Live Photo by Hajime Kamiizaka
Sakura Fujiwara’s nationwide tour in support of her fifth album “Wood Mood” concluded today, May 19th (Sunday) at Shibuya NHK Hall in Tokyo. This was Sakura Fujiwara’s first performance at NHK Hall, and tickets were sold out, making it a great success.
Drummer Shun Ishiwaka served as the total sound producer for the album “Wood Mood,” and also played the band’s music on the national tour. Many of the band members also participated in the recording of the album, and while the live performance was a high reproduction of the album, there were also scenes where they freely communicated musically on stage.
At the encore of the NHK Hall performance, Sakura Fujiwara delivered a pleasant surprise to the audience by performing her new song “Hatsukoi no Oi”, which was unveiled for the first time. It was also announced that this song will be distributed on May 20th (Monday) at midnight.
The song was featured in the short animation “First Love Smell”, which is the directorial debut of Maho Takagi, an up-and-coming animator who has attracted the attention of the industry after participating in many famous animation works such as Makoto Shinkai’s “The Sparrow’s Door Shut”. Written by Sakura Fujiwara. For this project, not only did they write the music for the video, but director Takagi and Fujiwara had many face-to-face meetings to communicate their ideas and produce the video and music at the same time. It is said to be a collaborative work. Animation production includes “The Sparrow’s Door Shut” and “Your Name.” Comics Wave Film, which has worked on films like “”, was in charge. In addition, “Hatsukoi no Oi” will also be released on Sakura Fujiwara’s official YouTube channel at midnight on Monday, May 20th.
©CWF/AMUSE/Tiny Jungle Records
The song “Hatsukoi no Oi” will be released as a 7-inch single as a limited edition. The jacket is a cut out of an impressive scene from the animation, and it has a cute design that makes you want to display it in your room and look at it, such as a clear white heart-shaped record that matches the song’s title. On the B-side, Tomoaki Baba, a saxophonist who is in charge of the main character Dai Miyamoto’s performance in the animated movie “BLUE GIANT” and who is attracting attention in the jazz scene, plays the main melody of “Hatsukoi no Oi”. Contains “Nioi feat. Tomoaki Baba”. This track is a rare sound source only recorded on the 7-inch disc, so be sure to check it out.
“First Love Smell” 7-inch single will be available for pre-order at Asmart from 18:00 on Monday, May 20th. Those who make reservations by the end of June will receive a postcard featuring a photo from today’s tour final. The number of benefits is limited, so if you’re interested, it’s best to reserve early.
[Sakura Fujiwara comment]
Maho draws a lovely girl whose expression changes every time.
I wanted to hug you gently and gently.
My heart tingles when I remember it, but it makes me want to touch you again.
I would be happy if you could feel the smell and warmth of first love together.
[Maho Takagi comment]
I definitely want to portray Sakura-san’s ephemeral yet moody and core singing voice in my work someday.
Ta.Thanks to this song, which incorporates all of Sakura’s good qualities, the video and music are even more dazzling than I expected.
I was able to do it.
I would be happy if the video could soothe your heart with Sakura’s singing voice.
【release information 】
Sakura Fujiwara “The Smell of First Love”
Release Date: 2024.05.20 (Mon.)
Tracklist：
1. The smell of first love
==
Sakura Fujiwara “The Smell of First Love”
Release Date: Scheduled to be shipped sequentially from around late July 2024
Cat.No:TNJG-0003
Price: ¥2,750 (Tax in)
Tracklist：
A1. The smell of first love
B1.SIDE．The smell of first love feat. Tomoaki Baba
