Celebration: Release of a Completely Original Song & Establishment of Studio Konoha!
Hello. This is Ogawa from General Affairs.
These days, I am trembling with fear at the pollen that has invaded along with the arrival of spring.
By the way, are you familiar with LeafWorks' official corporate character Konoha-chan?
She is currently active mainly on Twitter using several handmade plushies, but believe it or not!Konoha-chan has released a song.
You might be wondering, "Why?" but even the members involved still don't really understand.
First of all, I just want you to watch it without me saying anything!
First Single: "Hello Konoha"
What did you think?
This time, I will reveal the background behind releasing this song and some behind-the-scenes production stories.
If you are interested, please stay with me until the end.
Here we go!!
I did it because it seemed fun.
Summer 2022.
When I was discussing Konoha-chan's future operations with President Sawa, he said this on a whim:
"Why don't you try making a song? It would be interesting if it sounded like Touhou."
I thought, "He's just saying random things as usual," but when I looked around the office, I found a few people who had been involved in music.
"That sounds fun!"And so, I ended up making a song with Section Manager Horino, who also joined in on a whim.
▶ Mission 1: Lyrics
I, Ogawa, was in charge of the lyrics.
Since I have no experience writing lyrics, I Googled "how to write lyrics."
Oh, I see, hmm, is that so...
As a result of trying to create a worldview, it ended up looking like a job advertisement... but my favorite part is the C-melody section.
Which one is the real me? Don't worry about it.
They are all the real me! I have to enjoy them all!
Konoha-chan's illustrations and plushies are increasing, and her style changes every time.
"Konoha-chan is a concept, and this represents that concept well."I pride myself on that.
Undeniably a horse! We even held a race in the office.
▶ Mission 2: Composition
The person in charge of composition isSection Manager Horino from the MA Department.
Apparently, he used to have a mohawk, formed a punk band, and even debuted in Europe, but I don't believe it because I can't imagine that from his current cool-guy appearance.
He says he is still actively making music under the name "aeroplane".
Making full use of "Mac LogicPro" and the "vocaloid software Synthesizer V",the song we have here is what he suddenly played for me one day saying, "It's done."It was so fast that it almost made me misunderstand and think, "Is composing music easy?" No, that can't be right.
What was the hardest part?
Horino: "Nothing in particular."
...Cool... That gives me chills!!!
What is your impression of this song?
Horino: "I always composed and arranged it late at night and listened to it on repeat until morning, so it's a song that gives you energy when you listen to it as the night sky gradually brightens."
It's also recommended for mornings after pulling an all-nighter! You might be able to stay awake forever?!
By the way.
Ogawa recorded some raw vocals while holed up in a karaoke booth to use as a reference for matching the lyrics to the melody, and apparently, those are faintly included in this work as chorus vocals.
I'll give a super Konoha-chan doll to anyone who noticed! (Just kidding!)
▶Last Mission: MV Video Production
"The song is done, but... what about the MV?"
Looking around the office... Is this the strength of an IT company? Found a video production expert!
So, the person we reached out to was,Chief Akashi, our Web Designer.
Akashi: "Sure thing. When is the deadline?"
An immediate answer. Are there only people in this company who run on pure vibes?
Even though it was a messy request, he watched a lot of Vocaloid-style MVs and created this for us.
What was the hardest part?
Akashi: "I had no experience in MV production, so everything was difficult when it came time to actually make it. But it was a good experience. Let's plan it out properly next time."
His ambition is wonderful! I have nothing but respect for him.
Also, Konoha-chan in this work isa brand-new illustration drawn by Chief Akashi's wife.Do talented people attract other talented people?
No, more importantly—.
At the end!!
That face is!!!
Unfair!!!!
If you don't get it, please watch it one more time.
"We luxuriously used that illustration only at the very end"
as Chief Akashi says, the last scene is a must-see.
"Studio Konoha" is born!
Konoha-chan took on the challenge of a work that makes full use of singing and video this time.
At LeafWorks, we thought we wanted to do something fun with Konoha-chan,playing aroundand so we named the group that is executing this"Studio Konoha"!For those of you who want to join in, please get in touch!
Finally—.
A word from the creator of Konoha-chan,Eternal Executive Producer, President Sawada.
"You actually did it! Amazing."
Isn't that too casual?
That's right, we made all of this in-house!!
The joy of creation is irreplaceable no matter how old you get.
I have nothing but gratitude for a company that gladly accepts new challenges.
"Studio Konoha" is already discussing the next project.
We will be distributing videos and more, so"They're doing something fun"we would be happy if you keep an eye on us in the future.
