International Recording Artists Join with Japanese Animators to Raise Funds for Japanese Earthquake Charity
David Byrne and Sigur Rós Featured in Original Music Videos Released on Second Anniversary of Disaster
Tokyo, Japan, March 11, 2013 – Zapuni LLC, a new enterprise formed to support survivors of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in Northern Japan, has announced the release of two new anime music videos to raise money and awareness for children who survived the disaster, which claimed nearly 20,000 lives.
The two original music videos are “Psychedelic Afternoon,” a previously unreleased version, written by Ryuichi Sakamoto and David Byrne, performed by David Byrne and Imani and animation by UrumaDelvi, and “Blossom,” featuring the song “Happipola” written and performed by Sigur Rós and animation by Yutaka Yamamoto.
“Psychedelic Afternoon” and “Blossom” can be viewed for free on YouTube, Crunchyroll.com, and Zapuni.com. Viewers are encouraged to donate to School Music Revival, a charity dedicated to bringing music to the lives of children affected by the earthquake and tsunami, by downloading the video and/or the Psychedelic Afternoon music track from iTunes, by buying limited edition iPhone cases with artwork from UrumaDelvi and Yutaka Yamamoto, and by donating directly to School Music Revival.
“Sakamoto and I wrote this song a while ago,” David Byrne said of “Psychedelic Afternoon”. “I was hesitant to sing it then, as it’s from the point of view of a child. But now, thanks to the magic of animation, a child can finally sing the song (though it’s my voice). I’m so happy to finally offer something in response to this horrible tragedy, and to have the song find a perfect home.”
Ryuichi Sakamoto stated “The events that took place on 3.11 devastated the Tōhoku region of Japan, and still affect the lives of its residents now two years later. I am proud to participate in the Zapuni project and to show Tōhoku worldwide support through music and art.”
UrumaDelvi, who produced the original animation for “Psychedelic Afternoon,” are best known for the anime series Bottom Biting Bug, first broadcast on NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation). The husband and wife team stated, “Our team is thrilled to work with David Byrne and Ryūichi Sakamoto to bring relief and joy to children in Tōhoku through art and music. We hope people from around the world will enjoy the video and help us support School Music Revival.”
Yutaka Yamamoto stated “After the tsunami hit, I traveled several times to volunteer on the ground in Tōhoku to bring relief to the victims. The struggle with this disaster will be with us for ages and we will need to provide relief in all sorts of ways so that the region can be reborn. I hope the world will enjoy ‘Blossom.’”
Zapuni founder Vince Shortino stated, “As a longtime resident of Japan, like everyone here, I was profoundly affected by the events of March 11, 2011. Zapuni is a collaboration effort by friends and colleagues. We believe that together through the power of combining music with art, we can to bring spiritual joy to the children of Tōhoku affected by the disaster. There will be more good work from Zapuni in the future. This is just the start.”
How to Donate
Visit Zapuni.com to learn more and get involved.
Where to watch
About Zapuni LCC
“Japanese artists + world renowned musicians = good things for children”
Founded in 2012, Zapuni LLC unites Japanese visual artists with world-renowned musicians to create works that will bring good things to children affected by disaster. Friends of Zapuni include Ryūichi Sakamoto, David Byrne, Sigur Rós, UrumaDelvi, Gregory Rood, Seiji Nagai, and many more.
About School Music Revival
The Japan Musical Instruments Association, a coalition of musical instrument manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers in Japan, organized the School Music Revival project on July 20, 2011 to bring smiles to the faces of the children who represent our future by enhancing their lives with music. Not only do they contribute to the inspection, repair, and maintenance of musical instruments belonging to preschools, and primary, middle, and high schools damaged by the 2011 earthquake in Japan, but they are also assisting in the continued development of the Tōhoku region’s music education.
http://www.schoolmusicrevival.org/
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