“Dandelion” is the electrifying new single from go!go!vanillas, chosen as the ending theme for season two of the anime SAKAMOTO DAYS, itself adapted from the hit manga. This polished synth-pop track, anchored by a laid-back groove and punctuated by subtle trumpet accents, marks an adventurous shift in the band’s sound, vividly reflecting protagonist Sakamoto’s emotional journey as he navigates life, family and mortality.
Fresh off their album Lab., go!go!vanillas embarked on a nationwide tour that spanned intimate clubs, mid-size halls and larger arenas, culminating in back-to-back sold-out nights at the iconic Nippon Budokan – the group’s debut at the revered venue.
Billboard Japan sat down with the band to delve into the creation of “Dandelion” and to preview their upcoming hall and arena tour, set to launch in October.
What inspired the writing of “Dandelion”?
Tatsuya Maki (vocals, guitar): After reading the manga, I was immediately drawn in by its Shōnen Jump roots reinvented with contemporary flair. The intense fight sequences, brimming with Yuto Suzuki’s passion, resonated deeply with me. Having already sketched out the song last summer, the request to craft the anime’s ending theme felt like destiny. In writing the lyrics, I focused on Sakamoto’s transformation – the tension between his past as a legendary hitman and his present devotion to family and life’s fragility.
Keisuke Hasegawa (bass): While many Jump titles follow a familiar structure, SAKAMOTO DAYS constantly surprises with its inventive characters and sequences. It struck me how the series can simultaneously astonish and move you.
Shintaro Yanagisawa (guitar): This show is rapidly becoming emblematic of Jump’s evolution. Season two feels cinematic, blending blockbuster energy with vibrant manga artistry – scenes so captivating they nearly leap off the screen.
Jett Seiya (drums): When I learned that Sakamoto’s wife used to work at a convenience store, I couldn’t help but think of our song “Convenience Love!” It was a fun coincidence that tied into the theme.
How did you react to Maki’s initial demo?
Yanagisawa: I thought, “This feels like it was tailor-made for the anime’s ending!”
Hasegawa: I pictured the credits rolling over animated sequences – it was that cinematic.
Why the dandelion motif?
Maki: The name evokes duality: dandelion fluff is delicate yet fierce, like Sakamoto’s need to protect his family after a violent past. Also, his wife Aoi and daughter Hana both bear floral names, so the imagery fit perfectly.
Was the lyric-writing process straightforward?
Maki: It flowed naturally. I placed myself in Sakamoto’s shoes, imagining his internal struggle – a mix of dark humor and somber reflection – and that shaped the tone of the lyrics.
What was your mindset while constructing the song’s sonic landscape?
Seiya: I approached the drum parts with the weariness and relief of returning home after a battle.
Yanagisawa: Respecting the vocal melody’s beauty, I opted for supportive chordal textures rather than competing riffs, weaving my guitar lines into the synth foundation.
Hasegawa: I aimed for a bass line that drifts and lingers, prioritizing sustain over punch – a departure from my usual style.
Maki: The bass presented the greatest challenge. We wanted a human warmth within the electronic backdrop, balancing the organic and synthetic to capture the song’s emotive sway.
Did you draw inspiration from other artists?
Maki: We looked to bands like M83, recalling the early-2000s blend of analog synths with rock instrumentation. For this track, we emphasized a solid sub-low foundation and sustained bass tones.
How did you infuse a distinct Japanese essence?
Maki: Recognizing anime’s global reach, we incorporated Eastern melodic elements into the spacious demo, creating a hybrid sound that nods to UK and R&B influences while retaining Japanese character.
What was it like performing overseas?
Maki: Playing in Seoul, Brighton and Paris felt like a new frontier – each show was an exhilarating introduction that recharged our energy.
Hasegawa: Even without shared language, we communicated through the music’s intensity. The feedback from foreign audiences reminded us that passion transcends words.
Yanagisawa: In smaller European venues, the stage was almost at audience height, making the exchange of energy visceral. We pushed our performances harder, feeding off the crowd’s response.
Seiya: Watching my bandmates up close was a highlight – every jump, every sweat-drenched moment was amplified by the intimate setting. After initial technical glitches in Brighton, we adapted swiftly for a smoother second night.
What are your aspirations for the October hall and arena tour?
Hasegawa: We’ll be scaling up our production for larger venues, but our core goal remains to channel unfiltered energy and connect emotionally with audiences of all sizes.
Yanagisawa: We hope to debut new material on that tour, delivering memorable performances that showcase our evolving sound.
