Theme song for the film "National Treasure" by Hara Marihiko feat. Iguchi Osamu

It has been announced that Hara Marihiko, who also composed 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 performing 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 film "National Treasure" is based on the novel of the same name by Yoshida, who is also known for works such as "Parade" and "Park Life." The epic 800-page two-volume series was serialized in the Asahi Shimbun newspaper from 2017 and published in book form in 2018. Set in post-war Japan during the period of rapid economic growth, the story follows the protagonist Kikuo (Yoshizawa), who was born into a family of yakuza but was adopted into the home of kabuki actor Hanjiro Hanai (Ken Watanabe), who meets Hanjiro's heir, Shunsuke (Ryusei Yokohama). This epic story follows two men of completely opposite bloodlines who risk their lives to dedicate their lives to the art of kabuki.

◇Comment from Hara Marihiko

I wanted to write music for the ending that would evoke the feeling that the lives of Kikuo, Shunsuke, and the people around them were like a myth. "Luminance" represents the spotlight that Kikuo was in and the amount of light he continues to emit. I was able to write this song after encountering Iguchi Osamu's beautiful voice, which resonates across time and space, and Miu Sakamoto's words, which shine even brighter when turned into sound.

◇Comment from Iguchi Osamu

I was honored to be asked to write the theme song, and I was able to sing it while digesting the film in my own way. I would be happy if I could add even a little color to the terrifying yet beautiful world depicted in this film, "National Treasure."