Funade no Uta (in Lake Shinji)

[Tooru Kobayashi / Funade no Uta (in Lake Shinji)]
Artist: Tooru Kobayashi
Title: Funade no Uta (in Lake Shinji)
Release Type: Digital Single (16th release of 30 consecutive singles project)

[PR & Song Description]
Tooru Kobayashi is a travelling singer-songwriter who tours Japan living in his self-built mobile house, performing in a unique style with acoustic bass. As the 16th installment of his ambitious project to release 30 consecutive singles this year, he presents a re-recorded digital release of his fan-favorite masterpiece, "Funade no Uta" (Song of Departure).

This track was recorded outdoors on the shores of Lake Shinji in Shimane Prefecture. Surrounded by the vast lake and sky, it was captured in a single live take using only his voice and his custom acoustic bass instrument, "Bagui". The deep resonant bass of the Bagui and his emotionally rich vocals embrace the ambient wind and natural atmosphere of the lake, creating an intimate, realistic soundscape.

"Funade no Uta" is a powerful message song depicting a young adventurer leaving their hometown to brave uncharted waters, accompanied by a warm prayer for their journey. Confronting inner struggles such as "the chain called freedom tightens the wings" and "pointing the weapon of anxiety at the throat", the protagonist sets sail into rough seas with firm resolve: "Until the day I grasp my dream, I shall not return."

Reflecting Tooru Kobayashi's own lifestyle as a travelling musician, this acoustic track stands by anyone taking on new challenges, giving them courage to step forward into the future.

[Artist Profile]
Tooru Kobayashi is a Japanese singer-songwriter from Saitama. Carrying his acoustic bass, he travels across Japan in his handmade mobile truck-house, performing live music everywhere he goes. Known for his warm vocals, heartfelt lyrics, and moving melodies, he has also composed numerous commercial songs for regional TV stations and corporations.