Sato’s Triumph: The Song “3%” Takes Center Stage!
Oh, have you heard about “3%”? Released in January, it has become the darling of social media and climbed its way to #3 on the Spotify viral chart. This is the kind of song that jumps like a kangaroo on a trampoline—full of energy and difficult to ignore! And who is the mastermind behind this hit? None other than the talented singer-songwriter, Sato, who has quickly risen to fame, being crowned as a “NEXT SPIKES” artist by LINE MUSIC. It’s not just the music; it’s the magic of youth and emotional connection—cue the dramatic lighting!
But wait, it gets even better! This groundbreaking song has been selected as the catchy ending theme for the upcoming TV anime “Hana wa Saku, Shura no Gotoku”, set to air in January 2025. So, grab your popcorn — or maybe just a microwave burrito, I won’t judge — because this anime is all about the emotional rollercoaster of high school life, crafted with finesse by the duo of Ayano Takeda and Mushu. And folks, they really know how to make teenagers feel every ounce of angst and joy.
Sato, reflecting on this experience, expressed how writing the ending song for her first anime allowed her to channel the myriad of emotions that swirl within the youth. Isn’t that just beautiful? She captures it just right: struggling, fighting, and even helping one another! It’s like every teen drama you’ve ever seen, but in melody form.
And let’s not forget about the arrangement of this musical gem. While Sato’s previous hits were simply mesmerizing with just her and an acoustic guitar, “Roro” sees the collaborative genius of arranger Shingo Sekiguchi dialing things up a notch with a full band arrangement. We’re all in for a treat with this new sound, coming on January 8, 2025. Mark your calendars, because it’s about to get melodic around here!
Tour Time!
Fans of sugar. (yes, that’s her stage name, and no, there’s no actual sugar involved in this commentary, unless you count sweet music) are in for a thrill as she embarks on her first one-man tour later this year, running from November 9 to December 6. Can you imagine the electric atmosphere? She’s already sold out several shows! Talk about a hot ticket!
Anime Details: “Hana wa Saku, Shura no Gotoku”
The anime flooring the concept of emotional growth in high school is set against the backdrop of a charming little island and revolves around Kana Haruyama, a girl who absolutely adores reading aloud. This wholesome narrative is akin to a gentle breeze on a summer’s day, while simultaneously being a kick of nostalgia. If you thought high school was tough, try managing a broadcasting club and your dreams of becoming a literary superstar!
Now, if you’re already diving deep into the world of this anime, it’s essential to note that it features some great talent including the likes of Virtue Todera and Miyuri Shimabukuro. The creative team behind this heartfelt endeavor is no joke, with Director Ayumu Uwano at the helm and a production team that makes even the Avengers look like scrubs!
Conclusion
Sato’s journey with “3%” is just the beginning of what promises to be a phenomenal ride through the realms of music and animation. From soaring Spotify charts to anime soundtracks, she is a rising star with songs that resonate with the struggles and triumphs of today’s youth. So, as we tune in next year and enjoy the opening and closing themes of “Hana wa Saku, Shura no Gotoku”, let’s raise our glasses — or our headphones — to Sato and the vibrant world she is helping to create!
The song “3%” released in January 2023 has taken the social media world by storm, rapidly gaining popularity across various platforms. It made a notable appearance on Nippon TV’s morning program “ZIP!”, where it captivated audiences and climbed to an impressive 3rd place on the Spotify viral chart. Moreover, the rising star Sato has been hailed as one of the next generation’s artists, earning a spot in the “NEXT SPIKES” category by LINE MUSIC, spotlighting talent in their teens and 20s. This recognition reflects Sato’s continued ascent in the music industry, especially as the track has been selected as the ending theme for the highly anticipated TV anime “Hana wa Saku, Shura no Gotoku,” set to start airing on Nippon Television and BS Nippon Television in January 2025.
“Hana wa Saku, Shura no Gotoku,” based on the original work by Ayano Takeda and Mushu, is currently featured in “Ultra Jump,” a publication by Shueisha. The storyline captures the emotional journey of high school students, expressed delicately through the talented storytelling of Ayano Takeda, known for her work on “Sound! Euphonium.” Acclaimed writer Mushu adds depth to this youth narrative, and Sato’s involvement as the ending theme song performer further intensifies the work’s allure. Additionally, the opening theme songs for the anime will be performed by the popular band SHISHAMO, delivering tracks titled “Roro” and “Jiji Kakumei.”
When composing “Roro,” Sato took a meticulous approach, immersing himself in the original source material and reflecting on the emotional journeys of its characters. His inspiration stemmed from the narrative’s core themes, leading to the song’s title, which resonates with the story. Unlike previous releases, which showcased Sato’s solo acoustic guitar performances, “Roro” stands out as it features Shingo Sekiguchi as the arranger and marks a significant shift towards a full band-style arrangement. This highly anticipated track is scheduled for digital release on January 8, 2025.
sugar. is also set to embark on their first solo tour, running from November 9 to December 6, showcasing their exceptional vocal prowess paired with emotion-driven acoustic guitar melodies. This combination leaves a profound impact on listeners, wrapping them in a tender yet powerful sound.
sugar. invites fans to step into a new auditory realm, encouraging them to connect deeply with the unique music and heartfelt performances. In a heartfelt message, Sato reflects on the significance of writing the ending song for his inaugural anime, “The Story of the Broadcasting Club,” cherishing it as an invaluable experience as an artist who communicates through voice and lyrics. He expressed a deep resonance with the struggles and conflicts of youth, highlighting a fervent desire to share messages of resilience amid adversity. Sato hopes that the portrayal of friendship and conflict among the characters will touch the hearts of all who face their own daily challenges.
