Singer-songwriter Mekakushe teamed up with popular character Mamuang for her new song “Kimi wa Shunokeru” (You’re My Snorkel), which was released on January 15!
The catchy, electro dance piece touches on the heart-wrenching feeling of not being able to breathe when a loved one isn’t around. This sentimental song was produced by Kaho Nakamura, Chelmico, Haruno, Harmoe, and Daoko, with Tomggg overseeing the whole collaboration.
The music video and CD jacket were also unveiled on the same day. These were designed by illustrator Wisut Ponnimit, who has worked with other top musical artists like Quruli, Haruoni Hosomo, Gen Hoshino, Ikuko Harada, and the poet Shuntaro Tanikawa.
In the video, his star character, Mamuang, takes a deep dive to participate in an underwater singing competition, where she’s judged by a panel of marine life. The catchy tune is underscored by a sort of melancholy, which is beautifully portrayed in the animation. The whole piece showcases the best of Mekakushe and other hugely talented creators, so we hope that tons of people check it out!
Mekakushe will also be performing with 2.5D artist Yuka Nagase, on Friday, February 7. Their joint concert, “Sekai ga Utsukushii Kara Dayo,” will be held at SHIBUYA PLEASURE PLEASURE, in Tokyo. Their unique worldview will be brought to life through a full band, making this one performance you won’t want to miss!
Product Information
Digital Single
Mekakushe “Kimi wa Shunokeru”
Lyrics/Composition: Mekakushe / Arrangement: Tomggg
Streaming
Music Video:
Mekakushe’s Comment
The hurt that comes with longing for someone is its own solemn sort of happiness.
From that fateful day onward, it feels like you’ve been set adrift at sea. The fragments of your shattered heart glisten on the water’s surface, and there’s the fear of slipping under the waves, to much darker depths. But, if you were with someone special, then even the bottom of the ocean could feel like heaven.
I’m not sure if that’s something to be happy or sad about, so it turned into a song.
Wisut Ponnimut, who designed the music video for “Kimi ha Shunokeru” is also the creator of “Happy Mamuang,” which has always been a protective charm for my heart. Those pictures and words have soothed me so many times. Just having my beloved Mamuang appear in the video is like a dream come true. When I saw the anime, I was so overcome with emotion, that I couldn’t get any words out. I won’t forget this, not even when I’m old and gray. Mamuang’s spirit lives inside my song.
Wisut Ponnimut’s Comment
Lively songs like this make you want to get up and move, so I did my best to match the animation to the rhythm, to make it feel like it was dancing. Hearing Mekakushe’s cute voice made me wonder what it would be like if Mamuang ended up in a much less adorable world.
Even when your surroundings are harsh, having someone to share them with—even for a moment—can make it all better. She has one line in the song that goes “stay just a little bit longer by my side,” and I could really feel that strong sense of gratitude at having met someone special. So, I worked that into the anime’s story, as well.
Life is so much bigger than anyone can imagine.
It’s a song that feels like taking a deep breath after breaking through the waves.
Tomggg’s Comment
When I first heard Mekakushe’s demo track, with her gorgeous song and simple piano, I couldn’t wait to figure out the best way to arrange the piece. It’s got a fascinating mix of warmth with a bit of a chill to it.
I hope that you’ll go with the ebb and flow of this song, letting it pull you along—whether you dive into it, or float along the surface.
Concert News: Mekakushe & Yuka Nagase Collaboration Live “Sekai ga Utsukushii Kara Dayo”
■ Friday, February 7, 2025
Doors open – 18:00 / Concert starts – 19:00
Venue: SHIBUYA PLEASURE PLEASURE (Tokyo)
Performers: Mekakushe, Yuka Nagase
Ticket Prices:
1F Premium Tickets: ¥16,500 (tax incl.)
Premium tickets include seating in the front area and a canvas print of “Samishii Wakusei” (Lonely Planet) signed by Mekakushe and Yuka Nagase.
1F/2F Reserved Seating: ¥7,700 (tax incl.)
Notes:
- All tickets are digital-only.
- Drinks are not included, and cost ¥600.
- Tickets are limited to 4 per person.
- Guests must be elementary school-aged or older.
- All seats are reserved.
- Pictures and video will be taken, which may include the seating area.
Wisut Ponnimit’s Profile
Debuted as a manga artist in Bangkok, in 1998.
Awarded the Encouragement Prize in the Manga Division of the 2009 Japan Media Arts Festival.
Best known for his work on the “Mamuang” series, previous music credits include the promotional video for Quruli’s “Amber Colored City, The Morning of The Shanghai Crab.”
Tomggg’s Profile
A prolific arranger who has collaborated on projects with all kinds of artists within Japan and abroad, such as Kaho Nakamura, Chelmico, Haruno, Harmoe, Daoko, Shelheil, and Ena Mori, to name a few. His reach has since gotten even wider with the release of “Nante ne” in a recent commercial for Pokari Sweat.
Mekakushe’s Profile
Handling lyrics, composition, vocals, and piano performance by herself, the next-generation singer-songwriter Mekakushe enjoys immense popularity among artists and creators. Starting classical piano at the age of three, she gradually gravitated towards pop music. Her independently produced songs were featured in a Kao Laurier commercial, and she was one of the top artists on the Spotify official playlist “Kirakira Pop Japan” with a total of 3 million plays. She is a promising emerging artist with anticipated future success. With electronica as the foundation in her recordings, her musical style continues to expand, featuring classical solos and band sets in live performances.
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