Maaya Sakamoto has announced her 36th single titled Drops, which will be the theme song for the new anime, Once Upon a Witch's Death (Aru Majo ga Shinu Made: Owari no Kotoba to Hajimari no Namida). The anime is scheduled to air on April 1, 2025, while Drops will be officially released on May 21, 2025. The song marks the return of Maaya Sakamoto with a new work that combines her signature musicality with the fresh feel of the latest collaboration.
Drops: A Mix of Nostalgia and New Exploration
Single Drops involved a creative team consisting of musicians with long experience as well as new talents. Yuho Iwasato wrote the lyrics for the title track, continuing his long collaboration with Maaya Sakamoto. Meanwhile, Naoto Kiyota served as the song's composer, marking his collaborative debut with Maaya Sakamoto. Shin Kono, who has long handled Sakamoto's musical arrangements, was again entrusted with the song's production.
In addition to DropsThis single also includes the song Twilight as coupling song. Interesting, Twilight is the first song in their 28-year career where Maaya Sakamoto and Yuho Iwasato wrote lyrics together. Composed and arranged by Tomoya Kawasaki, the song offers a different style of electronic music from their previous releases. This blend of musical experimentation and classical touches adds to the appeal of this latest single.
Limited Edition with Exclusive Merchandise
Single Drops comes in two versions: Limited First Edition and Standard Edition. The limited edition is priced at ¥3,300 (tax included) and comes with a Maaya Sakamoto 30th Anniversary Acrylic Stand. This exclusive merchandise features a recent portrait of Maaya Sakamoto with the logo of FlyingDog at the base of the stand. Acrylic stand It is double-sided, featuring the front and back of Maaya Sakamoto in one collection.
Product Details
| Title | Drops |
| Release Date | May 21, 2025 |
| Limited First Edition | ¥3,300 (VTZL-255) + Maaya Sakamoto 30th Anniversary Acrylic Stand |
| Standard Edition | ¥1,320 (VTCL-35386) |
Here is the list of songs contained in the single Drops:
- Drops (OP themeOnce Upon a Witch's Death (Aru Majo ga Shinu Made: Owari no Kotoba to Hajimari no Namida))
- Twilight
- Drops (TV Size)
- Instrumental versions of the two title tracks
Maaya Sakamoto's Career Journey
Maaya Sakamoto is known as a singer, seiyuu, lyricist, and actress who has had a career spanning nearly three decades. She made her music debut in 1996 with the single Yakusoku wa Iranai. Since then, he has continued to grow in the music scene and made it to the top of the Oricon Chart with the album You Can't Catch Me in 2011.
Aside from being a singer, Maaya Sakamoto is also active in writing lyrics for various famous artists, such as Kinki Kids, Mamoru Miyano, and Walküre. Her contribution to the music world is not only limited to her own work, but also gives color to the J-pop industry as a whole. Outside of music, he is also involved in theater and received the Kazuo Kikuta Theater Award for his role in the musical Daddy-Long-Legs.
In 2025, Maaya Sakamoto will celebrate 30 years of her career as a musician and actress. With the release of DropsHe proved once again that he remains relevant in the world of Japanese music as well as being a figure that anime and pop culture fans continue to look up to.
As the theme song of Once Upon a Witch's Death (Aru Majo ga Shinu Made: Owari no Kotoba to Hajimari no Namida), Drops features an exciting collaboration between Maaya Sakamoto, Yuho Iwasato, and Naoto Kiyota. Meanwhile, Twilight offers a unique exploration of electronic music, enriching fans' listening experience.
If you love music J-pop quality or following Maaya Sakamoto's journey as a multifaceted artist, single Drops is a release to look forward to. For more information, you can visit Maaya Sakamoto's official website at JVCKenwood Victor Entertainment or watch the latest updates on YouTube official.
Source: Official Press Release
