International J-Pop singer/songwriter Shihori has had success in a variety of different musical formats. Now she has put out the powerful new single “Lunar Flower” as a theme song to the audio book titled Annuna and the Lunar Flower by Marcio Catalano, which is scheduled for a future release.
The single incorporates Shihori’s classical style with the likes of Japanese anime music and beats that could be akin to American pop music. “Lunar Flower” begins with delicate, ethereal piano that complements Shihori’s vocals.
It then drives into an up-tempo section and Shihori finishes with a soaring feeling and a triumphant finale that will captivate listeners. The song will not only pull the heart strings, but will leave the listener ready to take on the world, fueled by Shihori’s beautiful voice and orchestral arrangement.
“Lunar Flower” was arranged by Takayuki Negishi, known for his music on the anime show One Piece. Mixing Engineer Alvin Wee and Mastering Engineer Oscar Zambrano have both won Grammys for their work. The cover art for the track is by Eddie Smith, who was a chief art director for the game Halo.
“This track is really my style,” she said. “I grew up with classical music and anime songs, and it has both elements.”
Shihori, who moved from Japan to the U.S. in 2018 and currently resides in Los Angeles, loved the story written by Catalano and felt compelled to write the theme song.
Shihori has Asperger’s Syndrome, and said this has caused for some difficulties in feeling like she couldn’t be her true self in the past. She found many similarities of that past self in the main character Annuna, which helped contribute toward the track. The music came naturally to Shihori, as she said it is not only the theme song to the upcoming audiobook, but also heavily related to her as a person.
“I was so inspired by this story,” Shihori said. “I could put so much real emotion into this song.”
Shihori has had plenty of success in Japan, as many of her releases have made the Oricon Chart and received Gold Disc certification. She debuted in 2007, and her single titled “Never End Wonderland” under the pseudonym “Sena” was ranked No. 5 and No. 8 on the Oricon Singles Daily and Weekly Charts in 2009. She has also composed more than 130 songs for popular Japanese artists, and shows like My Little Pony and Fairy Tail.
Since coming to the U.S., Shihori has been acclaimed for her music in video games like League of Legends; Mobile Legends: Bang Bang; and Omega Strikers.
Asperger’s Syndrome can be a struggle as it makes it difficult to communicate, but it also brings about a uniqueness and strength for Shihori. Being half-deaf as well, she serves as an ambassador and inspiration for those with disabilities. Shihori wants those who have a similar struggle to know that they should “believe in themselves and be proud of themselves.”
“There is a bright future at the end of a lot of struggles,” she said.
Be sure to keep up to Shihori and check out the new single “Lunar Flower,” available on all platforms April 12. Its music video, directed by Chris Cole/Dynamic Motion Pictures, is also available on YouTube.
YouTube
Spotify
Instagram
Twitter (English)
Twitter (Japanese)
