Okuribito (song) explained

Okuribito
Cover:Ai_-_Okuribito.png
Border:yes
Type:single
Artist:Ai
Album:Viva Ai
Language:Japanese
A-Side:So Special (Version Ai)
Recorded:2008
Length:3:39
Producer:Hisaishi
Prev Title:Taisetsu na Mono
Prev Year:2008
Okuribito
Title2:So Special
Next Title:Broken Strings
Next Year:2008

is a song recorded by Japanese-American singer-songwriter Ai, released on September 10, 2008, by Island Records and Universal Sigma. It served as the image song for the film of the same name, titled Departures in English.

Background and release

After watching the Departures preview and hearing the instrumental of the image song, Ai worked with Joe Hisaishi to add lyrics to the instrumental piece. In July 2008, the song was announced.[1] In August, the release date of the single was announced.[2] "Okuribito" would be released physically alongside "So Special" as a double A-side single.

Live performances

Ai performed the song live for the first time on September 6, 2008, at the Music Fair 21, days before the song was officially released.[3]

Charts

Chart (2008–09)Peakposition
Japan Singles Chart (Oricon)[4] 15
Japan Hot 100 (Billboard Japan)[5] 58

Notes and References

  1. Web site: AIと久石譲のコラボが映画『おくりびと』で実現!広末もまぶた熱くする|シネマトゥデイ. 2022-01-17. シネマトゥデイ. July 31, 2008 . ja.
  2. Web site: AI、感動から生まれた新曲「おくりびと」. 2022-01-17. BARKS. August 3, 2008 . ja.
  3. Web site: Inc. Natasha. AIが「MUSIC FAIR」で話題の映画主題歌初披露. 2022-01-17. 音楽ナタリー. ja.
  4. Web site: おくりびと/So Special -Version AI- AI. 2022-01-17. ORICON NEWS.
  5. Web site: Billboard Japan Hot 100: 2009/03/04. Billboard Japan.