Akita-based Rock Band Karasu Composes Official Image Song for Warabiza Theatre's New Production!

Karasu (Karasu), a rock band renowned for their literary Japanese lyrics and visceral sound captivating audiences nationwide, has created a soul-stirring new track as the official image song for 'Kurokami no Majutsushi to Hakugin no Ryū' the Musical, a production commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Akita-based theatre troupe Warabiza (Semboku City, Akita Prefecture). The original work is by author Takiko Torimiyama, a native of Yurihonjo City and resident of Yuzawa City, making this a collaborative project uniting Akita's literary, musical, and theatrical artists. A music video distilling the essence of the production's world will be released on YouTube on July 1.

The song will be performed live at Karasu's solo hall concert, Karasu Hall One-Man Live 2026, on August 11, 2026 (Tue, Holiday) at Akita Art Theatre Miruhasu's Mid Hall. Additionally, a special live event is scheduled for September 5, 2026 (Sat) at Akita Geijutsu Mura following the musical's performance.

Rock band Karasu and performers from 'Kurokami no Majutsushi to Hakugin no Ryū' the Musical

Song Information and Release Schedule

Song Title: 'Kurokami no Majutsushi' (The Black Paper Magician)

Lyrics and Composition: Junichi Konno / Performed by: Karasu

Music Video Release: July 1, 2026 (Wed) 0:00 JST, on the official YouTube channels of Warabiza and Karasu

Live Performance Announcement: August 11, 2026 (Tue, Holiday) Karasu Hall One-Man Live 2026 'Okaeri no Arika' at Akita Art Theatre Miruhasu Mid Hall, performance starts at 18:30

Special Live Event: September 5, 2026 (Sat) at Akita Geijutsu Mura Small Theatre, performance scheduled to start at 13:45

Kurokami no Majutsushi Image Visual

Background of the Collaboration and Message Behind the Song

The mountain 'Kurotsumeyama'—the setting of this story—holds a truth from centuries past, and at the heart of the narrative lies the pivotal presence of the 'black bird'. To express the sorrowful yet powerful inner cry of Hakkei, the Black Paper Magician, hidden behind this legend, the collaboration with rock band Karasu—renowned for their one-of-a-kind artistic world—was realized.

The band's melodies evoking traditional Japanese sensibilities, their literary lyrics expressing melancholy, and the overwhelming vocal range of frontman Junichi Konno—from whispering to screaming—intensify the emotional power of the theatrical world.

From 'Kurokami no Majutsushi to Hakugin no Ryū' the Musical

From 'Kurokami no Majutsushi to Hakugin no Ryū' the Musical

※ This song is the official image song. It will not be used within the musical itself.

Karasu (Crow) Profile

Rock Band Karasu

Formed in 1999 around guitarist and vocalist Junichi Konno, Karasu is a rock band based in their hometown of Akita Prefecture, active nationwide. After several lineup changes, the band currently consists of three members: Konno (guitar, vocals), Furuya (bass, chorus), and Chiba (drums, chorus). Their live performances, featuring melodies that are both intense and tinged with melancholy, rich in 'Wa' (Japanese aesthetic), paired with literary Japanese lyrics expressing deep sorrow, and spanning vocal dynamics from whisper to scream, continue to captivate countless listeners.

Tied-in Performance Overview

'Kurokami no Majutsushi to Hakugin no Ryū' the Musical Performance Flyer

Title: Figure Theatre 'Kurokami no Majutsushi to Hakugin no Ryū' the Musical

Original Work: Takiko Torimiyama ('Kurokami no Majutsushi to Hakugin no Ryū', Kodansha)

Planning and Production: Warabiza

Venue: Warabi Theatre, Akita Geijutsu Mura

Dates: May 5, 2026 (Tue) – July 12, 2026 (Sun), August 30, 2026 (Sun) – November 23, 2026 (Mon)

Official Website: https://warabi-za.studio.site/kurogami2026