Sweet Ballads: REMEDIOS

Fireworks

REMEDIOS was a pop singer in late-1980s and early-90s, but now she is known a music composer for movies and TV commercials. The one of the most famous works is "Forever Friends" by Iwai's movie "Fireworks" (Japanese tittle is "Uchiage Hanabi Yoko Kara Miruka Shira Kara Miruka" ).

I attached two youtube: one is a scene with the song from Fireworks, second is the whole song with lyrics and guitar codes. 

The Night Time Picnic

My favorite song of REMEDIOS is "True Friend" by Masahiko Nagasaki's movie "The Night Time Picnic" (Japanese tittle is "Yoru no Picnic"). This movie is based on the Japanese best-selling book by Riku Onnda. I found the great review from IMDb: 

The film follows the students at a Japanese high school as they participate in a yearly ritual--a grueling marathon walk lasting a full day and night. Most of the story is revealed as the students plod on through the beautiful Japanese countryside, interspersed with brief flashbacks and some dream and animation sequences. 

The film focuses on the relationship between a boy and a girl who are strongly attracted to each other, but for some reason (at first seeming to be extreme shyness), the two maintain a somber and glowering distance. Their friends sense the palpable chemistry between the two and try to break down the barrier that separates them. But gradually, the film intimates and then finally reveals a surprising secret . . .

Gently and subtly, the film illuminates its young characters. There is the usual high-school mix, a few whiners, a few clowns, a femme fatale, a rocker misfit, and so on. But by and large, these are really good kids who care about each other.

The trek itself is a journey from the schoolyard to an uncertain tomorrow. The friends and relationships secured along the way are what make it become so special. You will smile a lot, but bring Kleenex.

I completely agree with this review. Unfortunately, the original book by Riku Onda hasn't been translated into English, but there is the movie with English subtitle. Oh, I have to return about REMEDIOS^^ 

"The Night Time Picnic" features many songs by different music artists. "True Friends" is one of them, but the most impressive one. I attached "True Fiends" and other movie which leads us the summary of the movie. The music is "Futari" by MONKEY MAJIK.