Ikuta Rira's "Hyakuka Ryoran,” with Ninagawa Mika
Ikuta Rira, known to many as the vocalist of YOASOBI, has released the highly anticipated music video for her solo track, "Hyakuka Ryoran," a song crafted as the opening theme for the second season of the anime "The Apothecary's Monologue." The video, now available on YouTube, is a visual feast, a collaboration with photographer and film director Ninagawa Mika, filmed entirely within her solo exhibition, "Ninigawa Mika Exhibition with EiM: Light of the Eigan, Shadow of the Eigan."
"Hyakuka Ryoran" itself is a vibrant pop tune, weaving the intricate dynamics of the anime's harem setting with the unfolding mysteries within. The music video, directed by Ninagawa, amplifies this narrative through her signature use of vivid colors and immersive environments. The exhibition space, transformed into a canvas for Ikuta's performance, features elaborate floral arrangements and crystal installations, creating a luxurious and surreal backdrop. Ninagawa's fusion of digital and analog techniques, seen throughout the exhibition, is seamlessly integrated into the video, resulting in a visually rich and dynamic experience.
The collaboration between Ikuta and Ninagawa extends beyond the music video, encompassing the song's distribution jacket and CD packaging. This artistic partnership underscores the interconnectedness of music and visual art, highlighting the power of cross-disciplinary collaboration.
Following the release of the music video, Ikuta Rira made her first television appearance performing "Hyakuka Ryoran" on Nippon Television's music program, "withMUSIC." This performance, a blend of anime opening footage and scenes from Ninagawa's exhibition, offered viewers a multi-layered experience, further bridging the gap between animation, music, and visual art.
The CD release of "Hyakuka Ryoran," scheduled for March 19th, will be available in three formats: a limited edition, a limited first edition, and a regular edition. The limited edition, packaged in a medicine shelf-style case, features a new illustration from "The Apothecary's Monologue." The first limited and regular editions showcase Ninagawa's photography, maintaining the visual aesthetic established in the music video.
The CD also includes a self-cover of "DREAMER," a song Ikuta wrote for "EIKO" in the drama "Paripi Kouming," adding a personal touch to the release. The first limited edition Blu-ray features Ikuta's first solo tour, "SKETCH," including collaborations with Sato Chiaki and the Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra Horn Section. This inclusion offers fans a comprehensive look at Ikuta's solo work, beyond her contributions to YOASOBI.
The release of "Hyakuka Ryoran" and its accompanying music video demonstrate Ikuta Rira's versatility as an artist. Her ability to navigate different musical styles and collaborate with visual artists like Ninagawa Mika highlights her commitment to artistic exploration. The fusion of anime, music, and visual art in this project creates a compelling narrative, appealing to a broad audience.