[Release details]
Digital Single『Langlang』
January 8, 2025 (water)
DL & Streaming distribution
【TOUR details】
sugar. LIVE TOUR “Jump out from 1K along the railroad tracks”
11/9 (Sat)[Shizuoka]Hamamatsu Window Frame Café AOZORA [Sold Out]
11/23 (Sat)[Osaka]Shinsaibashi Shinshinba -MAHOROBA- [Sold Out]
11/24 (Sun)[Aichi]Nagoya sunset BLUE [Sold Out]
12/06 (Fri)[Kanagawa]Kawasaki SUPERNOVA KAWASAKI
[TV anime “Hana wa Saku, Shura no Gotoku” work information]
“Flowers bloom, like Shura”
Broadcasting will start on Nippon Television, BS Nippon TV, and others from January 2025!
Haruyama Hana, who resides on the small island of Tonakijima with only 600 inhabitants, harbors a great love for reading. She passionately organizes reading sessions for the island’s children, recognizing the captivating power her reading holds to draw people together. Inspired by her talent, Mizuki Usurai encourages her to join the broadcasting club, where she takes on the role of manager. As Hana expresses her true desire to join the club, she embarks on a journey filled with “firsts,” forging deep bonds with her fellow clubmates and enhancing her appreciation for literature.
Original work: Ayano Takeda, Mushu (serialized in Shueisha “Ultra Jump”)
Director: Ayumu Uwano
Series composition: Kazuyuki Fudeyasu
Character design: Hikaru Aine
Chief animation director: Hikaru Aine, Satoshi Shimada
Art Director: Shinobu Yamaguchi, Kanako Shirai
Color Design: Naomi Nakano
Prop design: Seiji Tanda
Director of Photography: Kohei Tanada
Edit: Akari Saito
Sound director: Takashi Hamano
Music: Masaru Yokoyama
Animation production: Studio Bind
Kana Haruyama: Virtue Todera
Mizuki Usui: Miyuri Shimabukuro
An Natsue: Fuka Izumi
Touga Hagidai: Chiba Shoya
Matsuyuki Akiyama: Seiichiro Yamashita
Ryoko Seii: Kiyono Yasuno
Setaro Hakoyama: Yasuto Saka
Opening theme song: SHISHAMO “Jitari Kakumei”
Ending theme song: Sato. “sonorous”
**Interview with Sato: The Rising Star Behind ”3%”**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us today, Sato! Congratulations on the success of your song “3%”—it has truly taken the world by storm. How does it feel to see your music resonate with so many people?
**Sato:** Thank you so much! It’s surreal, really. When I wrote ”3%”, I poured my heart into it—hoping to capture that energy and emotional connection we all experience. Seeing it climb the Spotify charts and connect with fans on social media has been incredibly rewarding.
**Editor:** Your involvement with the upcoming anime “Hana wa Saku, Shura no Gotoku” as the ending theme performer is exciting news! How has this project influenced your artistry?
**Sato:** Writing the ending song for my first anime was a dream come true. It’s not just about the music for me; it’s about telling a story that reflects the struggles and joys of youth. The characters face real challenges, and I wanted my song to resonate with those emotional journeys.
**Editor:** Can you tell us a bit about the creative process for “Roro,” which features a full band arrangement for the first time?
**Sato:** Absolutely! Collaborating with Shingo Sekiguchi was a game-changer for me. I really immersed myself in the source material to understand the characters’ emotions and dynamics. The full band arrangement allowed me to explore new sounds while staying true to the narrative’s essence; it feels vibrant and fresh!
**Editor:** Your first one-man tour is just around the corner! How are you feeling about performing live for your fans?
**Sato:** I’m extremely excited but a bit nervous, too! Performing live is always an electric experience. Knowing that many of the shows are already sold out is such an honor. I can’t wait to share my music with everyone and create those unforgettable moments together.
**Editor:** what do you hope fans will take away from both your music and the anime?
**Sato:** I hope my music reminds fans that it’s okay to face challenges and that they’re not alone in their feelings. Through “Hana wa Saku, Shura no Gotoku,” I want audiences to feel inspired and uplifted—as if they’re sharing a journey with the characters. Ultimately, it’s about connection and resilience amidst the ups and downs of youth.
**Editor:** Thank you, Sato, for your time and insight! We look forward to your tour and the release of “Roro.” Best of luck with everything!
**Sato:** Thank you so much! It’s been a pleasure. I’m excited for what’s to come!
