Celebrating the 35th anniversary of Kyoko Hikawa's landmark fantasy manga, the television anime adaptation of Kanata Kara (From Far Away) is currently airing across TOKYO MX, ABC TV, and WOWOW with original author Hikawa supervising the screenplay directly. Stepping up to provide the series' signature opening theme is the seven-member dance vocal unit Genin wa Jibun ni Aru. (Genjibu), performing their brand-new single titled Tokoukou.
Operating under the EBiDAN collective alongside acts like Chotokkyu and M!LK, Genjibu recently proved their commercial momentum with a chart-topping million-seller and an arena showcase at Yoyogi National Gymnasium. In an official retrospective celebrating the single's release and broadcast launch, unit members Kohsaku Koizumi and Kaname Yoshizawa explored the vocal philosophy behind bridging 90s shojo nostalgia with contemporary pop cadence.
Bridging Fantasy and Modern Rhythm
Reflecting on their initial reaction upon receiving the franchise assignment, Koizumi pointed toward the natural convergence between their sound design and Hikawa's sweeping otherworld setting:
First and foremost, I am genuinely honored to participate in a story that has remained cherished across generations. 'Tokoukou' blends our signature delivery with a distinct nostalgic atmosphere, creating a sonic texture that aligns effortlessly with the universe of Kanata Kara.
Kohsaku Koizumi
Yoshizawa expanded on the track's lyrical weight, underlining the balance demanded during studio recording sessions:
I felt immense pride when our involvement was decided. My ambition was to enrich the ongoing story as much as possible through our performance. 'Tokoukou' possesses a refreshing drive while carrying firm, resolute lyricism. It captures strength nestled quietly within gentleness.
Kaname Yoshizawa
When discussing vocal choices, Koizumi highlighted the climactic phrasing of the chorus line, noting how delivering the phrase 'Connecting an epiphany with you, running through the edges of chaos' grounds the central dynamic between protagonists Noriko and Izark. For the closing moments of the track, direct vocal coaching guided him to clip the terminal phrasing rather than drawing it out, creating instant clearance for an echoing solo piano outro that sets a poignant mood for each episode's intro sequence.
