Anime & Movies
07/28/2023
KANA-BOON's Journey with NARUTO, Starting from "Silhouette", and What They Hoped to Convey in Their Lyrics (Part 2)
The four-man rock band KANA-BOON has contributed many songs to the NARUTO series, beginning with "Silhouette", an opening theme from NARUTO: Shippuden.
All four members (Maguro Taniguchi, Hayato Koga, Takahiro Koizumi, and Masami Endou) are huge fans of NARUTO, and one of their goals from before they became famous was to write an anime opening for the show. How was their passion for the series reflected in the songs they wrote for it? In this interview, we spoke about the band's journey with NARUTO over the last seven years. (Part 2 of 2)
All four members (Maguro Taniguchi, Hayato Koga, Takahiro Koizumi, and Masami Endou) are huge fans of NARUTO, and one of their goals from before they became famous was to write an anime opening for the show. How was their passion for the series reflected in the songs they wrote for it? In this interview, we spoke about the band's journey with NARUTO over the last seven years. (Part 2 of 2)
"Silhouette", a Masterpiece Each Member Poured Their All Into
—The first time KANA-BOON worked on a song for NARUTO was in 2014, when you composed "Silhouette", an opening theme for the NARUTO: Shippuden anime. How did you feel when it was decided you'd be creating a song for NARUTO?
Maguro Taniguchi (hereafter, Maguro): Actually, before we debuted, someone at the record company asked me, "What is it you want to achieve with KANA-BOON?" and I responded, "I want to do an opening theme for the NARUTO anime." When I heard that we'd actually get the chance to do that I was so, so grateful. A lot of great things have happened since our debut, but that was the one that made me the happiest.
—Why a NARUTO song in particular?
Maguro: Back in the day when it came to anime theme songs, so-called "anisongs" were the standard, and it was rare for a rock band to perform them. But after ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION sang an opening for NARUTO that started changing, creating a chance for a lot of junior high and high school students to get introduced to rock bands through anime. We really wanted to join in on that and get our name out there too.
Takahiro Koizumi (hereafter, Takahiro): We were blown away by the ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION theme when it came out, so standing on the opposite side of that equation brought a lot of pressure as well as happiness. Fortunately, the further into recording we got, the more fun it became. What kind of visuals would there be? How would our song synergize with the animation? Even just thinking about it was exciting.
Hayato Koga (hereafter, Hayato): At the time, we didn't even discuss how we wanted the song to be, we just got together in the studio and started playing, and it naturally took shape from there. We're all fans of NARUTO so there was just this sense that we'd all be giving it 100%. Even at the beginning stages I was convinced it was going to be an amazing song.
—I'd also like to ask about the lyrics of "Silhouette". In particular, one line that really stuck out to me was "I've got to hold the things I cherish close even as I grow up". It really fits together with Naruto and how he pursues and then achieves his dream of becoming Hokage.
—Why a NARUTO song in particular?
Maguro: Back in the day when it came to anime theme songs, so-called "anisongs" were the standard, and it was rare for a rock band to perform them. But after ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION sang an opening for NARUTO that started changing, creating a chance for a lot of junior high and high school students to get introduced to rock bands through anime. We really wanted to join in on that and get our name out there too.
Takahiro Koizumi (hereafter, Takahiro): We were blown away by the ASIAN KUNG-FU GENERATION theme when it came out, so standing on the opposite side of that equation brought a lot of pressure as well as happiness. Fortunately, the further into recording we got, the more fun it became. What kind of visuals would there be? How would our song synergize with the animation? Even just thinking about it was exciting.
Hayato Koga (hereafter, Hayato): At the time, we didn't even discuss how we wanted the song to be, we just got together in the studio and started playing, and it naturally took shape from there. We're all fans of NARUTO so there was just this sense that we'd all be giving it 100%. Even at the beginning stages I was convinced it was going to be an amazing song.
—I'd also like to ask about the lyrics of "Silhouette". In particular, one line that really stuck out to me was "I've got to hold the things I cherish close even as I grow up". It really fits together with Naruto and how he pursues and then achieves his dream of becoming Hokage.
Maguro: To be honest, I didn't write the lyrics specifically to fit the story. I figured that since we've been enjoying anime and manga ever since we were kids, if we just did our best to put our feelings into the lyrics, they'd line up with the world of NARUTO.
The phrase "I've got to hold the things I cherish close even as I grow up" was something that we were feeling strongly at the time. What we wanted to cherish was our teacher from before we made our big debut, back when we were still doing shows in small concert venues, as well as our first fans who showed up to see us there, before anyone knew who we were. Those are the people I was thinking of when I was writing the lyrics.
