In the vibrant world of J-pop and Japanese cinema, few collaborations capture the heart quite like the fusion of music and storytelling. Okinawan rock band ORANGE RANGE has just announced their latest single, “Towa no Hikari” (Eternal Light), set to serve as the theme song for the highly anticipated film Strawberry Moon (original Japanese title: Strawberry Moon: Yomei Hanshunen no Koi, or Strawberry Moon: Love with Six Months to Live). This release marks a poignant return to the band’s signature emotional ballads, reminiscent of their iconic hit “Hana.” For fans of Japanese music, romance films, and tear-jerking narratives, this is a must-watch development in 2025’s entertainment landscape.
As an international audience, you might be familiar with ORANGE RANGE through their energetic tracks featured in anime like Bleach‘s opening “Asterisk” or their genre-blending style that mixes rock, hip-hop, and pop. Formed in 2001 in Okinawa, Japan, the band started as a group of childhood friends covering songs by other artists before signing with Sony Music Japan in 2003. Their debut major single “Kirikirimai” kicked off a string of hits, including “Shanghai Honey” and “Hana,” the latter becoming a cultural staple as the theme for the 2004 film Be with You (Ima, Ai ni Yukimasu). Over two decades, ORANGE RANGE has evolved, blending Okinawan influences with mainstream appeal, amassing a dedicated global fanbase. Their music often reflects themes of youth, love, and resilience—qualities that shine in this new release.
The Heart of “Towa no Hikari”: A Song Born from the Screen
“Towa no Hikari” isn’t just any track; it was composed after the band watched the film, ensuring it captures the essence of the characters’ precious moments. The song’s emotional melody and lyrics evoke the band’s “cryable” style, much like “Hana,” which famously brought listeners to tears. The jacket photo for the single echoes the design of “Hana,” hinting at a deliberate nod to their past successes and stirring anticipation for potential hits. Fans can already get a taste of the song in the movie’s main trailer, where snippets play over heartfelt scenes.
This collaboration highlights ORANGE RANGE’s knack for theme songs that resonate beyond the screen. In their comment, the band shared, “We all cried watching the movie—so much that we had to watch from separate seats to hide it. It’s a heart-cleansing, wonderful film.” They praised lead actress Ami Touma for her sparkling presence and transparency, noting pride in her as a fellow Okinawan. The song transitions from depicting initial sadness to forward-looking hope, incorporating input from all members—a creative challenge that expanded their musical world. They hope “Towa no Hikari” becomes a timeless pairing with the film, much like “Hana” has endured.
Diving into “Strawberry Moon”: A Tale of Love, Loss, and Eternal Bonds
At its core, Strawberry Moon is a live-action adaptation of Nao Akutagawa’s bestselling pure love novel, which gained massive traction on TikTok as the “most tear-jerking story of the Reiwa era.” The book explores themes of high school friendship and a poignant romance between protagonists Hinata and Moe, blending heartbreak with uplifting messages of living fully in the face of adversity.
The film follows Sakurai Moe (played by rising star Ami Touma in her first lead role), a frail girl who’s spent her childhood confined to home due to illness. At 15, she’s given just six months to live. Defying her fate, Moe enrolls in high school and boldly confesses her feelings to classmate Sato Hinata (Jun Saito) mere hours after meeting him. As their relationship blossoms, they dream of viewing the “Strawberry Moon”—a rare reddish full moon in June, legend says, that binds lovers eternally when seen together. But after fulfilling this wish on her birthday, Moe vanishes, leaving Hinata in mystery. Thirteen years later, her true feelings unravel in a twist that promises emotional depth.
Directed by Mai Sakai, known for the Beautiful Him series, and scripted by veteran Yoshikazu Okada (behind hits like 10 Years to Live and Be with You), the movie features a stellar cast including Yosuke Sugino, Ayami Nakajo, Rena Tanaka, and Yusuke Santamaria. This generational team-up brings fresh energy to a timeless genre. Running approximately 120 minutes, it’s distributed by Shochiku and set for nationwide release in Japan on October 17, 2025.
Culturally, stories like this resonate deeply in Japan, where narratives about terminal illness often emphasize cherishing fleeting moments, family bonds, and personal growth rather than solely tragedy. The “Strawberry Moon” legend adds a poetic, romantic layer—drawing from Native American folklore for the June full moon’s strawberry harvest tint, symbolizing renewal and love worldwide. For non-native viewers, it offers a sensitive glimpse into Japanese views on life and death, avoiding melodrama while inspiring hope. Internationally, it echoes Western films like The Fault in Our Stars or A Walk to Remember, making it accessible and relatable for global audiences seeking emotional catharsis.
Ami Touma reflected on the theme song: “The lyrics make me think this is how Hinata saw Moe. The gentle melody leaves you feeling refreshed after the film. I’ve listened to ORANGE RANGE with my mom since childhood, so I was thrilled they’d do the theme. I hope viewers gain courage from Moe’s story—there are many tearful moments, but the characters’ kindness permeates everything.”
ORANGE RANGE’s Momentum: Nationwide Tour and Beyond
Amid this excitement, ORANGE RANGE celebrates their 24th anniversary with the ongoing tour RANGE AID+ presents RWD← SCREAM 025. This concept tour, their sixth in about six years, spotlights their 2009 album world world world, featuring tracks like “Oshare Bancho feat. Soy Sauce” (which boasts over 4 billion TikTok views) and “Hitomi no Saki ni.” Kicking off on September 6, 2025, at Zepp Fukuoka to rave reviews, the tour spans eight cities with nine shows, wrapping up on October 4 at Zepp DiverCity. It’s a high-energy showcase of their evolution, blending nostalgia with fresh vibes—perfect timing for “Towa no Hikari”‘s release.
ORANGE RANGE’s Okinawan heritage infuses their music with a unique rhythm, drawing from local traditions while appealing universally. Hits like “Ikenai Taiyou” (recently updated in a Reiwa version) show their adaptability, keeping them relevant across generations. As they tour, fans can expect emotional highs that mirror the film’s themes.
Release Details and How to Experience It
“Towa no Hikari” drops digitally on October 15, 2025, followed by the CD single on October 22. The movie premieres October 17, promising a seamless blend of visuals and sound. For international fans, keep an eye on streaming platforms for global access—Japanese films often find their way to services like Netflix or Crunchyroll post-release.
This pairing of ORANGE RANGE’s music with Strawberry Moon‘s story is more than entertainment; it’s a reminder to embrace life’s fragility with love and courage. Whether you’re a J-pop enthusiast or a romance film aficionado, this release bridges cultures, inviting reflection on eternal connections.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the release date for ORANGE RANGE’s “Towa no Hikari”?
The single releases digitally on October 15, 2025, with the CD version following on October 22, 2025.
2. When does the movie “Strawberry Moon” premiere?
The film is set for nationwide release in Japan on October 17, 2025, with a runtime of about 120 minutes.
3. Who are the main stars in “Strawberry Moon”?
Ami Touma leads as Sakurai Moe, alongside Jun Saito as Sato Hinata. The supporting cast includes Yosuke Sugino, Ayami Nakajo, Rena Tanaka, and Yusuke Santamaria.
4. What makes ORANGE RANGE’s music unique?
Hailing from Okinawa, the band blends rock, hip-hop, and pop with energetic rhythms and emotional depth, known for hits like “Asterisk” from Bleach and “Hana” from Be with You. Their Okinawan roots add a cultural flair that resonates globally.
