It has been revealed that Hara Marihiko, who is also in charge of the music for "National Treasure" (directed by Lee Sang-il, to be released on June 6th), a film adaptation of the novel by Yoshida Shuichi starring actor Ryo Yoshizawa, will be in charge of the theme song "Luminance." The song was written by singer Miu Sakamoto, daughter of the late Sakamoto Ryuichi, and will be sung by Iguchi Osamu of the band "King Gnu." The announcement was made at a completion report meeting held in Tokyo on April 23rd.
The movie "National Treasure" is based on the same-titled novel by Yoshida, who is also known for "Parade" and "Park Life." The film is a major work of over 800 pages, serialized in the Asahi Shimbun newspaper from 2017 and published in book form in 2018. Set in postwar Japan during the period of rapid economic growth, the story follows the protagonist Kikuo (Yoshizawa), who was born into a clan of yakuza but was adopted by the family of kabuki actor Hanjiro Hanai (Ken Watanabe), who meets Hanjiro's heir, Shunsuke (Ryusei Yokohama). This epic story follows two men of opposing bloodlines who risk their lives to dedicate their lives to the arts.
◇Comment from Hara Marihiko
I wanted to write an ending piece that would make people feel as if the lives of Kikuo, Shunsuke, and the people around them were a myth. <<Luminance>> is the spotlight that Kikuo was under and the amount of light he continues to emit. I was able to write this song after encountering Iguchi Osamu's beautiful voice that resonates across time and space, and Miu Sakamoto's words that shine even more when they become sound.
◇Comment from Iguchi Osamu
I was honored to be asked to write the theme song, and I had the honor of singing the song after digesting the movie in my own way. I would be happy if I could add even a little to the terrifying yet beautiful world depicted in this movie, "National Treasure."