—Even after making it big, you're still treasuring the people who first took notice of you.
Maguro: That's right. When we first got our own solo concert at Osaka's BIGCAT venue, the fans who had been with us from the start were right up there in the front row. Seeing something like that, it's an incredible feeling. I don't think I'll ever forget that moment, and it really gives me the motivation to make KANA-BOON a success, for their sake. That's where the inspiration for "Silhouette" came from. I think it's something on a similar level as Naruto's feelings for his friends and his dream of becoming Hokage.
The phrase "I've got to hold the things I cherish close even as I grow up" was something that we were feeling strongly at the time. What we wanted to cherish was our teacher from before we made our big debut, back when we were still doing shows in small concert venues, as well as our first fans who showed up to see us there, before anyone knew who we were. Those are the people I was thinking of when I was writing the lyrics.
—Even after making it big, you're still treasuring the people who first took notice of you.
Maguro: That's right. When we first got our own solo concert at Osaka's BIGCAT venue, the fans who had been with us from the start were right up there in the front row. Seeing something like that, it's an incredible feeling. I don't think I'll ever forget that moment, and it really gives me the motivation to make KANA-BOON a success, for their sake. That's where the inspiration for "Silhouette" came from. I think it's something on a similar level as Naruto's feelings for his friends and his dream of becoming Hokage.
The "Baton Road" Between NARUTO and BORUTO
—In 2015, the year after "Silhouette" released, you performed the theme song "Diver" for BORUTO: NARUTO THE MOVIE, and then in 2017 you also released "Baton Road", an opening theme for the BORUTO: Naruto Next Generations anime. What were your thoughts while creating music for the story of Naruto's legacy being passed down to Boruto?
Maguro: Well, first off, this is where Naruto's story ends and Boruto's begins. The lyrics of "Diver" include a line about "bearing fruit", which can also be taken to mean "connecting the past to the future". Naruto and Boruto are very different people, but I'd like to see Boruto grow and surpass his father someday. Those are the sort of things I was thinking.
Maguro: Well, first off, this is where Naruto's story ends and Boruto's begins. The lyrics of "Diver" include a line about "bearing fruit", which can also be taken to mean "connecting the past to the future". Naruto and Boruto are very different people, but I'd like to see Boruto grow and surpass his father someday. Those are the sort of things I was thinking.
—I certainly do get the feeling that the lyrics of "Diver" are cheering Boruto on. On the other hand, "Baton Road" is more like an acknowledgement that Boruto has taken the baton passed by Naruto, as well as a message to any bands looking to follow in KANA-BOON's footsteps. As an example, the lines "Ideals, thoughts, you mustn't let go of the things aligned with the course you've chosen" and "The day will come, that you'll laugh off, that night that broke you" seem to be based on your own experiences. Is that the case?
Maguro: When we were actually writing "Baton Road" there weren't really any artists around yet who had been influenced by KANA-BOON, but recently at festivals we've started meeting kids who say "I listened to you in high school" or "I did a cover of one of your songs". There's something really surreal about hearing that.
So over time, as there are more and more bands for us to pass the baton to, I think the meaning of those lyrics will grow deeper. Not that I have any intention of passing the baton just yet (laughs). Mind you, even if we don't hand it over, we can lend it out for a bit every now and then, and I think as the chances to do that increase, "Baton Road" will come to have a new meaning.
—So what you're saying is, even though the song is the same, the feelings you have while singing it will continue to change, from back when you wrote it, to now, to 10 years in the future?
Maguro: That's right. For example, that line we talked about earlier from "Silhouette", "I've got to hold the things I cherish close even as I grow up", nowadays feels like a question from my past self. Something like "Are you still able to sing this with pride?"
So over time, as there are more and more bands for us to pass the baton to, I think the meaning of those lyrics will grow deeper. Not that I have any intention of passing the baton just yet (laughs). Mind you, even if we don't hand it over, we can lend it out for a bit every now and then, and I think as the chances to do that increase, "Baton Road" will come to have a new meaning.
—So what you're saying is, even though the song is the same, the feelings you have while singing it will continue to change, from back when you wrote it, to now, to 10 years in the future?
Maguro: That's right. For example, that line we talked about earlier from "Silhouette", "I've got to hold the things I cherish close even as I grow up", nowadays feels like a question from my past self. Something like "Are you still able to sing this with pride?"
