A 7-inch record featuring remakes of Narumi Yasuda’s “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” and “Gin-iro no Harmonica” will be released on July 31 (Wednesday).
“Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” was Narumi Yasuda’s debut single released as the theme song for the 1984 film of the same name directed by Hayao Miyazaki, while “Gin-iro no Harmonica” was her 4th single released in the same year. Both songs were written by Takashi Matsumoto with music composed by Haruomi Hosono.
Included on the 7-inch record this time are the remakes “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (2024 ver.),” and “Gin-iro no Harmonica (2024 ver.),” produced under Haruomi Hosono’s direction to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the theatrical release of the film “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.” Since their digital release in January 2024, they have received high praise worldwide and there has been a strong demand for their release on analog format.
On the occasion of the release, a comment from Haruomi Hosono has also arrived.
In the summer of 2023, I received a request from Narumi Yasuda to take on the challenge of revisiting “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.” The fact that this single was released in 1984, marking its exact 40th anniversary this year, I believe, deeply motivated Narumi Yasuda. Even now, at 17 years old, Narumi remains unchanged, embodying the essence of that time, while also being a mother who has nurtured and protected her family. When you listen to her singing voice, it evokes a strange sensation where maternal and girlish qualities overlap.
Nevertheless, re-recording these two songs became a significant endeavor for me, akin to the challenge I faced several years ago when I re-recorded my debut album “Hosono House.” I had never been so immersed in exploring how to express the music of the 1980s in today’s era. I repeatedly mixed and refined, polishing them endlessly (to the point where I felt a hint of madness within myself). However, I reassessed this as part of my artisan spirit, and finally, the day came when I accomplished it. The result is here now.
Currently, what remains is not just the sound but also a question: “Why do people hurt each other?” I believe this is the letter that “Narumi Yasuda” delivers across time.
Haruomi Hosono
“Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind (2024 ver.)” / “Gin-iro no Harmonica (2024 ver.)” 7-inch vinyl record
Artist: Narumi Yasuda
Release Date: 2024.07.31 (Wed.)
Retail price: 2200 yen (including tax) / 2000 yen (excluding tax)
A-side Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (2024 ver.)
Narumi Yasuda / Vocal
Haruomi Hosono / Sound design & Keyboards
Ikuko Harada / Arrangement idea & Chorus
Mami Kakudo / Arrangement idea & Acoustic Guitar,Flute
B-side Gin-iro no Harmonica (2024 ver.)
Narumi Yasuda / Vocal
Haruomi Hosono / Sound design & All Instruments
[Credit]
Words and Music by MaTsuMoTo,takashi (Takashi Matsumoto) – HoSoNo,haruomi (Haruomi Hosono) 1984
Recorded & Mixed by HoSoNo,haruomi(Haruomi Hosono)
Vocal engineering : HaRaGuChi,hiroshi (Hiroshi Haraguchi)
Recorded @daisy bell studio, Tokyo, Nov. 2023
Oriiginaly Orchestration : HaGiTa, mitsuo(Mitsuo Hagita) 1984
Artwork by :KiNaShi ginji
Photo by :SuGiTa yuichi
Label: KAKUBARHYTHM / medium
