Balalaika (song)

"Balalaika" (バラライカ, Bararaika) is the second opening theme song from the Japanese anime Kirarin Revolution. The song was released on October 25, 2006 and is performed by Koharu Kusumi from Morning Musume, credited as "Kirari Tsukishima starring Koharu Kusumi (Morning Musume)" (月島きらり starring 久住小春(モーニング娘。)). The song was released as Kirari Tsukishima's second single, who Kusumi portrays in the show.

"Balalaika"
Regular edition cover
Single by Kirari Tsukishima starring Koharu Kusumi (Morning Musume)
from the album Mitsuboshi
A-side"Balalaika"
B-side"Mizuiro Melody"
ReleasedOctober 25, 2006 (CD single)
November 8, 2006 (DVD single)
Recorded2006
GenreJ-pop
LabelZetima
Songwriter(s)Shigeki Sako (track 1)
Katsuhiko Kurosu (track 2)
Lyricist(s)Bulge (track 1)
Makoto Furuya (track 2)
Kirari Tsukishima starring Koharu Kusumi (Morning Musume) singles chronology
"Koi Kana"
(2006)		 "Balalaika"
(2006)		 "Happy"
(2007)
Kirarin Revolution singles chronology
"Koi Kana"
(2006)		 "Balalaika"
(2006)		 "Happy"
(2007)
Music video
"Balalaika" on YouTube

Background and release

"Balalaika" is the second opening theme song to Kirarin Revolution and is performed by Koharu Kusumi from Morning Musume, who voices the main character, Kirari Tsukishima.[1] The song was released as the character's second single and Kusumi is credited as "Kirari Tsukishima starring Koharu Kusumi (Morning Musume)" (月島きらり starring 久住小春(モーニング娘。)).[2] The song borrows influences from Russian folk music.[2][3]

The single was released on October 25, 2006, under the Zetima label. "Mizuiro Melody", the third ending theme song to Kirarin Revolution, was included as a B-side and is also performed by Kusumi under her character's name. The limited edition featured an alternate cover and came with an exclusive version of Takara Tomy's paper doll Millefeui Card from Kirarin Revolution.

A video single was released on November 8, 2006.[4]

Music video

The music video was directed by Hideo Kawatani and produced by Tetsushi Suehiro.[5][6] It features Kusumi dressed up as her character, Kirari Tsukishima, and dancing at a magic show. A version featuring the choreography was released with the video single.[4]

Reception

The CD single debuted at #8 in the Oricon Weekly Singles Chart and charted for 23 weeks.[7][8] The single sold 28,132 copies on its first week and 72,709 copies in total. The video single charted at #13 on the Oricon Weekly DVD Charts.[4]

Editors at Barks noted that the song's "Hoo! Ha!" chanting reminded them of "Koi no Dance Site" by Morning Musume. In their review of the music video, they commented that it highlighted Kusumi's sex appeal in an innocent way compared to recent Hello! Project music videos, such as "Some Boys! Touch" by Maki Goto and "Melodies" by GAM.[3] The editors noted that compared to their videos, Kusumi's image and smile evoked fond memories of a past crush from elementary school and exuded a "sparkle."[3]

"Balalaika" became associated with the "Yaranaika?" Internet meme after a fan-made parody version with homoerotic lyrics was used as the meme's theme song.[9]

Track listing

Single
No.TitleLyricsMusicArrangementLength
1."Balalaika" (バラライカ)Bulge (Takahiro Hosoki, Rie Tanaka)Shigeki SakoShigeki Sako 
2."Mizuiro Melody" (水色メロディ lit. Aquamarine Melody)Makoto FuruyaKatsuhiko KurosuDaisuke Kato 
3."Balalaika" (Instrumental) Shigeki SakoShigeki Sako 

DVD single
No.TitleLength
1."Balalaika"3:42
2."Balalaika" (Dance Shot Ver.) 
3."Making Of" (メイキング映像) 

Charts

References
  1. Pirosue (July 26, 2016). "Buono!、きら☆レボから、こぶしファクトリーまで ハロプロ×アニソンを俯瞰する". Real Sound (in Japanese). Retrieved January 16, 2019.
  2. Junko Yano (October 25, 2006). "月島きらり starring 久住小春（モーニング娘。）『スーパーアイドル・きらりの2ndシングルPV到着！』-". Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved December 27, 2018.
  3. "14歳のキラキラがいっぱい！ 久住小春の新曲「バラライカ」フルPV公開！". Barks (in Japanese). October 30, 2006. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
  4. "シングルV「バラライカ」". Oricon (in Japanese). Retrieved December 31, 2018.
  5. "ハロプロ関連楽曲PV監督（楽曲大賞1997-2006 PV部門用）". Fraction Collector (in Japanese). July 23, 2007. Retrieved January 2, 2019.
  6. "株式会社 ハッチ HATCH CORPORATION - WORKS" (in Japanese). Retrieved May 7, 2019.
  7. "バラライカ | 月島きらり starring 久住小春(モーニング娘。)". ORICON STYLE. Retrieved January 18, 2016.
  8. "オリコン週間 CDシングルランキング 2006年10月23日～2006年10月29日". ORICON STYLE. Retrieved January 18, 2016.
  9. "【DEEP】地上最強のアニヲタ長島☆自演乙、谷川FEG代表の目前でK-1制圧を宣言！" (in Japanese). livedoor Sports. December 23, 2008. Archived from the original on February 6, 2009.
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