Hitsujibungaku put a rock twist on Shaun the Sheep theme song in unexpected collaboration

Hitsujibungaku, one of Japan’s top alt-rock trios, have just released their unexpected collaboration with none other than British children’s TV icon, Shaun the Sheep.

The band, whose name translates to “Sheep Literature”, dropped a cover of the beloved Shaun the Sheep theme song titled ‘Shaun the Sheep (Life’s a Treat) [English Cover]’ on June 6th (which also happens to be Sheep Day (ひつじの日) in Japan). This cover infuses a refreshing twist into the familiar melody, presenting a relaxed and sweet rock rendition that diverges from the band’s typical dreamy, ethereal yet powerful atmosphere.

Crafted by illustrator Yu Fukagawa, the accompanying key visual features Shaun and the members of Hitsujibungaku.

Aardman Animations, England’s leading animation studio in stop-motion and claymation, creators of Shaun the Sheep, Wallace and Gromit, and Morph, shared their reaction to the cover’s release.

“We are very excited about the first collaboration between Shaun the Sheep and the Japanese rock band Hitsujibungaku! When we all heard the special cover of Shaun the Sheep’s theme song ‘Life’s a Treat’, cheers erupted throughout the studio. The cover by the three members of Hitsujibungaku is a very unique and fun arrangement of a well-known song, so we hope that fans around the world will enjoy it.”

Aardman Animations

“By combining the best parts of ‘Shaun the Sheep’ and our songs, we were able to create a very laid-back and cute rock song that has a different feel from the songs we usually play. Please enjoy listening to it.”

Hitsujibungaku

Additionally, fans in Japan can anticipate exclusive collaboration goods, which will be available for pre-sale at the ‘Shaun the Sheep Shop’, opening on June 26th on ZOZOTOWN, Japan’s largest online clothing store.

They also launched a special website to offer more collaboration details. This platform will be a hub for fans to explore and engage with exclusive content.

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About Hitsujibungaku

Hitsujibungaku, comprised of Moeka Shiotsuka (Vo.Gt.), Yurika Kasai (Ba.), and Hiroa Fukuda (Dr.), are an alternative rock band, renowned for their delicate yet powerful sound. They made their major debut on August 19th, 2020, under F.C.L.S. (Sony Music Labels). Their 2022 album, ‘our hope’, clinched the Blue Grand Prize at the 15th CD Shop Awards in 2023, an annual Japanese music award decided by CD shop employees. On December 6th, 2023, they dropped their 4th studio album, ‘12 hugs (like butterflies)’, featuring 12 tracks, including ‘more than words’, the globally acclaimed ending theme for season 2 of the TV anime ‘Jujutsu Kaisen’, recently hailed as the world’s most popular anime.

In April this year, tickets for their largest solo performance to date, ‘Hitsujibungaku LIVE 2024 “III”’, at Yokohama Arena, sold out within three minutes of release. Moreover, their sold-out first Asia tour in March signals a significant international expansion, with additional concerts slated from July in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and Hong Kong.

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