■”It’s strange that there wasn’t an MV, but we’ve created a drama-style MV that foreshadows the beginning of love.” (Junichi Inagaki)
The original music video for Junichi Inagaki’s timeless masterpiece “When Christmas Carol”, which everyone hears every Christmas season, was planned and produced for the first time in 32 years since its release in 1992. It was released on the official YouTube channel.
This song, written by Yasushi Akimoto and composed by Makoto Mitsui, continues to shine through the ages and continues to be loved by many as a representative Christmas song. Because it became an instant hit as the theme song, a music video was never produced.
This project has been launched with the opening of Junichi Inagaki’s official YouTube channel, with the hope that music fans will enjoy “When It’s a Christmas Carol” for decades to come. In the first MV, the heroine is played by Yui Narumi, who is widely hailed as the next breakout actress, and Takashi Yuuki plays her partner. Directed and written by Takayuki Kojima, the story is a new interpretation of the world that differs from the original. The work was developed in a style that can be described as a “reiwa trendy drama,” and created a work that evokes new emotions in viewers.
This project was announced to the fans at Inagaki’s concert held in Nara on December 11th during the MC. There was a roar of applause at the venue, and Inagaki was both surprised and overjoyed by the response.
■Junichi Inagaki comment
I watched the MV without any preconceptions.
I ignored the sound and followed the video as it unfolded in a way that reminded me of a movie trailer.
It’s strange that there hasn’t been a music video in the 32 years since its release.
A drama-style music video that hints at the beginning of love has been completed.
This story may lead to your past and future stories.
May your dreams come true by the time the Christmas carols begin to play.■Yui Narumi comment
This song is always played on the streets and on TV during the Christmas season, and I have naturally heard this song since I was a child, so I was very happy to be able to appear in the music video for this Christmas song that continues to be loved throughout Japan. I was very honored.
When I reconsidered the meaning of the lyrics while filming the music video, I realized that they are very delicate and ephemeral lyrics that depict the differences between men and women, and I hope that I can carefully portray the story of a man and woman who are not special. That’s what I thought.
I hope this MV gives you a chance to enjoy the song once again, and I hope that everyone’s Christmas will be even more colorful!■Takayuki Kojima comment
When I was asked to create a music video for this historical masterpiece that always comes to mind when I think of Christmas, I was both surprised and excited. At the same time, I felt pressured by the responsibility, but Mr. Inagaki and the staff gave me a lot of freedom in making it, and it felt like I had received an early Christmas present.
While I was writing it, even though I had listened to it for many years, it felt fresh and I felt the greatness of a song that will remain in history. We were blessed with the best cast and staff, and the story turned out to be a warm Christmas story, a continuation of “By the Time of Christmas Carol,” which we had envisioned for many years.
I hope this MV will be Inagaki-san’s Christmas present to you all.
Junichi Inagaki OFFICIAL SITE
https://j-inagaki.net/
PHOTO BY Shin Watanabe
