Gunmachan's New Song 'Gunmachanba!' Featuring Sakurazaka46's Rika Ishimori to be Released on May 21

The full version of 'Gunmachanba!', the new song for Gunma Prefecture's PR director Gunmachan, will be released for streaming at 0:00 on Thursday, May 21. The vocals for the song are provided by Rika Ishimori, a member of Sakurazaka46 and a native of Gunma Prefecture. Please enjoy the hot and cool 'Gunmachanba!'. Streaming Link: https://lnk.to/GUNMACHANBA * Available from 0:00 on Thursday, May 21 Additionally, the full version of the lyric video is scheduled to be released on the Sony Music (Japan) YouTube channel at 14:00 on Thursday, May 21. Don't miss it! https://www.youtube.com/@sonymusicjapan (This link redirects to the Sony Music (Japan) YouTube channel) Gunmachanba! Vocals: Gunmachanba! Team feat. Rika Ishimori (Sakurazaka46) Lyrics & Composition: Kunio Tago Arrangement: Gento Miyano Vocals: Rika Ishimori Chorus: fla-fula, CULA Electric Bass: Gento Miyano Recording Engineer: Takeaki Kono Mix Engineer: Tsuyoshi Kodachi Mastering Engineer: Tsuyoshi Kodachi Producer: Tomoaki Usami Project Production: Gunma Prefecture ■ PROFILE Rika Ishimori Born January 13, 2002, from Gunma Prefecture. A member of Sakurazaka46. Joined as a third-generation member in January 2023. Currently appearing in NHK BS's 'Nekketsu Basket' and the Lemino streaming drama 'Rojiura Hotel'. Hobbies include cooking and watching anime. ◇ Thoughts on singing the song While recording, I remembered many childhood memories and days spent in Gunma, which made me feel nostalgic and warm. There are parts of the lyrics that also evoke nostalgia, especially the line 'Overcoming the hot, hot summer, enduring the cold, cold winter, exposed to the freezing dry wind,' which reminded me of the days I commuted to school by bicycle. ◇ Feelings for her hometown, Gunma My roots are always in Gunma, including memories from my student days and time spent with my family. For me, Gunma Prefecture is a precious place where I can truly relax every time I return. I am truly happy to have been able to work on a project related to Gunma Prefecture this time! ◇ Message to Gunmachan For me, who grew up in Gunma Prefecture, Gunmachan has always been a natural presence by my side. I am very happy to be able to work together with Gunmachan through music this time! I love Gunmachan! ♡ Kunio Tago Composer/Music Producer Born September 4, 1973, from Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture. He has provided songs for numerous famous artists such as Ayumi Hamasaki, hitomi, Every Little Thing, Ko Shibasaki, and AKB48, producing many hit songs. In 2008, he participated in the NHK Kohaku Uta Gassen with Yusaku Kiyama, whom he produced, with the famous song 'home'. He also serves as the operations manager for 'TAGO STUDIO TAKASAKI', the nation's first professional recording studio run by Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture. He strives to discover and nurture new talent by holding amateur auditions and music festivals, and is dedicated to creating the 'Takasaki Sound'. In recent years, he developed the headphones 'TAGO STUDIO T3-01'. By winning the 'VGP2018', Japan's most prestigious audio-visual award, he established the 'TAGO STUDIO' brand in the audio industry, promoting 'Made in Takasaki' both domestically and internationally. I was in charge of the lyrics and composition for 'Gunmachanba!'. I created this song with the theme of a 'Samba' that can make everyone smile, transcending generations from children to adults. The lyrics generously incorporate phrases from Jomo Karuta, which every Gunma resident knows, such as '1.9 million people joining forces' and 'cranes dancing', as well as Gunma dialect phrases that make you want to hum along. We crafted it by riding the 'mentality of steel' we possess, having grown up exposed to the harsh dry winds, onto a bright and passionate melody and rhythm. To Gunmachan, Thank you for always livening up Gunma. I look forward to the smiles of children and the underlying strength of adults forming a big circle through this song. Please make Gunma and Japan incredibly lively with 'Gunmachanba!'! Gento Miyano Composer, Arranger / Sound Producer He composes and arranges mainly vocal songs with a sound influenced by rock, funk, jazz, R&B, and house.