The single “Stand By Me” by virtual singer-songwriter KAIKA was released on November 20th (Wednesday).
KAIKA, the alter ego of virtual singer KAF, released her new single “Stand By Me” on November 20. The song continues to explore her personal experiences, including the early impulses she felt in childhood and the emotions of a young person transitioning into adulthood after moving to Tokyo. “Stand By Me” is her fourth single, following “Higurashi no Uta” released in September. KAIKA wrote the lyrics and composed the track, while Sousuke Oikawa handled the arrangement. The jacket design was created by art director Kouki Ito, with photography by Yusuke Kusaba.
The music video for “Stand By Me” premiered on YouTube at 7 PM. Directed by Yuki Yamato, who also worked on KAIKA’s previous videos for “Tenko-sei” and “Higurashi no Uta,” the video adds a cinematic touch to the release. Alongside the music video, comments from both KAIKA and Yamato were shared upon the song’s release.
KAIKA’s Comment
“Stand By Me”
Following “Tenko-sei” and “Higurashi no Uta,” we had Yuki Yamato direct the music video again.
Each of the choices we make every day, as we breathe, feels so vibrant, fun, and dazzling, with no time to dwell on what we might forget. It’s a moment where you feel like you can go anywhere, be anything, and do anything. Yet, with each step, there’s this strange sense of losing something.
I think it’s natural to occasionally remember the feelings behind the choices we’ve made, or even regret them.
As the song portrays the different forms and expressions of a girl, I felt compelled to shout “Stand by me!” together with it as it moves through time.
The phrase “Stand by me” appears several times in the song. In the first verse, multiple timelines intertwine; in the second, there’s an image of a girl’s emotions tied to bubbles; and in the outro, it almost feels like the protagonist’s emotions are being squeezed out from deep within her heart.
It felt as though the meaning and expression of the words I sang were expanded. Especially in the part where I sing, “I don’t want to grow up,” it felt like someone else was singing along with me, even though it was my own voice. That was a strange feeling…
I’m so happy to have such a wonderful music video created, which paid attention to every detail in the lyrics and the way I sing. Thank you so much!
Director Yuki Yamato’s Comment
There was a feeling that if I spoke it aloud, it might disappear, or that the sensitivity behind it might shatter if I put it into words. With those feelings at stake, I took on the role of director to protect KAIKA’s performance, which was entrusted to the song. But throughout the autumn spent working on this project, I felt completely immersed in KAIKA’s music, as though I was being sheltered by it. The production period felt like being surrounded by the song, almost like a child.
When I met KAIKA recently, I mentioned that the protagonists of this trilogy are those who are reborn, living as though they have been given a new life. It felt as though KAF had been reborn as KAIKA.
I am deeply grateful to the courageous actors who embraced “Towards the Rain,” and to the staff who gave their hearts and bodies to the work. Without meeting these incredible people, I truly believe the beautiful scenes we created wouldn’t have existed.
As the trilogy I’ve created with KAIKA—”Tenko-sei,” “Higurashi no Uta,” and “Stand By Me”—reaches its end, I am filled with gratitude for the irreplaceable moments we’ve shared. No matter the form or persona, I want to continue living, step by step, so that I may encounter the voice of that soul. KAIKA, thank you for being born! This trilogy was also a celebration of the moment KAIKA first cried out. Truly, truly.
