The theme song for the TBS Sunday Theatre drama "Diamonds Sleeping in the Sea" (Sundays at 9pm) starring Ryunosuke Kamiki is "Nekko", written by rock band King Gnu for the drama. We spoke to member Daiki Tsuneta about the behind-the-scenes story of the song's creation, his involvement with the drama, and his thoughts on the creation of the theme song.
The drama is a story of love, friendship and family spanning 70 years, set on the island of Hashima (Gunkanjima) in Nagasaki Prefecture, which developed through coal mining from the beginning of the Meiji era to the postwar high economic growth period, and in modern-day Tokyo. It is written by Akiko Nogi, directed by Ayuko Tsukahara, and produced by Junko Arai, the team behind the dramas "Unnatural" and "MIU404" (same series) and the movie "The Last Mile."
◇My favorite part is "the key change at the very end."
-What were your thoughts and impressions when you first read the script for this film?
I felt that it was a work full of highlights, packed with a timeless mystery and the passionate energy and human drama of Hashima at the time.
-What kind of conversations did you have with producer Arai Junko when producing the song?
He passionately shared his thoughts on the drama, the characters' feelings, and the key points leading up to the final episode.
--What was the thought behind the title "Nekko" and what points did you pay particular attention to?
I hope that this song will become a small hope for those living in the modern age, while thinking about what has been passed down since the postwar 1950s, the setting of the drama, and what has been lost. I like the part where the key changes at the very end.
--I heard that the title was changed at the last minute. Why was that?
We considered ideas such as "Flower," which appears in the lyrics, or "Time," which evokes the passage of time in this epic story spanning 70 years, but we decided on the title because, as depicted in the drama, we live strong in the present while building on our untold pasts and experiences, and because "Root" is the most important part of the story, even though it may not be visible on the surface.
--Please tell us your impressions when you saw the film with the theme song.
I'm grateful that the drama production team loves and treasures the songs, as they use them in memorable parts of the drama every time. As the focus changes with each episode, I feel that they blend well with the way each character lives their life.
--Every time the theme song is played, social media gets excited, but what kind of feedback have you received, Tsuneda-san?
Thanks to everyone, we've received a very positive response. I'm excited to see how the song will affect the storyline going forward.
--Were there any scenes or lines in the drama that left an impression on you?
In episode 4, following the death of her mother Sumiko (Yamamoto Mirai) and a conversation with the priest (Sada Masashi), Yuriko (Tsuchiya Tao) said to Asako (Sugisaki Hana) "Miracles are made by people," which was a very memorable statement.
--Finally, please give a message to the viewers.
I created "Nekko" with the same passion as the drama production team. I hope you enjoy watching the song all the way to the final episode.
