It has been announced that the popular ska band Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra (Skapara) will be performing the theme song "Good Luck! My Friend feat. Tsuyoshi Muro & Sakana-kun" for the TV anime "Nezumi-kun's Vest," based on the popular picture book series "Nezumi-kun's Vest." Actor Tsuyoshi Muro will be on vocals, while talent Sakana-kun will be participating on voice and soprano saxophone. A music video featuring the song has also been released on YouTube, showcasing the voices of the characters played by Kenjiro Tsuda and Mamiko Noto.
"Mouse's Vest" is a picture book written by Nakae Yoshio and illustrated by Ueno Noriko. Its popular story is full of humor and warmth, featuring a small but kind-hearted mouse and his animal friends. The first book was published by Poplar Publishing in 1974, and the series will celebrate its 50th anniversary in 2024. By 2026, the 52nd year, 43 books have been published, making it a long-selling series with a total circulation of over 5 million copies in Japan and 16 million copies overseas.
This is the first time the series has been adapted into a TV anime, and it will be broadcast on NHK Educational TV every Saturday at 9:30 am starting April 4th. Tsuda and Noto will voice all the characters, including Nezumi-kun and Nemi-chan.
◇Comment from Atsushi Yanaka of "Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra"
I wrote the lyrics for "Mouse's Vest." This is a sudden digression, but because I was born and raised tall, I was often perceived as bossy and arrogant. On the other hand, I believe I've always tried to live up to everyone's expectations and to entertain those around me by acting on a grand scale that matches my appearance. In reality, I find happiness in thinking and acting modestly. In other words, despite my large build, I'm tiny and timid inside. Thinking about the differences in size between people while listening to "Mouse's Vest," I reflected on the differences in the way we feel from others, the sense of alienation caused by differences in our sense of speed, and the misunderstandings that arise from differences in how we perceive the world. I wrote the lyrics while imagining a world where we all live together, laughing about these things. No matter how small, I believe the greatest happiness is one that never hurts others and lasts forever. I hope you make lots of friends who understand this. Thank you for reading this long post. I hope you enjoy "Good Luck! My Friend."
◇Comment from Kinichi Mogi of "Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra"
"The Mouse's Vest" is a picture book with a history spanning over half a century. For its first television animation, we, the Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, have been chosen to perform the theme song. What an honor! To meet expectations, we thoroughly rehearsed and perfected "Good Luck! My Friend." We invited Tsuyoshi Muro and Sakana-kun to record the song, creating a lively atmosphere full of smiles. The horn arrangement and dynamic rhythm are truly Ska Paradise. Vocals are provided by Muro-san and myself, and Sakana-kun has a truly impressive presence! I believe it's a song that will excite and get everyone singing along. I hope that Nakae Yoshio, the program staff, and everyone who will encounter "The Mouse's Vest" in the future will enjoy it. Thank you so much for this wonderful opportunity. I truly look forward to the broadcast starting soon.
◇Comment from Tsuyoshi Muro
Would you like to sing the theme song for "Mouse's Vest?" Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra has said something again. No, they're saying it. I immediately replied, "Yes, let me do it."
How will the world of the picture book "Mouse's Vest" be portrayed on television, and how will the song reach everyone's ears? And the joy of having so many children watch it. Everyone, please look forward to it. Tsuyoshi Muro is happy!!!
◇ Comment from Sakana-kun
Celebrating the 50th anniversary of "Mouse's Vest" and the anime broadcast by NHK, and good luck! Heartfelt congratulations to Gyoza!! To Nakae Yoshio sensei and Ueno Noriko sensei, we would like to express our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude for the bountiful catch. Together with everyone at Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra and Gyo, Sakana-kun also transformed into Mouse and participated with his voice and soprano saxophone in the song "Good Luck"!! Let's Gyo Good Luck from all over Japan to the world!
