About this Record
Released in 1971 on Toho Records (AS-1067), Pourquoi… 愛ふたたび (Pourquoi… Ai Futatabi) serves as the official theme single for the 1971 Toho romantic drama film Ai Futatabi (To Love Again), directed by legendary filmmaker Kon Ichikawa. The film and single prominently feature French actor Renaud Verley—whose smiling portrait graces the front sleeve—alongside Nichigeki Dancing Team (NDT) member, dancer, and actress Tomoko Kashima.
Musically, both sides showcase songwriting by hitmaker Kuranosuke Hamaguchi with arrangements by celebrated composer/arranger Shunichi Makaino, paired with evocative lyrics penned by renowned poet Shuntaro Tanikawa (with Yukiko Asabuki co-writing Side B). Balancing cinematic kayōkyoku melancholy with French pop/chanson aesthetics, this 7-inch captures the stylish European-Japanese cinematic crossover trends of early 1970s Japan.
Tracklist & Notes
- Side A: 愛ふたたび (Ai Futatabi) [2:50] – Lyrics: Shuntaro Tanikawa / Composition: Kuranosuke Hamaguchi / Arrangement: Shunichi Makaino
- Side B: 走れニコ (Hashire Nico) [2:58] – Lyrics: Shuntaro Tanikawa, Yukiko Asabuki / Composition: Kuranosuke Hamaguchi / Arrangement: Shunichi Makaino
The insert includes Tomoko Kashima’s early profile noting her background in the Nichigeki Dancing Team (NDT), along with Japanese and French lyrics for the B-side.
「市川崑に谷川俊太郎って、映画と歌詞のメンツが強烈すぎる。」
(Wife’s thought: Directed by Kon Ichikawa with lyrics by Shuntaro Tanikawa? The cultural pedigree behind this tiny 7-inch is ridiculously heavy.)
