Suzuki Masayuki & Shinohara Ryoko Debut Drama Theme Song on TV
Picture yourself tuning into a lively Japanese TV studio on a crisp January evening, the air electric with anticipation for a groundbreaking musical performance. On January 31, 2026, Nippon TV’s popular music show with MUSIC (with MUSIC) will deliver a lineup that’s got fans buzzing—and for learners like you, it’s a perfect window into Japan’s vibrant pop culture. This isn’t just about catchy tunes; it’s a chance to see how music and storytelling weave together in a uniquely Japanese way. Let’s dive into the highlights of this must-watch event and uncover some language gems along the way!
A Historic TV Debut: Suzuki Masayuki and Shinohara Ryoko
The star attraction of the night is a collaboration that’s making waves in Japanese entertainment. Two iconic figures, 鈴木雅之 (Suzuki Masayuki), known as the “King of Love Songs,” and 篠原涼子 (Shinohara Ryoko), a beloved actress and singer, are teaming up as “Suzuki Masayuki feat. Shinohara Ryoko.” They’ll be performing the theme song for the Nippon TV drama パンチドランク・ウーマン -脱獄まであと××日- (Punch Drunk Woman -Togoku made ato ×× nichi-, “Punch Drunk Woman: ×× Days Until Escape”). Titled Canaria (Canaria, “Canary”), this song will have its first-ever live TV 披露 (hirou, “unveiling” or “performance”), making it a landmark moment for fans of both music and drama.
This performance isn’t just a treat for the ears—it’s a chance to see how a 主題歌 (shudaika, “theme song”) captures the emotional essence of a drama. The series itself, with its themes of struggle and redemption, pairs perfectly with the soulful delivery of these artists. For learners, tuning in (or catching clips online) offers a real-world example of how Japanese media uses music to deepen storytelling.
A Diverse Lineup to Showcase Japan’s Music Scene
The January 31 episode of with MUSIC (with MUSIC) is packed with more than just one highlight. You’ll also see INI (INI), a popular boy group, perform a メドレー (medorē, “medley”) of their hits True Love and U MINE, blending slick moves with emotional lyrics. Then there’s Aぇ! group (Aぇ! group), a rising star under STARTO ENTERTAINMENT, presenting Again, the lead track from their upcoming February album Runway. Finally, Omoinotake (Omoinotake), a band with over 600 million 再生回数 (saisei kaisuu, “number of plays”) for their viral ヒット曲 (hitto kyoku, “hit song”) 幾億光年 (Ikoku Kounen, “Hundreds of Millions of Light Years”), will perform that track alongside their new single Wonderland.
For Japanese learners, this variety is a treasure trove. Each artist brings a unique style, from romantic ballads to high-energy pop, exposing you to a range of vocabulary and expressions. Whether it’s a heartfelt love song or an upbeat anthem, you’ll hear how language shifts with emotion and context.
Cultural Context: Why Theme Songs Matter in Japanese Dramas
If you’re new to Japanese media, you might be surprised by how much weight a 主題歌 (shudaika, “theme song”) carries. Unlike in many Western shows where music often fades into the background, in Japan, these songs are central to the experience. They’re chosen to mirror the drama’s mood—think bittersweet longing in a romance or raw tension in a gritty story like パンチドランク・ウーマン. Artists like Suzuki Masayuki, with his deeply emotional voice, are often selected for their ability to connect with listeners on a personal level, a quality deeply valued in Japanese music culture.
Collaborations like this one, under a joint 名義 (meigi, “name” or “credit”), also reflect a tradition of blending music and acting. Shinohara Ryoko, primarily an actress, stepping into a singing role shows the versatility celebrated in Japan’s entertainment world. For learners, paying attention to these songs isn’t just about the melody—it’s about understanding how Japanese storytelling uses sound and language to create a richer narrative.
Learn Japanese from This Article
Ready to pick up some authentic Japanese from this exciting news? Let’s break down key vocabulary and grammar you can use to talk about music, performances, and more. These are words and patterns you’ll hear in real Japanese media, straight from the way native speakers use them.
Key Vocabulary
| Japanese | Romaji | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 披露 | hirou | presentation, unveiling, performance |
| 主題歌 | shudaika | theme song |
| 出演 | shutsuen | appearance, performance (on TV, stage, etc.) |
| メドレー | medorē | medley (a mix of songs performed together) |
| ヒット曲 | hitto kyoku | hit song |
| 再生回数 | saisei kaisuu | number of plays/views (e.g., streaming) |
| 名義 | meigi | name, credit (as in artist credit) |
Grammar Spotlight: Using 〜で and 〜を届ける
Let’s look at two useful patterns that popped up in the context of this event. These will help you describe where something happens and how performances are presented—super handy for talking about media and events in Japanese.
〜で: This particle indicates location or means. It’s often translated as “at,” “in,” or “by means of,” depending on the context. You’ll hear it a lot when talking about where a performance or event takes place.
- Example 1: テレビで歌を披露しました。 (Terebi de uta o hirou shimashita.) – “They unveiled the song on TV.”
- Example 2: with MUSICで出演します。 (with MUSIC de shutsuen shimasu.) – “They will appear on with MUSIC.”
- When to Use: Use 〜で to specify the place or medium of an action. It’s a natural way to talk about events like TV shows or concerts.
〜を届ける: This expression means “to deliver” or “to present,” often used for performances, messages, or emotions conveyed through art. It’s a poetic yet common way to describe sharing something meaningful.
- Example 1: 新しい曲を届けます。 (Atarashii kyoku o todokemasu.) – “They will deliver a new song.”
- Example 2: 感動を届けたいです。 (Kandou o todoketai desu.) – “I want to deliver emotion.”
- When to Use: Pair this with objects like songs (曲, kyoku) or feelings to express the act of sharing or presenting something impactful.
Continue Learning
Want to build on what you’ve learned here? Check out these lessons from “Japanese from Japan” to deepen your skills:
- Wa vs. Ga: Emphasizing Importance in Sentences: Ready to dive deeper? Our lesson on Wa vs. Ga: Emphasizing Importance in Sentences will help you master these concepts.
- Chinese Influence on Japanese: Kanji and Borrowed Vocabulary: Working on your reading skills? Our Chinese Influence on Japanese: Kanji and Borrowed Vocabulary lesson is a great next step.
- Vocabulary Through Kanji Compounds: Lego-Like Word Building: Working on your reading skills? Our Vocabulary Through Kanji Compounds: Lego-Like Word Building lesson is a great next step.
これからもよろしくお願いします。 Kore kara mo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.