The theme song for the TBS drama "Mirai no Musuko" (Tuesdays at 10pm), starring Shida Mirai, is "Pocket ni Mahou wo Oete" (Put Magic in Your Pocket). Singer-songwriter Hata Motohiro wrote the theme song after reading the original novel and script. We spoke to Hata about the behind-the-scenes process of the song's creation.
◇I'm particular about the opening lyrics, "Let's just say that the small drops that fall are rain."
The drama is based on the popular manga "Mirai no Musuko: A Son Came Down From Heaven After 10 Years of Singles!" written by Kumiko Aso and illustrated by Hajime Kuromugi. Mirai (played by Shida), who is half-hearted in love, work and dreams, suddenly becomes a mother. Through raising her child, she learns about the importance of living and supporting others, and begins a new life. This is Shida's first role as a mother in 20 years, since the 2006 drama "14-Year-Old Mother" (NTV).
-What were your thoughts when you first read the script?
The story is sci-fi, with some fantasy elements, but it also focuses on the subtleties of human emotions. I found that balance very interesting.
-What efforts were made to express the worldview of this drama, and how was Mr. Hata's unique originality reflected?
When I received the offer and had a meeting, something like "humanness" came up as a keyword. How can I express that kind of reality, or the feeling that people are living there? I thought that was important in depicting the world of the drama. Of course, I express that through the melody and lyrics as a whole, but for example, the way it starts. I wanted the part that starts with just electric guitar and vocals, and the singing voice, to give people a sense of rawness, warmth, and the texture of the skin. I created it while thinking about how I could express this world in my own way.
--I heard that you were inspired by the adorable appearance of the main character, Mirai. Were there any lines or scenes that particularly stood out to you?
Rather than this particular quote, I was inspired by the protagonist's single-minded determination to face the future without giving up even when things don't go well for him.
Another thing is the word "dannai" (it's okay) in the dialect of the future's hometown, Toyama. I think this word ended up becoming a keyword that led to the title, and that was very important to me.
--Are there any other lyrics that are key to the song?
While there is some overlap with Mirai, the protagonist of the drama, I also portray her as the protagonist of the song. Although they are similar, they are not exactly the same, and I wrote the song with the feeling that they overlap with myself.
The protagonist of this song has a bit of a competitive side. I sprinkled those elements throughout the song, and I was particularly particular about the opening line, "Just think of the small drops that fall as rain." He doesn't want to honestly admit that he's crying or that he feels like he's about to lose. But he holds it in. To the viewer, that appearance appears pitiful. I wanted to be able to put those parts into words.
-What about the lyric "With the clicking of heels"?
I imagined the sound of footsteps when the protagonist (of the song) looks forward once more, decides to "give it his best" and sets off. I thought that the first step you take when you think "Okay!" would be the clicking of your heels. I included it because I wanted to express the strength of that step.
--The lyrics and melody gave me the impression that it was a song you could rely on.
The main character stands up while somehow convincing himself of this, so the words "for now" in the chorus convey the feeling that even though nothing has been resolved, for now it's for now. I hope I was able to express that determination of "Okay, I have no choice but to do it."
-What kind of meaning is behind the title "Put Magic in Your Pocket"?
The worldview of this song depicts the emotional changes of feeling a little down, sad, and disheartened, but still looking forward just a little. I struggled for a long time with how to express this as a song and which phrase I should use as the title.
In the end, I took it from the lyrics, "Put your magic in my pocket, that it's okay." This phrase itself came to me at the last moment, and it became the title.
◇I felt a sense of accomplishment when I finished writing the first verse.
-When writing the theme song for the drama, was there anything in particular that you kept in mind?
There are depressing moments in the drama, but also happy times. There are various scenes, such as when she is with Souta (Amano Yuu) or when she is with her mother. I was conscious of how the song would fit into those scenes. The same words can take on different meanings depending on the scene. I wrote the song hoping that it would resonate in that way.
-Did you take into consideration the timing of the songs playing within the drama when creating the song?
I wrote the song with the idea that it would play at the end of the story, but I didn't know the exact timing. However, I wanted the lyrics to relate to what each character faces after overcoming hardship, and to link with the emotions that come after that.
--What was the moment you felt a sense of accomplishment while creating a song?
It was when I wrote the first verse. When I was able to express the feelings of the protagonist as he crouches down and his bravado, saying "I'm not crying," I felt like the song would just start moving.
--Do you usually start by creating the A-melody?
This time, I was able to work in order from the A-melody. After reading the script, the scenes came to mind, and it felt like things just started to move naturally from there.
What was your first inspiration when you started writing songs?
I often imagine what kind of scene a song should start from. As scenes and phrases overlapped, the character's image and the outline of the song gradually took shape. That's when I thought, "I think I can write this." The phrase "He's pretending to be strong and that everything will work out in the end" came to me pretty quickly. I feel like that's what determined the temperature of the song.
-What was the first scene that came to mind?
I imagined a person who is so exhausted they can't move and have to crouch down. I imagined the time before and after that. I pictured that person walking home with their head down. It felt like I started writing the song from the moment they crouched down.
--When you saw the actual broadcast, was there a moment when the song overlapped with the Mirai played by Shida?
I was very happy that it was played in the scene I had hoped it would be played in. In the first episode, I was conscious of where it would be played, but from the second episode onwards, I forgot about the song and was absorbed in the work. Regardless of the song, it touches me every time.
-How did Shida's acting overlap with the image of the future you imagined from the script?
I had a vision of the future in my mind when I read the script, but Shida's acting had a realism that made it seem like she was really there. Rather than acting, it seemed like she was naturally accepting the world. I thought that was amazing.
-Finally, please give a message to the viewers.
I believe that my encounter with the drama "Mirai no Musuko" allowed me to create the song "Put Magic in Your Pocket." I hope that people will enjoy this song along with the drama.
