Anime Anime Global

The theme song of the Netflix Original Anime Series title, “Japan Sinks: 2020”, is set to be “a life”, a song written and composed by Onuki Taeko and Sakamoto Ryuichi.
Accompanying that, Director Yuasa Masaaki reveals a gem of an image from the opening that slightly differs from the rest of the show. We have also received comments from Onuki Taeko, Sakamoto Ryuichi, Director Yuasa Masaaki as well as Producer Zushi Kensuke.

“a life” is the debut song that was used to announce the release of “UTAU”, a joint album from Onuki Taeko and Sakamoto Ryuichi in 2010. The song is coined as 'timeless' for its lyrics that weave together a sense of a peaceful daily life and evokes memories, the soft and gentle singing, and its delicate yet strong piano melodies.

With “a life” echoing as “Japan Sinks: 2020″'s Opening, the images are drawn in a different style compared to the main show and appears in the form of watercolor, painted with a delicate touch. It shows the scenery from the beginning of the Budou family.

Director Yuasa Masaaki commented on “a life”, stating that it had “a feeling of transparency and daily life but was also a grounded and wonderful song”. He commented on the opening image as well, describing it to be “a bright contrast to the bleak and dark setting of the main movie, it evokes a sense of respect to the loss of daily routine that we see every day on bright and peaceful mornings. The morning light, soft futon, warm drinks, scenic nature, and close-ups of small animals. These are all drawn with a sense of transparency in white light, overlapping like fragmented memories with a soft touch.”

“Japan Sinks: 2020” is an anime that depicts a sudden loss of daily life, with characters thrust into a terrible reality. They slowly rise up to each obstacle, reviving hope. The timeless song “a life” vividly accompanies the story, giving viewers a sense of strength and guidance to carry on.

The Netflix Original Anime Series “Japan Sinks: 2020” is set to broadcast world-wide from 9 Jul. 2020 onward.

<Here are the comments below>
“Onuki Taeko (Lyrics & Song) – Thoughts on the theme song”
I believe that facing reality without blaming it on anyone, having the right attitude, and working on myself will help the “me” in the future. There is no change to my singing itself but, I want to live to the fullest with a brand new perspective and sing for people's sake moving onward.

“Sakamoto Ryuichi (Composer) – Thoughts on the theme song”
We understand how precious daily life is, that we often take for granted.

“Yuasa Masaaki (Director) – Regarding the theme song and the production of the opening image”
It was a wonderful song that was grounded, yet had a sense of transparency and a hint of daily life. The image is a bright contrast to the bleak and dark setting of the main movie, it evokes a sense of respect to the loss of daily routine that we see every day on bright and peaceful mornings. The morning light, soft futon, warm drinks, scenic nature, and close-ups of small animals. These are all drawn with a sense of transparency in white light, overlapping like fragmented memories with a soft touch.

“Zushi Kensuki (Producer) – Reason for picking the song”
“a life” had the same perspective that synchronized with “Japan Sinks: 2020″'s theme. It was a song that inspired limitless imagery when I listened to it. Director Yuasa's story depicts a forward-looking, strong group of people that stand in the face of adversary despite losing peaceful days, family and friends, and their country. Coupled with “a life”, a song featuring Sakamoto Ryuichi's beautiful composition and Onuki Taeko's clear voice that “inspires strength within the heart to overcome”, I hope that everyone will be able to enjoy this wonderful collaboration. I hope from the bottom of my heart that our world will become one full of kindness, overflowing with laughter, and smiles.

(C) ” JAPAN SINKS : 2020″Project Partners