Summary
Asian Kung-Fu Generation re-releases Haruka Kanata for their 20th anniversary album. The iconic Naruto opening theme is now available on major music platforms. Masafumi Gotoh's vocals showcase his timeless talent in the new version.
One of NarutoNaruto's most iconic opening theme, Haruka Kanata, has been revived after 20 years with a new version. Released in 2003 by Japanese indie rock band Asian Kung-Fu Generation, Haruka Kanata is undoubtedly one of Naruto's most memorable and catchy opening themes, and has now been re-recorded, allowing fans to hear the song once again.
Asian Kung-Fu Generation, the artist behind Naruto's second hit opening theme, have re-recorded Haruka Kanata as part of their new Single Collection album set to be released on July 31, 2024. The new album, which celebrates the band's 20th anniversary with a major label, will be a compilation of many of the band's iconic singles like Haruka Kanata.
Haruka Kanata is the highlight of the 33-track album, and the single is now available on a number of streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, and Deezer.
Naruto's Second Opening Song Haruka Kanata Gets New Version in 2024
The Voice of the Asian Martial Arts Generation Remains the Same After Two Decades
Formed in 1996, Asian Kung-Fu Generation exploded in popularity around the same time Haruka Kanata was released, and the new version of the opening theme proves that the band, as well as its lead singer, Masafumi Gotoh, are still going strong even after two decades. While the new version is a bit more mellow than the original, Gotoh's voice has arguably aged beautifully, and he can still belt out the song's memorable high notes quite flawlessly despite being in his forties.
As one of the band's first few singles, Haruka Kanata's original 2003 version certainly has a raw, punchy tone that can be equated with youthful vigor. Gotoh's vocals are far from perfect, but the cracks and distortions are said to give the song a lot of emotion and make it memorable.
Both the band and singer have improved their sound and technique significantly since then, but Haruka Kanata remains an iconic masterpiece worth listening to even decades later, especially for fans Naruto want to take a nostalgic trip back in time.
Source: Milan Records, Sony Music (press release)