—That line made a reappearance in "Kirarirari" (an opening theme for the BORUTO: Naruto Next Generations anime) as "I've held the things I cherish close even as I grew up". In "Silhouette" it seemed to be a declaration of intent, but in "Kirarirari" seven years later it's stated like an accomplishment. Seems like KANA-BOON has been able to follow through on that, just like Naruto achieved his dream of becoming Hokage.
Maguro: I think that because we stayed true to the feelings we put in "Silhouette" and sang it so proudly all these years, we were able to put that "I did it" style of line in "Kirarirari".
That we were able to connect "Silhouette" and "Kirarirari" was thanks to everyone involved with this series. Masashi Kishimoto goes without saying, but also the production staff for the anime who draw every line of every frame one by one. "Kirarirari" was also made with the intent to express our gratitude for that.
That we were able to connect "Silhouette" and "Kirarirari" was thanks to everyone involved with this series. Masashi Kishimoto goes without saying, but also the production staff for the anime who draw every line of every frame one by one. "Kirarirari" was also made with the intent to express our gratitude for that.
Traveling the World with NARUTO
—The last thing I'd like to ask you all is, have your thoughts on NARUTO changed compared to before you were involved in it yourselves?
Masami Endou: I joined KANA-BOON in 2020, so when it comes to "Silhouette" and NARUTO, I didn't really experience that connection in real time the way the members who were involved in it did. Even so, whenever we perform "Silhouette", "Diver", or "Baton Road" live everyone gets so hyped up, and I can really tell they're special songs. It always reminds me of how great NARUTO is.
Takahiro: I've been a huge fan of NARUTO ever since elementary school, but getting involved in it this way has made it an even bigger part of my life. It feels to me like we've been growing as a band at the same time as Naruto has been growing in the story, which makes it feel like we're walking side-by-side. When I watch scenes from the anime now, I can still clearly remember what we were thinking at the time. I think the series has become an integral part of KANA-BOON's history.
—Hayato, Maguro, how about you?
Masami Endou: I joined KANA-BOON in 2020, so when it comes to "Silhouette" and NARUTO, I didn't really experience that connection in real time the way the members who were involved in it did. Even so, whenever we perform "Silhouette", "Diver", or "Baton Road" live everyone gets so hyped up, and I can really tell they're special songs. It always reminds me of how great NARUTO is.
Takahiro: I've been a huge fan of NARUTO ever since elementary school, but getting involved in it this way has made it an even bigger part of my life. It feels to me like we've been growing as a band at the same time as Naruto has been growing in the story, which makes it feel like we're walking side-by-side. When I watch scenes from the anime now, I can still clearly remember what we were thinking at the time. I think the series has become an integral part of KANA-BOON's history.
—Hayato, Maguro, how about you?
Hayato: I've always admired NARUTO, but as we've deepened our relationship with the series, it's started to feel more like having a dear friend who's always beside me. That's how special it's become.
Plus, since "Silhouette" came out, there's been a huge influx of people who learned about KANA-BOON through NARUTO. Some of those people go on to become fans, and there are also people out there who are doing covers of "Silhouette" and "Baton Road". I'm really grateful to NARUTO for allowing us to make all those new connections.
Maguro: Like Hayato said, NARUTO has really been huge for us. For example, there are kids who learned about us by watching anime in elementary school, and came to our concerts when they got older. Isn't that amazing?
Plus, since "Silhouette" came out, there's been a huge influx of people who learned about KANA-BOON through NARUTO. Some of those people go on to become fans, and there are also people out there who are doing covers of "Silhouette" and "Baton Road". I'm really grateful to NARUTO for allowing us to make all those new connections.
Maguro: Like Hayato said, NARUTO has really been huge for us. For example, there are kids who learned about us by watching anime in elementary school, and came to our concerts when they got older. Isn't that amazing?
It's had a lot of influence overseas, too. We recently did a concert in Saudi Arabia, and though we don't speak the language at all, when we played "Silhouette" the crowd was going wild. I doubt we would have ever been able to do overseas concerts if not for NARUTO, so that in and of itself is something we've gotten from the series.
Recently, whenever we go on tour in Japan or overseas, it feels like Naruto and Boruto are touring with us. I want to keep going to new places and meeting new people with them. In a sense, you could call NARUTO one of the fundamental forces that keeps our band going.
Recently, whenever we go on tour in Japan or overseas, it feels like Naruto and Boruto are touring with us. I want to keep going to new places and meeting new people with them. In a sense, you could call NARUTO one of the fundamental forces that keeps our band going.
Interview/Compilation: Noriyuki Enami (Yajirobe)
Photography: Nanako Ono
Photography: Nanako Ono
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