Nao Matsushita, renowned Japanese actress and television host, revealed exciting news on her social media on March 20, 2025. She announced that she has collaborated with the popular music duo Ikimonogakari to produce a new theme song for her program, ‘Asada! Nama Desu Tabi Sarada,’ which airs on ABC TV and TV Asahi. The song, titled ‘Harukae Ikuyo meets Nao Matsushita,’ not only showcases her talent in piano performance but also aims to capture the spirit of travel and life's journey.
In her post, Matsushita expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “Today it was announced that the new theme song for the program I host, ‘Asada! Nama Desu Tabi Sarada,’ was decided to be the new song written by Ikimonogakari titled ‘Harukae Ikuyo meets Nao Matsushita.’” With a career as a seasoned actress on esteemed programs, her confirmation of this collaboration sparked delight among fans who eagerly await the new track.
The show, known for its travel-based content, is preparing for a refresh as it transitions to a new host. Starting on April 5, 2025, actor Nao Fujiki will take over from longtime host Masahiko Kamida, who held the role for 27 years until September 2024. This substantial change indicates a new direction for the program, alongside the rich musical tapestry that Matsushita promises to deliver.
The theme song’s exhilarating feel is crafted to not only stir the desire to travel but also inspire those taking significant next steps in their lives. Matsushita poured her heart into the song, infusing it with the message of courage in facing new adventures. “With this new song, I often felt the thrill of travel and the vast journey of life. It encourages us to face the future without fear!” she explained in her social media post.
This collaborative effort has been met with excitement both from industry professionals and the public, with numerous fans expressing their anticipation online. Comments flooded in saying things like “Congratulations!” and “I’m delighted to hear about this collaboration with Ikimonogakari, I can’t wait to hear the new song!” Others shared sentiments like “It feels like a dream come true” and “I want to listen to the new track ASAP!” indicating a palpable buzz surrounding the release.
Ikimonogakari members, vocalist Yoshikawa Keiko and guitarist Mizuno Yoshiki, commented positively on their collaboration with Matsushita. They stated their honor in being able to contribute to a program that has brought joy to many travelers. “We hope that our song feels like a pleasant breeze that softly caresses the cheek at the moment of departure,” they noted, capturing the essence of their sonic offering. Furthermore, they expressed gratitude towards Matsushita for delivering many musical experiences together over the years, adding depth to their partnership. “We are thrilled to finally perform together,” they shared, indicating their excitement to work with her talent.
As the new season of ‘Asada! Nama Desu Tabi Sarada’ kicks off this April, viewers can look forward to not just a fresh face in the hosting seat but also the renewed energy brought by this new theme song. Matsushita’s piano performance is expected to enrich the viewing experience for fans and enthusiasts of travel alike. The show aims at encouraging not only travel enthusiasts but also those ready to embark on new journeys in their lives. In a world that’s constantly evolving, the production team hopes this song will add a positive atmosphere to the show and brighten the moments shared with viewers.
In looking ahead, Matsushita expressed her eagerness to share her musical talent through the program, excited about delivering ‘Harukae Ikuyo’ every week to accompany viewers on their adventures. Overall, the collaboration reflects a joyful milestone for both Ikimonogakari and Matsushita, as they combine music with a heartwarming narrative of exploration and discovery. The feelings shared between Matsushita and Ikimonogakari promise to elevate the show to new heights.
As the broadcast date swiftly approaches, fans remain vigilant, counting down to April 5. This renewed theme song could very well become an anthem for viewers, capturing the essence of adventure and the hope that comes with new beginnings. With such enthusiasm from the audience and the undeniable talent of Matsushita and Ikimonogakari, the collaboration has all the appearances of being the highlight of television this spring.
