THE ORAL CIGARETTES Reveal the Shared Musical DNA in ‘Jigoku Sensei Nube’ Opening Theme ‘ERASE’

Following the July 2025 release of “OVERNIGHT,” THE ORAL CIGARETTES have returned with “ERASE,” a high-octane rock anthem that marks a definitive new chapter for the group. Selected as the opening theme for the second arc of the Hell Teacher: Jigoku Sensei Nube anime, the track serves as a raw distillation of the band’s current identity. Billboard JAPAN sat down with the members to discuss their evolution since returning from hiatus, the creative synergy behind their latest single, and their ambitious roadmap for 2026.

“ERASE” feels exceptionally intense, as if you’ve poured every ounce of your current energy into it.

Takuya: I grew up watching Nube, but when the opportunity arose to compose the opening theme, I revisited the series. I was struck by how much the show’s philosophy mirrored my own worldview. That realization gave me the confidence to avoid overthinking the composition. I felt that if I expressed my emotions purely and without filter, it would naturally align with the spirit of Nube. For the first time in a long while, the songwriting process felt effortless and instinctive.

In what ways did you find common ground with the series?

Takuya: Since our inception, this band has never shied away from the darker aspects of the human experience—the things people usually try to suppress. Nube operates on a similar frequency. Watching it again as an adult, I realized the spirits in the story are essentially manifestations of avoided emotions like guilt, shame, and anxiety. The protagonist, Nube, confronts these entities through dialogue and empathy. That process of facing the “invisible” head-on is exactly what we’ve tried to achieve through our music over the years.

While the lyrics clearly reflect the world of the anime, they also seem to touch upon the recurring themes of THE ORAL CIGARETTES. How did the rest of the band feel during the recording sessions?

Akira: I was absolutely thrilled when the offer came in. Even though our schedule was packed, I told Takuya we had to make this happen. We recorded the track around May 2025, a period when we were still riding the momentum of our comeback. The energy in the studio was incredible. Being able to contribute to a franchise we admired as children while simultaneously launching a new era for the band was a highlight for all of us.

Takuya, what kind of imagery did you have in mind while crafting this song?

Takuya: Initially, I approached it visually, matching the music to the pacing of an anime opening. However, as we started playing, my mental image shifted. I began picturing a legendary guitarist I admire performing on a massive outdoor stage. I saw the scene from the wings—a wide-angle view of him tearing into a riff that ignited the crowd. It brought back that childhood feeling of awe, the moment I decided I wanted to be a musician. I wanted this song to evoke that same sense of grand scale and aspiration.

That sense of purity really comes through. The line “I’m waiting / to reach you / with my very own hands” feels particularly personal to the band’s journey.

Takuya: Those lyrics are a perfect fit for Nube, but because our values overlap so much, they naturally became about us as well. The phrase “I’m waiting” has layers—it represents the students looking to their teacher for guidance, but also Nube’s own internal search for his heroes. I wanted to capture that hidden, internal strength that isn’t always visible on the surface. It looks like a simple lyric, but it carries a lot of weight for us.

Speaking of heroes, your music video features several icons from the rock scene, including TOSHI-LOW (BRAHMAN), MAH (SiM), and Ichirock (SPARK!!SOUND!!SHOW!!), all transformed into supernatural beings through prosthetics. How did that come together?

Takuya: It was a massive undertaking! We view this as our tribute to the rock scene before we pivot toward more intimate, solo-focused activities. In 2026, we’ll be transitioning from joint tours to one-on-one performances with our fans. Since “ERASE” will likely reach people who aren’t familiar with our roots, we wanted the video to showcase the community we come from. We literally asked ourselves, “Who is the ultimate ogre of the scene?” and TOSHI-LOW was the obvious answer. I asked him over drinks, and he was incredibly supportive. MAH, who has always been like a mentor to me, also jumped on board immediately. Even with the long hours in makeup, everyone had a blast. I have so much respect for them.

As you kick off 2026 with this release, what are your goals for the year ahead?

Takuya: I want to be on the road. We promised our fans in 2025 that the following year would be dedicated to an intensive solo tour. 2026 is about reclaiming our time for THE ORAL CIGARETTES and our dedicated community.

Akira: 2025 went by in a flash. My goal for 2026 is to take everything we learned last year and use it to reach an even broader audience.

Masaya: Last year was about showing gratitude to those who supported us during our break. Now, I want to focus entirely on giving back to the fans who have stayed by our side.

Shigenobu: We start touring with other bands in February, but once our solo tour begins, I want to immerse myself completely in the music. I’m determined to show our fans a version of this band they’ve never seen before.

—Interview by Tomohiro Ogawa

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