Marihiko Hara on KOKUHO Score, Future Projects

0:00On April 30th, composer Marihiko Hara just opened up in a billboard Japan interview about scoring the blockbuster film Co-Okuho, which smashed records by pulling in over 20 billion yen or about 125 million dollars to become the top-grossing live-action Japanese movie ever. At the 49th Japan Academy Film Prize in March 2026, it grabbed ten awards, including picture of the year while Hara snagged wins for outstanding music and theme song. Hara says the wins feel surreal, like closing one chapter after never expecting this level of success. He's thrilled that his authentic sound, true to his style, connected so widely without chasing trends. His love for traditional Japanese instruments goes way back, from family Shamasen playing to school, no chanting, plus influences like Toru Takamitsu, and Ruiichi Sakamoto. What stands out in the score is the central viola de Gamba, delivering a deep, demonic

1:01boom that Hara processed from a simple phrase. It hit him during a Kabuki's soundtrack years earlier, feeling like a heavy presence or watchful gaze mirroring key film moments. He demoed it first to director Lee, who pushed formalities to carry the three-hour runtime. The theme song Luminance, featuring Satoshi Iguchi, came later during Kyoto sessions and charted big on Billboard Japan. Hara crafted it with Iguchi's voice and sparse lyrics in mind, suggesting collaborator Miu Sakamoto for her vocalized style. Their bond formed post-Ruiichi Sakamoto's passing, sharing that musical family vibe. Looking ahead, Hara wants more film gigs, even internationally, a new solo album since his 2020 Passion release, live concerts, essays, and acoustic spaces without power. This score's legacy shows how timber and melody can redefine cinema sounds. Music news today, powered by AI bringing you what's trending in sound.