Kenshi Yonezu’s Powerful Songs Leave Tora ni Tsubasa Viewers Spellbound

On September 27, the NHK morning drama Tora ni Tsubasa (Tiger and Wings) aired its final episode. Even after the broadcast ended, viewers have continued to engage in lively discussions about the show, and as the days go by, the voices expressing “Tora Tsuba loss” are increasing.

Why is Tora ni Tsubasa (Tiger and Wings) so beloved by viewers?

 It is too late to say this, but this drama depicts the life of Yoshiko Mibuchi, Japan’s first female lawyer, who later served as a judge.

However, it is not just a story of a woman’s rise to the top of the closed legal profession. The atomic bomb trial, the unconstitutional ruling against the killing of a nobleman, and other themes that have not been touched upon in previous morning dramas. It also sheds light on today’s themes such as sexual minorities and married couples’ surnames.

The drama that connects thoughts for 100 years to come.

The story’s development, which lacked any sacred boundaries, also drew attention. Furthermore, the theme song “Sayōnara Mata Itsuka!” by popular artist Kenshi Yonezu played a significant role in increasing “Tora Tsuba” fans.

“Yonezu mentioned the theme song, ‘As I read through the script, I felt my spine straighten. I couldn’t face it with a half-hearted attitude. I wrote it while recalling the unreasonable feelings and anger I have experienced, putting myself in Torako’s shoes.’ The resulting pop and danceable theme song became a supportive anthem for the heroine Torako, who navigates the beastly path of the legal world. I was captivated by the high level of synchronization between the lyrics and the story,” said a producer from the production company.

To Torako, who stumbles and gets hurt in the beastly path of the legal world, Yonezu sends a message to entrust dreams that cannot be realized in this life to the future—encouraging the disheartened Torako. However, 100 years later, we must ask whether the dripping water through the stone sentiment of Torako and her peers could truly change the world.

Unfortunately, it cannot be said for certain. The song also served as a call to action for our generation, who inherit the aspirations of Torako and her companions.

And there’s another song. “Tora Tsuba” features a hidden gem that is just as remarkable as the theme song.

This is “You are so amazing,” written and composed by Yuta Mori, who provided the music for this production, and sung by Stuart Murdoch.

 

 

“This hidden masterpiece, which appears as an insert song, rivals the theme song as it gently supports the heroines during scenes when their spirits are broken and they cannot rise again. The singer, Stuart Murdoch, is the vocalist of the Scottish band Belle and Sebastian. Mori confessed that while thinking about who he would want to sing this song—dedicated to all women and those who struggle in life—Murdoch was the first person who came to mind,” said the aforementioned producer.

The insert song that resonated with viewers during the atomic bomb trial.

The scene that immediately comes to mind when I hear this song is undoubtedly the 40th episode (May 24) when her husband, Yūzō (played by Taiga Nakano), goes off to war. Then, in the 44th episode (May 30), when Tora (the protagonist) learns of her husband’s death and cries from the depths of her heart.

Throughout the episodes from the 40th to the 44th, where the tragedy of war overwhelms the characters, this melody continuously accompanies the sorrow of the heroine and the viewers.

Additionally, there’s another unforgettable episode—the 23rd week that depicts the progression of the atomic bomb trial.

In particular, in the 114th episode (September 5), there’s a scene where Yoshida Miki (played by Noriko Iriyama) reveals the pain of the bomb survivors to her lawyer, Yamada Yone (played by Shiori Doi). However, Yone persuades her with the words:

“A woman who raises her voice will be mercilessly stoned by society.”

Miki tearfully decides not to take the witness stand. Instead, lawyer Todoroki Taichi (played by Junki Totuka) reads a letter entrusted to Miki in court, earnestly conveying the experiences of the bomb survivors and their feelings. It was this heart-wrenching scene that resonated with the bomb survivors and many viewers, with “You are so amazing” playing softly in the background.

As I watched, I recalled my grandmother, who passed away from leukemia just before the verdict of the atomic bomb trial, which took 8 years and 8 months. Tears flowed as I remembered her.

The scene that aired the following day depicted the verdict. After the main judgment was postponed, the reason for the verdict was expressed:

“We cannot help but lament the poverty of politics.”

“The dropping of the atomic bomb is a violation of international law.”

These words came from the judge’s lips, marking what could truly be considered the moment when raindrops wore away the stone.

The uplifting song “Sayōnara Mata Itsuka!” that continually supported the heroines, and “You are so amazing,” which gently accompanied their broken hearts—without these two songs, the evaluation of the NHK morning drama “Tora ni Tsubasa” might have been entirely different.