Acoustic Cover Project 'RE:Chording' Releases Latest Video on Misora Hibari's Birthday: Cuon Reinterprets Classic 'Hanagasa Dochu' with Ethereal Soundscapes

Columbia Songs Inc. has released the latest video for 'RE:Chording,' a YouTube channel that produces acoustic covers of timeless masterpieces while capturing the ambient atmosphere of each performance location. This third installment was released today, May 29th, which marks the birthday of the legendary Queen of Showa-era pop, Misora Hibari. This session features 'Cuon,' the solo project of artist Machi, who identifies with ambient shoegaze, performing a cover of the historic classic 'Hanagasa Dochu.'

The original 'Hanagasa Dochu' was released in 1958, written by the renowned composer Masao Yoneyama as film music. Loved across borders and notably covered in Taiwan, the song emotionally depicts scenery from travels and longing for loved ones.

Cuon, whose music is rooted in the theme of 'escapism,' breathes new life into this historical standard. Despite the simple setup of acoustic guitar and vocals, Cuon blends raw guitar sounds with effect-processed signals to create a drifting, ethereal soundscape that delivers a profound performance.

The video presents a vivid contrast: a song depicting Showa-era travel sentiments sung against the backdrop of modern highway scenery flowing past a window. Captured in a single cut, the visuals and Cuon's sound merge in a poignant and beautiful moment. 'RE:Chording' will continue to redefine classic songs through the lenses of contemporary artists at locations holding Japanese daily life and memories, sharing these moments with the world.