The Final Theme: Kyowa Kirin's Declaration of Intent

Kyowa Kirin possesses a document titled "Our Aspirations," compiled through discussions between employees and management at the time of the company's establishment in October 2008. It embodies the commitment to face life with sincerity and directness to bring smiles to all who battle illness, as well as the aspirations of those working in the pharmaceutical industry, a field dedicated to life. Below is an excerpt.



With a sense of mission, pride, and the dignity of living for others always in mind, the staff at Kyowa Kirin dedicate themselves to research daily. The power of these words, which articulate the collective aspirations of the employees, fuels their endeavors.

The theme for the tenth and final installment of "10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE" is "Our Aspirations." The music was created by composer Shuta Hasunuma and Kotringo. The duo, who formed a special unit for this project, carefully interpreted the theme to share it with a wider audience. They delved into keywords such as sincerity, conviction, and challenge, crafting lyrics and melodies that reflect these concepts. They shared their process and approach leading up to the final piece.





The song is titled "My Philosophy." It was created through an experimental, epistolary approach, juxtaposing the phrase "Our Aspirations" with the musicians' relentless pursuit of their craft. The synergy born from Shuta Hasunuma and Kotringo's curiosity for music unlocked new possibilities. With its carefully chosen words conveying strong intent and a beautifully interwoven soundscape, the piece serves as a fitting conclusion to the project. The "10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE" webpage currently offers streaming of the song on SoundCloud, with a limited one-month download period.


Vol. 10 "Our Aspirations" by Shuta Hasunuma + Kotringo
http://www.kyowa-kirin.co.jp/10_sounds/artist/shuta_hasunuma_and_kotoringo/


 

＜About 10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE＞
"10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE" is a project by Kyowa Kirin, a research-driven life science company that continuously observes and engages with life. The project collaborates with ten artists to translate ten perspectives into ten musical pieces. This organic endeavor is delivered through beautiful sound. Driven by the passion and aspiration to "become the world's most life-friendly company," Kyowa Kirin leverages cutting-edge biotechnology, centered on antibody technology, to create groundbreaking new drugs and contribute to global health and prosperity through its worldwide operations. This initiative is produced by artless Inc., led by art director and artist Shun Kawakami.

10 SOUNDS OF LIFE SCIENCE
http://www.kyowa-kirin.co.jp/10_sounds/

Shuta Hasunuma
Born in Tokyo in 1983. He has released music, organized the Shuta Hasunuma Philharmonic/Team for concerts both domestically and internationally, undertaken numerous projects including commissioned works, film scores, commercials, stage productions, and collaborations across genres. His albums include Shuta Hasunuma Philharmonic's "Time plays - and so do we." and the four-CD set "CC OO." Notable solo exhibitions include "have a go at flying from music part 3" (2011, Bloomberg Pavilion | Museum of Contemporary Art Tokyo) and "unfocused" (2014, NADiff Gallery). His book is "Let's Try Flying from Music." http://www.shutahasunuma.com


Kotringo
Began piano at age five and composition at age seven. After graduating from Kobe College of Music, she studied abroad at Berklee College of Music in Boston, majoring in Jazz Composition and Performance. After earning her degree, she began performing in New York. Discovered by Ryuichi Sakamoto in 2006, she made her Japanese debut with the single "Konnichiwa Mata Ashita." In addition to her solo work, she has composed soundtracks for films such as "At the Terrace" and "The Bears' School," as well as numerous commercial jingles. She recently joined the band Kirinji. A singer-songwriter who paints a floating pop world with her exceptional piano skills and gentle voice. http://kotringo.net/index.html