The TV anime "Higashijima Tanzaburou Wants to Become Kamen Rider" is based on a manga by Yokusaru Shibata, who is known for works such as "Hachi-One Diver." It depicts adults who love Kamen Rider so much that they "play Kamen Rider seriously." We spoke to TeddyLoid, who is in charge of the music, about his thoughts on the series and the behind-the-scenes of music production.
◇The feeling of "Maybe I should try it just one more time"
-What were your impressions after reading the original work?
When I first read it, I felt that this was not just a homage to special effects, but a story about a pure yearning to become the person one wants to be. I have long been a fan of Yokusaru Shibata's "Air Master," so I was drawn to the fact that it is packed with the physicality, earthiness, and almost clumsy passion that are characteristic of Yokusaru's works. Tanzaburou Higashijima's straightforwardness and weaknesses are very human, and while there are some funny parts, I thought it was a work that naturally warmed my heart.
--The opening theme song "Wanna be" is also a hot topic.
"Wanna be" is a song that directly translates the "urge to never give up on who you want to be." Even if you're not perfect, even if you're clumsy, the energy to continue to wish for it is what you want to be, and this song expresses that energy with a sense of speed and excitement. I was conscious of the rushing feeling on the eve of becoming a hero, like a switch being flipped all at once at the beginning of each episode.
-What was the recording like for Shigeru Matsuzaki and TOPHAMHAT-KYO?
Shigeru Matsuzaki is someone whose voice changes the atmosphere the moment it speaks, and every word he says is overwhelmingly persuasive. On the other hand, TOPHAMHAT-KYO is impressive for his modern, edgy expressiveness, and his way of expressing emotions is free and delicate. I feel that the intersection of these two personalities is what gives this work its unique strength and depth.
--What about the ending theme song, "One More Time"?
I created this film with the intention of cherishing the feelings you get when you suddenly stop and think at the end of the day. I was conscious of creating a quiet, lingering impression that could be superimposed on the viewer's own daily life. I would be happy if I could quietly leave you with the feeling that "Maybe I should try it just one more time."
--What was important to you when creating the soundtrack?
The main theme was to achieve both the "exhilaration of special effects" and the "warmth of a human drama." We were conscious of creating sounds that convey a sense of heroism in flashy scenes, and that capture the emotional gaps in scenes of everyday life and conflict.
-What song has left an impression on you?
Of all the soundtracks for this film, "Let's Go!! Rider Kick (TeddyLoid Edit)" left a particularly strong impression on me. It was a challenge to reconstruct the iconic Kamen Rider theme with a modern EDM approach. While paying utmost respect to the original song, I was also conscious of creating an energy and speed that would be well-received on the dance floor. I hope that people will enjoy the moment when the worldview of the film intersects with modern dance music.
◇If you could empathize with someone's "desire to become what they want to be"
-Is there a Kamen Rider that you have a special attachment to?
Rather than being about one specific person, I'm drawn to the fact that he continues to be "a being who stands up despite his weaknesses." I feel that this mentality is also present in this work.
--What is your favorite character in the work?
It has to be Higashijima Tanzaburo. His never giving up and getting back up no matter how many times he falls is very realistic, and I feel that the very idea of wanting to become a hero is already heroic. I also personally like Hachiro Hachigo. The reason is simple: his Bajiquan is just so cool (lol). It's impressive how the atmosphere changes just by him appearing.
-Finally, please give us a message.
Thank you for watching the film and listening to the music. I created the music for this film with the hope that it would help someone with their "desire to become a Kamen Rider." I would be happy if it could give you even a little push in your daily life. I hope you enjoy "Higashijima Tanzaburou Wants to Become Kamen Rider" along with the music.
