kafu’s 4th ONE-MAN LIVE “Kaiuta” held at the National Yoyogi Stadium First Gymnasium.

This marks a new turning point for Kafu, who is able to approach and express a wide range of musical genres in a variety of ways, and she will unleash the impulsive feelings that well up from within her through her songs.

Using her own unique sensibility, she transforms her daily thoughts, emotions, and memories into sounds and words.

A powerful and beautiful energy blooms that no one can destroy.

Official Website:https://kaika.kamitsubaki.jp/

YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqoEiw6_SK2qhZ6yHMWBUTA

X:https://twitter.com/curling_flower

TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@virtual_kaika?_t=8jfHr5DfTC4&_r=1

■About KAMITSUBAKI STUDIO

It is a creative label that creates cutting-edge internet culture together with the next generation of creators, and is developing a new era of artist management. It has established an operating structure consisting of management staff who discover and develop artists, and marketing staff with know-how in operating YouTube and social media.

We collaborate with a variety of creators and artists, including virtual singers, singer-songwriters, composers, video creators, story writers, illustrators, and designers, and we “co-create” works together with everyone who receives them, challenging ourselves to produce new creative live performances and works, as well as to update the music experience itself.

Official website:https://kamitsubaki.jp/

(Operated by THINKR Inc.: https://thinkr.jp/)