Japanese movie and television heartthrob Issei Takahashi will make his debut as a singer with a song called “Kimi ni Aitai – Dance with you” written and produced by Hiroji Miyamoto of the veteran rock band Elephant Kashimashi.
The popular actor will have fans swooning this spring as he stars in the upcoming romantic comedy TV series Tokyo Dokushin Danshi and also sings the theme song with a title that means “I want to see you” in English.
The story revolves around three bachelors pushing 40, played by Takahashi, Takumi Saito, and Kenichi Takitoh, who have been enjoying single life but start considering tying the knot after certain events force them to reassess how they want to spend the rest of their lives.
When faced with the task of singing a theme song for the first time in his career, Takahashi asked Miyamoto to write his debut number, as he had been a longtime fan of Elephant Kashimashi and could think of no one else he’d rather work with. Although Miyamoto had never written a song for other acts during his 30-year music career, he immediately decided to take the plunge for Takahashi and agreed to pen the song.
The veteran musician and actor got together and worked on “Kimi ni Aitai – Dance with you” in the studio. The lyrics were inspired by the protagonist of the drama, a handsome bachelor who works at a major financial group, portrayed by Takahashi. The 38-year-old star is backed by some of Japan’s best musicians including Gota Yashiki of Simply Red on drums.
“It still feels like a dream,” shares Takahashi about the collaboration. “I’m overwhelmed but honored to be the first person Mr. Miyamoto produces (besides his band). I remember being really focused on my singing.”
The Saturday night TV drama series Tokyo Dokushin Danshi begins airing April 13 on TV Asahi networks in Japan.