Japanese indie record label KAKUBARHYTHM’s official YouTube channel has started streaming a music video for a newly-recorded 2024 version of “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” sung by actor Narumi Yasuda. In 1983, Yasuda won the grand prize out of 7,500 applicants in the image girl contest for the 1984 anime film of the same name directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The opportunity to sing the image song for the film was a side prize for the grand prize.The song was originally composed by acclaimed Japanese artist Haruomi Hosono (Happy End, Yellow Magic Orchestra). It was released as Yasuda’s debut single on January 25, 1984, and peaked at #10 in Oricon’s weekly single charts, becoming the biggest hit in her singing career. Though the song was not used in the film, it was recognized as one of the most well-known anime songs of the year.On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the song’s release this year, Yasuda requested composer Hosono to sing “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” and her fourth single song “Giniro no Harmonica,” also composed by Hosono, in a completely new arrangement.
“Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind 2024 ver.” Music Video
Both “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” and “Giniro no Harmonica” released digitally on January 31, 2024, then an 7-inch vinyl analog record including both songs followed on July 31.
Digital single jacket
Narumi Yasuda
Haruomi Hosono
“Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” 1984 original version:
Source: KAKUBARHYTHM’s official YouTube channel
