Singer Eiichiro Oda will release an album titled "ONE PIECE COVER SONGS ~Nakama no Inu x~" on March 26th, featuring covers of songs from the anime "ONE PIECE", based on the popular manga by Eiichiro Oda. The album commemorates the 30th anniversary of Kitadani's debut in 1994, and will include 11 songs selected by Kitadani from among the theme songs for the TV anime and theatrical anime. We spoke to Kitadani about his thoughts on "ONE PIECE" and his 30 years as a singer.
◇There are more things I can do now
Kitadani began by singing the original opening theme "We Are!" for "ONE PIECE" in 1999, followed by "We Go!", "OVER THE TOP" and "Aaaasss!". The "ONE PIECE 25th Anniversary BEST 1999-2024" best album for "ONE PIECE", to be released on April 23rd, will include seven of Kitadani's songs, including "We Can!", a collaboration with the band Kishidan.
Looking back on his activities so far, Kitadani says, "It feels like it went by in a flash."
"I made my debut in 1994, but after about four years I was notified that I was no longer needed and I was scared that this was the end of it. I never thought that I would be able to sing "We Are!" and that I would continue to be active in the industry for this long. I knew back then that "One Piece" was an amazing work, but I never thought that it would become so beloved all over the world."
Kitadani describes his encounter with "One Piece" as "the biggest turning point in my life."
"I'm really lucky. It's the best thing that I've come across a song that's become like a calling card, and that my fans are happy with it. I'm really happy to have been able to continue to be involved in a project that has lasted this long."
Kitadani is powerful. Celebrating his 30th anniversary since his debut, he seems to be getting stronger, not weaker.
"My muscles have weakened and my physical condition has certainly changed. But my experience, skills and knowledge have made it possible for me to do more than that. The same goes for my mental health. The source of my energy is everyone's voices. Words of praise are important, but I also think criticism is important. Criticism can serve as a guidepost for growth. Once you can overcome it, you can grow. It makes me very happy when people are happy with me and say nice things to me. It's thanks to everyone's voices that I've been able to power up. For a vocalist, mental health is very important. I can do my best because there are people waiting for me to sing. I'm not singing just based on my own feelings. That's why I'm able to do so much more now. I've been evolving for 30 years, and I think I've matured in many ways."
Kitadani's evolution never stops.
"I think there are still many things I can cultivate from now on. I want to grow more and more, and make everyone happy more and more. I'm sure I can still evolve. Kageyama (Hironobu) is also a powerful person. I'm inspired by having such great people close to me. I'm looking forward to learning from them."
◇Anime saved my life
Thirty years have passed since Kitadani's debut, and the situation surrounding anime songs has changed dramatically. Japanese anime songs are loved not only in Japan, but across borders as well. Kitadani's songs are also captivating people all over the world.
"The other day, I felt something special on stage in Spain. Of course, 'We Are!' is the most popular song, but in Spain, everyone got just as excited about all our other songs and sang along with 'We Are!' I think the power of the internet is also great. People watch our videos on YouTube and listen to our songs online, and our music is spreading more and more. It's been about 20 years since we first went to France and Brazil. From there, it spread and we're now being invited to various countries. It was difficult at first. Sometimes people wouldn't even get up from their chairs. But now, every place feels like home. I almost wonder if I'm being a little too spoiled (laughs)."
Kitadani is like an "anime song evangelist." He has spread the appeal of anime songs all over the world.
"I think I'm one of the people whose life was saved by anime. I was cut from the team and wondering what to do, but then I was picked up by this world. I'm at the halfway point in my life, but if it can help boost the world of anime, then I'll do anything! I want to make my fans happy, and I'm very grateful to them."
◇An album made with “friends”
The album "ONE PIECE COVER SONGS ~Friends' Mark x~" will include 11 songs selected by Kitadani from the theme songs of the TV anime and anime movies.
"Last year, my 30th anniversary and the 25th anniversary of the One Piece anime coincided, so I wanted to leave something behind. I had a strong feeling that I had to cover it now. It would be meaningless if I didn't do it now. This album was made possible by the hard work of all the staff. First of all, I selected a lot of my favorite songs, and then I referred to the fan favorite song rankings and narrowed it down to 11 songs. When I listened to each song carefully again, I noticed something. There are expressions that only a vocalist can understand, and each one has its own intention. The original song is the right answer, so I thought that I shouldn't destroy that. I didn't change the tempo or arrangement too much, and I put respect and love into it."
"Nakama" is participating in the album.
"The arrangers and players who participated were friends I know well, including the members from when I debuted and members of the band I created. The keyword for "ONE PIECE" is "friends," and I made sure to value that. There was love among the members, and it was fun. ats- (Atsushi Sato), who arranged "Wake up!" and "DREAMIN'ON," was a member of my band when I debuted, and it was the first time we'd worked together in 30 years. It was embarrassing, but also happy. The members of the first backing band I created are now very famous, and I'm happy to be able to work with them. We've created an album that's full of love."
"I am the Strongest" shows a different side of Kitadani's songs than before. You will be amazed at how much he has evolved.
"'I Am the Strongest' was a challenge. Half of the song is in falsetto, and I was happy to be able to try something new, and it was fun. Trying something new can be scary, but because it's a cover, I was able to try a more radical expression. I'm considered a veteran, but I still need to evolve, and by taking on this challenge, I've added another skill to my arsenal. I think people who have listened to my songs up until now will be surprised, so I think it will be a surprise."
"I always want to surprise and delight everyone," says Kitadani with a smile. He is an entertainer at heart. He will continue to evolve in ways we can't imagine, and will likely continue to surprise us with his 40th, 50th, and upcoming anniversaries.
