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RADWIMPS are back at it again — and this time, they’re lending their magic to the NHK morning drama Anpan with a brand-new track titled Tamamono, set for digital release on 18 April.
The song's already making waves as the theme for Anpan, a heartfelt story inspired by the lives of Nobu Asada and the legendary Takashi Yanase — yep, the genius behind Anpanman.
It dives into their journey from everyday folks to becoming symbols of hope and justice, all while showing us the messy, human side behind iconic characters.
In the drama, Nobu is played by Mio Imada, while Takashi is brought to life by Takumi Kitamura from DISH//.
The opening sequence is no less than a visual feast — think running through chaos with vibrant VFX bursting in every frame.
That stunning intro vid?
It’s been uploaded on YouTube, complete with on-screen lyrics for fans who’ve already fallen for the track.
The man behind the visuals is none other than Ray Wakui, a rising name in the VFX world who clearly knows how to blend emotion with digital flair.
Wakui said that the visuals aim to reflect not just the past, but how Yanase and his wife Nobu’s legacy still touches kids today.
"The colourful, dream-filled paintings of Yanase don’t just belong to the past. They live on — and continue to encourage," he explained.
He also pointed out that Mio Imada doesn’t just play Nobu, but in the opening video she symbolises all of us — modern-day onlookers stepping into a world painted by the couple’s creative legacy.
Since Anpan started airing on 31 March, the opening has already become a hot topic.
Loads of viewers were buzzing online about Tamamono’s lyrics — hence the special version of the video now featuring full lyric captions.
And let’s talk about the track itself. Tamamono has that unmistakable RADWIMPS flavour — poetic, emotional, and cinematic as ever.
It sits perfectly alongside the story of Anpan, giving it that extra lift only RADWIMPS could deliver.
This collaboration feels like the perfect match: a band known for heart-hitting tunes paired with a drama that dives deep into life, loss, and legacy.
So mark your calendars for 18 April — Tamamono drops digitally, and it’s shaping up to be one of those songs that sticks with you long after the last note fades.