A Song Moves a Company's Future: Asako Minami to Create a Corporate Song for an 80th Anniversary Company! Lyrics by Takashi Matsumoto, Sound Production by Shigeru Suzuki. Together with Japan's Representative Creators, Singing a New Future.

Singer-songwriter Asako Minami has been commissioned to create a new corporate song for Hokubu Japan Cable Corporation (scheduled to change its name to 'Nippon Power Cable Corporation' in April 2027) to celebrate its 80th anniversary. In this work, Asako Minami will be in charge of composition and vocals, Takashi Matsumoto will write the lyrics, and Shigeru Suzuki will oversee sound production. Three musicians who have colored the history of Japanese music have gathered to sing the future of a single company.

However, this project is not just about a company commissioning music production. It is a true story of how a single song moved people's hearts and connected to the company's future.

The Miraculous Connection Brought by Asako Minami's Song "Ganbaru Hito e" In 2023, in Sendai, the world's largest international conference on power and transmission, 'CIGRE 2023 Sendai,' was held. On this stage, where technicians, researchers, and corporate representatives involved in power and transmission infrastructure from around the world gathered, Asako Minami delivered a song. The song was "Ganbaru Hito e."

An anthem dedicated to those who work hard every day, unknown to others, with a sense of respect and support. To those who deliver electricity. To those who protect lifelines on the front lines even during disasters. To all those who work for their families, for someone, for society. The song, filled with these thoughts, moved the hearts of many participants beyond the boundaries of countries and languages.

After the performance, there were participants who listened with tears streaming down their faces, and many comments were received such as, "This song is our job itself," "I couldn't stop crying," and "I want to share this with my colleagues around the world." It was a moment when music transcended borders, connected people, and awakened the pride of workers.

Furthermore, Asako Minami's previous works, including "Tetsutou," which convey thoughts to those involved in power and transmission infrastructure, and her activities were highly evaluated. This accumulation resonated deeply with the hearts of the employees of Hokubu Japan Cable, who also participated in the conference, leading to a new encounter.

As Hokubu Japan Cable Corporation celebrates its 80th anniversary and a major milestone in the company's history with a name change, the request to create a corporate song was made to Asako Minami with the thought, "If we are to entrust our thoughts for the future, it has to be this person." A single song connected people, connected a company and an artist, and took the first step towards a new future.

From Tohoku, to Japan. And to the World. Since its founding in 1946, Hokubu Japan Cable has continued to support the power infrastructure of the Tohoku and Hokkaido regions. Currently, it conducts business with all power transmission and distribution companies nationwide and aims to become a representative power line manufacturer in Japan. The company plans to change its name to 'Nippon Power Cable Corporation' in April 2027, and the 80th anniversary will be a starting point for a new brand.

The song to be created this time will symbolize this new challenge.

Not only the corporate philosophy but also connecting people. Connecting technology to the future. Gratitude to all those who support society. And the courage to challenge. We will deliver these thoughts to the future through music. Hokubu Japan Cable Corporation

Takashi Matsumoto × Shigeru Suzuki × Asako Minami This project brings together creators who have colored the history of Japanese music. The lyrics are written by Takashi Matsumoto, who has created numerous masterpieces with the beauty of the Japanese language and delicate scene descriptions. Sound production is handled by Shigeru Suzuki, who, as a member of Happy End, pioneered a new era of Japanese rock/pop music with Matsumoto and continues to be active on the front lines as a representative guitarist and music producer in Japan.

Longtime allies who have supported the Japanese music scene will once again team up for this project.

The composition and vocals are handled by singer-songwriter Asako Minami, who has captivated many people with her transparent voice and rich melodies. Music that transcends time and new sensibilities meet, creating a single work.

We will proceed with the production aiming to create a musical work that will be loved and passed down for a long time, transcending the framework of a corporate song.

Takashi Matsumoto

Shigeru Suzuki

Asako Minami

Asako Minami Comment I am deeply honored to be entrusted with the creation of the first corporate song for such a significant milestone in a company where thoughts have been cherished for a long time. I am truly grateful to have been involved in music with all my heart and continued to sing, knowing that the trigger was my song "Tetsutou" and the English version of "Ganbaru Hito e" performed at CIGRE 2023 in Sendai.

In this production, I will put melodies to the words woven by Takashi Matsumoto, a lyricist I have always respected. Additionally, I am thrilled to have Shigeru Suzuki, a guitarist I fully trust in recording and live performances, handle the sound production. It's truly a dream team production that makes my heart race.

Power lines may not be a noticeable presence in daily life. However, each one contains the technology and thoughts that have supported people's lives and connected society to the future. To me, those power lines look like a staff notation crossing the sky. I hope to draw a melody that connects people on that staff notation.

I will cherish every note to create a work that will stay with the hearts of all the employees and everyone who comes into contact with this song.

Asako Minami's Latest Album "AMULET" NOW ON SALE

・First Press Limited Edition: Live Video Blu-ray Bonus CD+Blu-ray COZP-2186～7 ¥7,700 (tax included) [Columbia Music Shop] https://shop.columbia.jp/shop/g/gS5726/

・Regular Edition: COCP-42505 ¥3,300 (tax included) [Columbia Music Shop] https://shop.columbia.jp/shop/g/gS5727/

[Columbia Music Shop Exclusive Lyrics Collection "She Saw Scene" Set] ・First Press Limited Edition CD+Blu-ray and Lyrics Collection Set: ¥10,000 (tax included) [Columbia Music Shop] https://shop.columbia.jp/shop/g/gW8580/

[Lyrics Collection Overview] Title: "She Saw Scene" ¥3,500 (tax included) Content: 12 female illustrators with rich individuality illustrate Asako Minami's lyrics. Each illustrator is given a song, and illustrations inspired by the song are drawn.

Album Tracks 1. Coffee Float Drift Record (★Asako Minami Recommended Song) 2. You Are There (Chiba Prefecture FM Radio Stations Joint Campaign "NEXT RADIO" Campaign Song) 3. Ring of Time (Theme Song for the Movie "Okasan's Bombed Piano") 4. On the Screen (Theme Song for the First Vertical Drama "Light in the Dark" of the New Project "Yorozuyo") 5. Loafers (Theme Song for the Special Public Relations Program "Sakura Blooms ~A Flake of Light~" in Sakura City, Chiba Prefecture) 6. Aomori Mori Mori no Uta (Opening Theme for NHK Aomori "Aomori Mori Mori") 7. Aji