NHK to broadcast "The Covers Mariya Takeuchi Night! ~45th Anniversary of Debut Special~" for two consecutive weeks

■Crazy Ken Band, Night Tempo, Asako Toki, and Rei cover Mariya Takeuchi’s songs! Special message from Takeuchi herself

“Mariya Takeuchi Night! ~45th Anniversary of Debut Special~” will be broadcast over two weeks on NHK’s “The Covers” in October.

Mariya Takeuchi has produced many hit songs since her debut in 1978. In October, she released her first original album in 10 years. Many of her hit songs have been covered and sung on “The Covers.”

This time, a splendid group of guests who respect Mariya Takeuchi will be gathering. Crazy Ken Band, the “number one sound machine in the Orient” who continues to captivate fans with their genre-defying musicality, Night Tempo, a Korean DJ/music producer who sparked the recent global city pop boom, Toki Asako, the modern “city pop muse” who is celebrating her 20th anniversary since her debut, and Rei, a singer-songwriter who made her world debut with her outstanding guitar playing, will cover Mariya Takeuchi’s beloved songs and discuss their appeal.

The first night will explore the appeal of Mariya Takeuchi’s songwriting, based on her 1987 million-selling hit album “REQUEST.” The cover song will be the famous ballad “Eki” from “REQUEST,” which has been sung for many years. Crazy Ken Band will perform the song with an arrangement that pays homage to the sound of Tatsuro Yamashita.

In addition, Mariya Takeuchi, who loves covers, will deliver a special message to the program. Takeuchi will talk about the appeal of covers, and the fun and appeal of passing on and continuing to pass on songs.

The second night will explore the appeal of this work, which is loved by the younger generation and the world, based on the classic song “Plastic Love,” which sparked the recent worldwide city pop boom, and the masterpiece album “VARIETY” (1984) on which the song was recorded. Korean DJ/music producer Night Tempo, who re-edited “Plastic Love” and spread it around the world, will create a special arrangement of the song for the program. In collaboration with modern city pop muse Toki Asako, he will perform an exclusive cover performance.

And singer-songwriter Rei will perform an outstanding guitar session of “Let Me Sing in Merseybeat,” a homage song from “VARIETY” that expresses Mariya Takeuchi’s feelings for the Beatles, her musical roots.

Program Information

NHK BS“The Covers Mariya Takeuchi Night! ~45th Anniversary of Debut Special~”
Night 1
10/06 (Sun) 22:50-23:19 *Pre-broadcast in 4K *BS Premium 4K
Thursday, October 10th, 21:30-21:59 *NHK BS
<Music>
Crazy Ken Band “Station” (Mariya Takeuchi/1987)

Night 2
10/13 (Sun) 22:50-23:19 *Pre-broadcast in 4K *BS Premium 4K
October 17th (Thu) 21:30-21:59 *NHK BS
<Music>
Night Tempo x Asako Toki “Plastic Love” (Mariya Takeuchi/1984)
Rei “Let Me Sing in Mersey Beat” (Mariya Takeuchi/1984)
Crazy Ken Band “Hama no Beat” (Crazy Ken Band/2024)
*The songs for “Mariya Takeuchi’s Classic Cover Selection” will be announced at a later date.

MC: Lily Franky and Moka Kamishiraishi
Covers guests: Crazy Ken Band, Night Tempo, Asako Toki, Rei
Message (commentary appearance): Mariya Takeuchi

Program site
https://www.nhk.jp/p/thecovers/ts/KXRV2Q744Y/