On March 31, 2025, NHK's morning drama "Anpan" premiered, capturing the tumultuous life of Takashi Yanase and his wife, Shizuko Komatsu, the creators behind the beloved character "Anpanman." This drama, which is the 112th installment of the morning series, delves into the challenges faced by the couple during a war-torn era, leading to the birth of the iconic hero. However, the show has sparked controversy over its theme song, "Tadaimono," performed by the popular rock band RADWIMPS.
RADWIMPS, known for their chart-topping tracks in Makoto Shinkai's films such as "Your Name." and "Weathering with You," has garnered a broad fanbase across generations. Yet, reactions to "Tadaimono" have been mixed, with some viewers expressing discomfort and confusion regarding the song's fit with the show's narrative. Comments like, "I understand the desire to attract a new audience, but I think it was a failure," and, "The simplicity of Takashi Yanase's work doesn't mesh with the tightly packed, often incomprehensible style of RADWIMPS' Yojiro Noda," highlight the disconnect felt by some viewers.
The writer of a recent critique echoed these sentiments, stating that the collaboration felt mismatched. While acknowledging that RADWIMPS' music is not inherently poor, the writer noted that it simply does not align well with the essence of Yanase's storytelling. This raises the question of whether the unexpected pairing was an attempt to create a unique chemistry that ultimately fell flat.
At the heart of this discussion is the contrasting artistic expressions of Yanase and Noda. Yanase's work, epitomized by the uplifting and straightforward lyrics of "Anpanman March," conveys a clear message of selflessness and joy. The iconic line, "That's right, I'm happy, for everyone's sake," encapsulates a worldview where the individual exists for the benefit of others. In stark contrast, Noda's lyrical style often reflects a more introspective and conflicted perspective, as seen in phrases from songs like "Ai ni Dekiru Koto wa Mada Aru Kai," which question the nature of existence and hope amidst despair.
Another point of contention arises from RADWIMPS' past, which includes controversial lyrics and statements that some critics argue are incompatible with Yanase's ideals. For instance, their song "HINOMARU" faced backlash for its nationalistic undertones. While these criticisms are valid, they also highlight the broader issue of artistic freedom and the complexities of aligning different worldviews in a collaborative project.
As the drama unfolds, the question remains whether the theme song will find its place within the narrative. The initial impression is that the song creates a separation between the drama and its music, failing to serve as an effective introduction to the story. In a medium where the opening theme is meant to warm the audience up for the unfolding tale, "Tadaimono" leaves viewers puzzled as the story begins.
Despite these challenges, the anticipation surrounding "Anpan" continues to grow. The drama's first episode introduces viewers to the main characters, with Nobu, played by Miku Aizawa, welcoming her father, Yutaro, played by Ryo Kase, at the station. The story is set in the early Showa period in Kochi Prefecture, where the couple's journey of love and courage amidst adversity will be depicted.
RADWIMPS is also celebrating a significant milestone this year, marking their 20th anniversary since their major debut in 2005 with the single "Nijugo-ko me no Senshokutai." In honor of this anniversary, they have launched various initiatives, including the release of their existing albums in spatial audio on Apple Music and the unveiling of a new visual identity. Furthermore, they are set to release five analog records over the next five months, showcasing their evolution as artists.
On the same day as the premiere of "Anpan," RADWIMPS released two new songs: "Tadaimono" for the drama and "Unmei" as the new theme for "news zero," a program on Nippon Television Network. "Tadaimono" has been described as a colorful pop song that intricately weaves the fundamental question of "What is it to live?" with innovative musical elements. The song features a vibrant arrangement, opening with lush strings, sharp guitars, and a funky bass line, creating a lively atmosphere.
As listeners engage with the song, they are taken on a journey that defies expectations, incorporating rap sections and expansive melodies that reflect the unpredictability of life itself. Noda's lyrics, such as "Even though I don't need tears, my life is strangely connected to them," resonate with the themes of the drama, which explores the challenges of existence and the pursuit of happiness.
Despite its deviation from the traditional sound of morning drama theme songs, the bold experimentation in "Tadaimono" may ultimately serve as a strength, inviting viewers to reflect on life's complexities as they follow the characters' journey. The ongoing narrative will determine whether the theme song can seamlessly integrate into the story's fabric.
As the audience awaits further developments in both the drama and the reception of RADWIMPS' music, the collaboration between these two creative forces will be closely watched. Will "Tadaimono" evolve to fit the unfolding story, or will it remain an outlier in the context of "Anpan"? Only time will tell as viewers immerse themselves in this tale of love, courage, and the pursuit of happiness.
