Message from Kaze Manager - Zuzu (2024/Mar/31)
How “Michi Teyu Ku” is born
It took some time for KAZE to produce this song (after the discussion for this offer). After discussing this offer (for the film’s theme song), it took some time until Kaze presented the piano demo. Initially, KAZE couldn't write the song at home, but after trying in a church, it seemed there was some progress.
Once the piano demo was completed, it was immediately presented to Mr. KAWAMURA (the original author of the film's novel) and the film production team. After numerous discussions, the pure piano version of “Michi Teyu Ku” was completed.
During these discussions, Mr. KAWAMURA proposed to add a bridge part (like the “開け放つ胸の光〜”) . After, we proceeded with the arrangement and recording work.
Since the release of the single “Grace” in October 2022, it had been a while since we invited Mr. YAFFLE (the song's producer) to work on a song.
Mr. YAFFLE originally suggested that, “It would be better not to use string instruments for this song.” KAZE also wanted to incorporate gospel-like harmonies in the music arrangement. With mutual agreement, the song arrangement and recording went smoothly.
Together with Mr. KOMORI (the mixing engineer) who handle the mixing and Mr. YAMAZAKI (the mastering engineer) who handle the song mastering, the song’s quality was further enhanced. Eventually, the “Michi Teyu Ku” was completed before Christmas.
After the song completion, we began to think about the MV and single cover.
Since the release of the “Seishun Sick” MV in December 2020, it had been a while since we invited Mr. TOMO (the movie director).
When filming for the movie 'She Will Come in April' began, Mr. TOMO had discussed the offer for the theme song with us. When the film was completed, he wrote us a letter saying, 'Even after two years, my feelings haven't changed.' (NB: it showed how Mr. TOMO wanted KAZE’s song be part of the film.)
After delivering the completed version of 'Michi Teyu Ku' in late December and finishing the work of matching the theme song with the film footage, Mr. TOMO expressed his gratitude with tears. It was his first time directing a feature film, and I believe a lot of emotions surged from his heart. We were all very moved, and everyone on the KAZE team was thrilled to be part of that emotional moment.
For this reason, we believe there is no better choice than Mr Tomo to direct the MV.
KAZE proposed that in this MV, instead of playing "Fujii Kaze" (himself), he would act a character in a story. KAZE initially imagined a love story for his first written love song. In contrast, Mr. TOMO envisioned a story about a relationship with mother. 👩🏻
The storyline provided by Mr. TOMO changed many times (from the very begining he had detailed everything from character names, settings, and even backgrounds). For example, the main character's name is called Joe (ジョウ), and his mother's name is "Satoko." To make it easier for KAZE as an actor, a script with dialogues was also prepared. However, once filming began, KAZE immediately improvised and abandoned the script. 😙
In contrast to Kaze’s first romantic ballad, the MV for "Michi Teyu Ku" portrays a love for the mother.
KAZE played the main character at ages 25, 60, and 80, and for the first time, he challenged himself with special effects makeup.
Playing the 10-year-old version of the character was not feasible, so we invited the adorable child actor AKIRA, who lives in New York, to play the role. 🧒🏻
After finalizing the storyline, the urgent task was creating a mask for 80-year-old man. The special makeup team, consisting of Mr. Matsuoka, Mr. Momose, and hair and makeup artist Mr. Yayoi, together to create the various age versions of KAZE.
The MV team was led by TOMO, SANO, and production manager Mr. Masuda. We also had the same dynamic duo from the "Seishun Sick" MV, with Mr. Hyo-go as the cinematographer and Mr. Iwabuchi as the lighting specialist.
Costume design was handled by Oyamada in Japan and Nakanishi in New York. 🇺🇸
Local producer Yuma efficiently managed everything, ensure the overseas MV shooting went smoothly, despite different conditions and regulations compared to Japan. Yuma took great care of the local staff and extras, ensuring four days of safe and smooth shooting. Personally, I thought the bento boxes were delicious! 🤤
The key character in this story, the mother, was played by Mariko Takahashi.
The shooting schedule for the "Seishun sick" MV by Tomo was a bit intense. This time, we were mentally prepared, but after finishing on the third day, we returned to the hotel just past midnight. That's when the enthusiastic update from Tomo came, suggested to film a scene with the young Kaze running towards the morning sun. 🌞 🏃🏼
This led to a 5:30 a.m. gathering in the hotel lobby on the last day. Embracing the same energy and enthusiasm, all of KAZE and the staff worked together to film the final spectacular shot.
This is only a translated passage. If there are anything that need to be corrected, please feel free to let me know.
All rights and reserves are granted to KAZE n team. Thx 🙏🏻
