1991 Side B-9 'Tenderly - Rica's Theme / Toshifumi Hinata'
Composed and arranged by Toshifumi Hinata
- Insert song for 'Tokyo Love Story' (Fuji TV, 1/7/1991–3/18/1991)
During this period, Fuji TV possessed two systems that acted like engines automatically supporting its own success. One was the late-night programming block branded 'JOCX-TV2,' and the other was the 'Fuji TV Young Scenario Grand Prix.' Both began in 1987. From these, new ideas, staff, cast members, and budding screenwriters were born one after another, growing into the driving force that would carry the next generation.
The first Young Scenario Grand Prix winner was Yuji Sakamoto. The second winner was Shinji Nojima. The third winner was Keiko Nobumoto, and Fumie Mizuhashi was among the finalists. Of the nine works covered in Side B, four dramas were handled by alumni of the Young Scenario Grand Prix, and two of those achieved extraordinary success. While this is certainly a testament to their talent, it is also proof of how serious Fuji TV was at the time about hiring young talent. The first big success by this new generation was 'Tokyo Love Story.' It simultaneously became the standard for a new style of drama from the 90s onward, and the next few years would become one of the golden ages in the history of television drama.
Furthermore, this drama had a major influence on subsequent dramas in terms of its music. One factor was the mega-hit theme song. The other was the revival of incidental music. The original soundtrack album for 'Tokyo Love Story' by Toshifumi Hinata recorded an exceptional hit, reaching number 5 on the album charts, and 'Tenderly - Rica's Theme' in particular garnered great popularity. It is a track composed of three motifs, all of which were used very carefully, impressively, and frequently throughout the drama (in fact, it was already playing in the opening of the first episode before the theme song even started). Surprisingly, this song was released as a single on April 1st, after the broadcast ended, and it charted, reaching number 34. From this point on, it became standard practice for soundtracks of television drama incidental music to be released. It was 'Tokyo Love Story' that elevated the status of television drama music to the same level as so-called film music.