#Japan #Tokyo #KADOKAWA #Noboru Nomura #Bobby ni Rock’n Roll

Noboru Nomura Takes Center Stage at Kadokawa Movie Music Festival

On August 9, 2026, a memorable event will unfold at Bunkamura Orchard Hall in Tokyo as the "Kadokawa Movie Music Festival - Theme Songs and Insert Song Concert" comes to life. This concert marks the 50th anniversary of Kadokawa films and promises a lineup filled with musical legends. Among the prominent figures set to perform are Tetsuya Komuro, Takashi Matsumoto, Shiro Sano, Yoshitaka Minami, and many others, including the talented Noboru Nomura himself.

One standout moment of the evening will be Nomura's rendition of the beloved song "Bobby ni Rock’n Roll," from the animated film he starred in, "Bobby ni Shikatta". Having debuted as an actor in 1984 and taken a leading role in the 1986 musical theater production "Cabaret," this performance allows him to revisit his roots as a voice actor for the character Akihiko Nomura in the beloved animated film from 1985.

"Bobby ni Rock’n Roll" is a collaboration between Matsumoto, the lyricist, Yoshitaka Minami, the composer, and Masao Ohmura, the arranger, who collectively created numerous iconic songs. During the festival, Nomura expresses his admiration for Matsumoto’s lyrical genius, remembering how he idolized Seiko Matsuda and Matsumoto's work during his youth. He shares, "The lyrics of ‘Bobby ni Rock’n Roll’ carry a sense of nostalgia and depth, really reflecting the youthful experiences of love and heartbreak."

Reflecting on his past experiences while participating in the animation, Nomura recalls the challenges he faced in voicing over the characters, admitting that he struggled with his vocal performance at the time. "I remember it being quite challenging to match my voice with the animation." He candidly notes that despite his youth, he wasn't able to project his voice adequately then and recognizes how his experience has enriched his skills over the years.

As he prepares for this special concert, he enthusiastically shares, "This time around, I can sing it with more confidence. It feels like the right opportunity has come at the right time after all these years of practice." He acknowledges that the passage of time has influenced how he interprets the song's themes, stating, "At 60, singing about those youthful days carries a different weight—it's about reminiscing over a time that shaped who I am today."

During an insightful discussion for the concert, Matsumoto mentioned that in their songwriting process, it typically begins with the music, followed by lyrics. Interestingly, this concert will offer both Matsumoto and Nomura the chance to meet for the first time, which Nomura describes as both an honor and a source of excitement. "I still feel a bit nervous—I have a lot of respect for him. To finally meet him is quite special."

The scheduled performances will feature selections from various Kadokawa films, including Komuro's powerful interpretations of memorable tracks from "Bokura no Nanokakan Sensou" and "Ten to Chi to" along with South Minami singing themes from "Slow Boogie". Marine will also serenade the audience by performing songs from “Cabaret” and “Revival Day.”

Moreover, with the concert approaching fast, ticketing details are becoming available, offering a range of seating options from a modest U-22 ticket for those under 22 to premium seating for enthusiasts. The excitement surrounding the event, alongside its featured nostalgia, makes it a music spectacle not to be missed.

In conclusion, mark your calendars for August 9, as you won’t want to miss the unique opportunity to experience the magic of the Kadokawa Movie Music Festival, a celebration of timeless songs and cherished memories. For additional insights and behind-the-scenes content, fans can catch interviews on BS Asahi's official YouTube channel.