As graduation season approaches in Japan, RADWIMPS have unveiled a poignant music video for their 2018 track ‘Seikai’, capturing the essence of school memories and the bittersweet journey towards adulthood.
Originally penned for NHK’s ‘18Fes’ program, ‘Seikai’ has evolved into a cherished anthem for graduation ceremonies nationwide. Its enduring popularity prompted a re-recording, released on streaming platforms on February 22nd, and an upcoming physical CD release with choir sheet music on February 28th.
The song delves into the profound connections and experiences shared among classmates, underscoring the intricacies of relationships, communication, and self-discovery. Ultimately, it stresses the significance of introspection and self-understanding.
Directed by Yuzuba Kashiwabara, a rising filmmaker in their twenties, the music video portrays a recent graduate reminiscing about her school days during her final bus ride home, echoing the song’s lyrical narrative.
The choral accompaniment, featuring 300 teenagers primarily from school choir clubs, harks back to the song’s original rendition as part of NHK’s ’18Fes’, an annual collaboration that unites a chosen artist with 1000 eighteen-year-olds to craft a song on a specific theme. Past participants include YOASOBI, ONE OK ROCK, WANIMA, [Alexandros], among others.
RELATED: WATCH YOASOBI PERFORM LATEST SINGLE ‘HEART BEAT’ ALONGSIDE 1000 TEENS
In a statement by RADWIMPS frontman Yojiro Noda, he reflects on the creation of ‘Seikai’, emphasising its resonance in graduation ceremonies and the delight of revisiting the song.
“Singing together with everyone from the 18-year-old generation at that time, forming a collective mass, and expressing indescribable emotions through choir was a priceless experience. As time passed, and as the song was passed down from person to person, we heard many voices saying, “We sang it at graduation ceremonies”, bringing me immense joy in recreating this song.
I also heard from acquaintances who are teachers, “There are many versions of the ‘Seikai’ choir sheet music, and I’m unsure which to use for students”. I also heard stories that many music teachers at schools arranged the sheet music themselves. So this time, we are releasing the official recording version of ‘Seikai’ along with the official choir version + sheet music. We hope you will practice with this recording and sheet music and continue to sing it for a long time.”
RADWIMPS
Seikai
Release Date: 22/02/2024
Label: voque ting co.,ltd.
Stream: Spotify | Apple Music
Buy: CDJapan