ONE OK ROCK’s New Song Embodies Spirit Of Japanese Drama "御上先生"
Japanese rock band ONE OK ROCK has unveiled their latest track "Puppets Can't Control You" as the theme song for the new Sunday drama "御上先生" (Mikami Sensei), which premiered on January 19, 2025. The song debuted during the show’s first episode, and has rapidly gained traction among fans for its powerful and dynamic sound.
Starring the acclaimed actor 松坂桃李 (Tori Matsuzaka), "御上先生" dives deep inside the educational system, tackling the pressing theme of societal inequities. The collaboration between ONE OK ROCK and the drama was celebrated, with viewers immediately taking to social media to express their admiration. Chat forums buzzed with comments like, "It's ONE OK ROCK!", "Too luxurious!", and "So incredibly cool!" after the song’s initial playback.
The song not only serves as the drama's backdrop but strongly resonates with its central topic of social injustice and the frustrations many youth feel about contemporary society. Vocalist Taka of ONE OK ROCK commented on the song, stating, "This track is filled with the producer’s passionate wishes, and we hope it serves as an ignition from within the world of propaganda to deliver our message alongside the drama’s story." He also emphasized the hope for listeners to reconsider what is right and wrong through engaging with both the show and the music.
Produced by 飯田和孝 (Kazutaka Iida), who has successfully produced several hit dramas like "ドラゴン桜" (Dragon Zakura), he shared how his inspiration to create "御上先生" stemmed from witnessing the energy and emotions of youth during the COVID-19 pandemic. He recalls being deeply moved watching the performance of ONE OK ROCK’s previous track "We Are" at the "18祭" event, which filled him with the passion to convey similar energy and messages through this new drama.
During the premiere episode of "御上先生", the protagonist,御上孝 (Mikami Takashi), played by Matsuzaka, is depicted as a Harvard-educated elite bureaucrat from the Ministry of Education who takes on the challenge of educating students within the Japanese private sector. This tight-knit plot serves as a backdrop for exploring pressing contemporary social issues, with the characters facing their own struggles against established authority.
Notably, director 宮崎陽平 (Yohei Miyazaki) revealed on X (formerly Twitter) about the clever inclusion of ONE OK ROCK merchandise attached to one of the student characters’ bags, hinting at the band’s presence before the actual release of their song. Such creative decisions have delighted fans, enhancing the viewing experience by making connections to the music even before the episode aired.
The central theme of "Puppets Can't Control You" mirrors the essence of the show, channeling feelings of frustration, anger, and introspection among today’s youth. Taka has expressed hope for the track to urge listeners to reflect on their feelings and reactions authentically. He remarked, "I hope this will be a great opportunity for people to reassess what is right and what is wrong by experiencing this drama and listening to the song."
With the initial buzz surrounding the drama and its theme song, fans are eagerly awaiting the next episode, where the story is expected to develop even more intensely, digging deep to reveal the layers of both the characters and the societal issues they tackle.
Not only does ONE OK ROCK continue to lead discussions within the rock scene globally, with successful tours around North America and Asia, but they also seek to inspire listeners through their music and lyrics. The anticipation is high for their next album, "DETOX", set to release on February 21, 2025, which will include "Puppets Can't Control You" alongside several other promising tracks.
Overall, the collaboration between ONE OK ROCK and “御上先生” shines as both artists push forward their messages about the importance of self-expression and remaining true to oneself amid societal pressures. The band’s fans are excited to see how the song deepens the audience’s connection to the drama and its impactful narrative as the series progresses.