Released May 25, 2011 Genre Pop, R&B Label Ariola Japan | Recorded 2011 Length 5:11 | |
Format CD single, digital download | ||
"Kioku" (記憶, lit. "Memory", stylized as "La Mémoire" on the cover) is the twenty-fifth single by Japanese recording artist Misia. It was released on May 25, 2011 as the sole physical single from Misia's tenth studio album Soul Quest.
Contents
Background
The song was written by Misia and Gorō Matsui, composed by Japan-based Korean producer BZ4U and produced by Shirō Sagisu. It was released nearly a year and a half since "Hoshi no Yō ni..." (2009) as the lead single from Misia's tenth studio album Soul Quest. "Kioku" served as theme song for the TV Asahi drama Iryū Sōsa (遺留捜査). The single includes two B-sides: "Kono Mama de Tonight," a duet with Hawaiian singer-songwriter John Paul "JP" Lam, and "Can't Take My Eyes Off of You," a cover of the 1967 Frankie Valli song. The first press edition of the single includes a bonus remix of "Maware Maware."
Composition
TV Asahi producer Yumiko Miwa chose "Kioku" as theme song for Iryu Sosa specifically because of the way it complemented the drama. In a press release, she commented:
I had always loved Misia's powerful and romantic voice. Because Iryu Sosa is a suspense drama, the episodes don't always have happy endings, so I wanted a song that would convey sympathy and hope. Misia took my thoughts into consideration and presented us with a beautiful song, I'm very grateful. "Kioku" is such a wonderful song that every time I listen to it I get goosebumps. Thank you so much.
Music video
The music video for "Kioku" was directed by the directing duo Electrotnik. It premiered on May 11, 2011 on Space Shower TV. The video features pictures of "fond memories," some submitted by fans through an online submission campaign set up by Misia's team. A baby picture of Misia surrounded by her older brother and sister can be seen near the end of the video. A doll made of newspaper also appears throughout the video.
Chart performance
The single debuted at number 14 on the Oricon Daily Singles Chart on May 24, 2011. It peaked at number 21 on the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart with 5,540 copies sold. The single charted for four weeks and sold 7,954 copies in total.