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Published at TV Guide Web, April 13, 2026. See the original post here<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Tsurube’s Great Songs<\/em> (BS11, Thursdays at 8:00 PM) is a sophisticated talk and music program for adult audiences, hosted by Shofukutei Tsurube and Akiko Yagi. Together with their guests, they delve deeply into the connections between “song” and “life,” exploring everything from the secret stories hidden within famous melodies to the guests’ own private lives. Here, we offer a comprehensive preview of the highlights, both visual and auditory, of the broadcast airing on April 16, which features Isao Sasaki as the special guest.<\/p>\n Isao Sasaki, revered as the “King of Anime Songs” and fresh off celebrating his 65th debut anniversary last year, makes his appearance on the show. We will present a selection of legendary anime songs, including the theme song from the sci-fi anime masterpiece Space Battleship Yamato<\/em>, that stirred the hearts of boys and girls throughout the Showa era.<\/p>\n Now 83 years old, Mr. Sasaki continues to perform energetically on live stages. However, just last January, he suffered a serious illness that left him temporarily unable to sing. Not only did he achieve a miraculous recovery, but his powerful volume and beautiful vocal tone, undiminished since his youth, left the two hosts utterly astounded.<\/p>\n During the studio talk segment, Mr. Sasaki shares invaluable anecdotes that delve into the very essence of the anime songs Japan proudly presents to the world. These stories cover the struggles he faced in establishing his one-of-a-kind baritone voice, the bonds shared among the “Big Three of Anime Songs” as they honed their craft together, and the behind-the-scenes secrets regarding the creation of these legendary tracks.<\/p>\n Talk Segment Highlight #1<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Mr. Sasaki spearheaded the first major anime song boom that swept through the 1970s. Eventually, alongside Ichiro Mizuki and Masato Shimon, he came to be celebrated as one of the “Big Three of Anime Songs.” However, he looks back on that era with a touch of humor, noting, “Actually, back then, the three of us were the only male singers performing anime songs.”<\/p>\n Furthermore, the two hosts were astonished to learn a little-known secret: the theme song for Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> was originally slated to be sung by Masato Shimon. When Tsurube playfully teased him, asking, “Didn’t you end up swiping quite a few jobs from Mr. Shimon?” Sasaki retorted with a laugh: “Well, Mr. Shimon actually swiped quite a few jobs from me, too!” <\/p>\n He then went on to reveal the titles of several tokusatsu (special effects show) theme songs that he had secretly wished he could have sung himself. Now that he remains the sole active member of the “Big Three,” he speaks poignantly of his memories with his late comrades, expressing his hope that “these songs will continue to be passed down to the next generation.”<\/p>\n Talk Segment Highlight #2<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n The theme song for Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> is a masterpiece in which the majestic sound of a full orchestra blends magnificently with Sasaki\u2019s deep, resonant vocals. With lyrics that chronicle the resolve to embark on a journey to save the Earth, along with themes of parting, hope, and love, it is a universally acclaimed, timeless classic that stirs the soul.<\/p>\n However, Sasaki\u2019s initial impression of the song was reportedly quite different: “What a weird song.” This was because the musical notation he received prior to the recording session contained errors. When he sang it exactly as written, the result sounded “something like an Okinawan folk song.”<\/p>\n Originally, the Yamato<\/em> theme was slated to be sung by Masato Shimon. However, due to the producer’s request to “lower the key,” the role was ultimately entrusted to Sasaki. Given that the series is themed around a Japanese warship, one of the key requirements was the ability to “sing in clear, distinct Japanese.” <\/p>\n Sasaki humorously reenacts Shimon\u2019s take on the song, mimicking the distinctive vocal style familiar from the hit Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun<\/em><\/a>, and quips, “Apparently, when Shimon sang it, it came out sounding like ‘I-ya-mu-a-tu-o-u’!”<\/em> Between this Okinawan-folk-style rendition, which he dubs “The Unbearably Cheerful Yamato<\/em>,” and other unexpected arrangements of the classic tune, he has the show’s two hosts roaring with laughter.<\/p>\n Talk Segment Highlight #3<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Ichiro Mizuki, the “Emperor” of the anime song world, best known for Mazinger Z<\/em>, was a close ally with whom Sasaki shared countless stages, from their youth right up until Mizuki’s final years. Interestingly, however, Sasaki was actually the senior of the two. <\/p>\n It is said that during live performances, Sasaki would often playfully retort to Mizuki, “Your legs may be short, but your stories sure are long!” Sasaki reveals the depth of the bond between the “Great King” (himself) and the “Emperor” (Mizuki), noting that Mizuki’s wife “was delighted by this affectionate teasing, so much so that she asked me to keep telling that story, even at his wake.”<\/p>\n Since Mizuki’s passing on December 6, 2022, Sasaki has felt that “if someone doesn’t keep singing his songs, they will eventually be forgotten.” Consequently, he has been performing Mizuki’s repertoire at live concerts with increasing frequency. He also expresses his hope to “pass the baton” to the next generation, wishing for someone else to “carry on singing Yamato<\/em>.” However, he admits that finding a singer whose vocal range matches the songs remains a challenge. Many viewers will surely find themselves nodding in agreement with Tsurube’s simple yet heartfelt advice: “You just keep on singing for now!”<\/p>\n Talk Segment Highlight #4<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n Sasaki has performed countless anime and tokusatsu (special effects) songs throughout his career, yet he reveals that he actually has “more favorites” among ending themes than opening themes. His reasoning is that while opening themes must serve as the “face” of a show, demanding high energy and intensity, “ending themes allow for more creative freedom, such as evoking a lingering sense of atmosphere.” He even reveals that he sang the ending theme for Secret Sentai Goranger in a style inspired by Elvis Presley.<\/p>\n Sasaki laughs as he recalls how his wife once pointed out that his vocal performance, infused with that distinctive breathing technique, might be “a bit too sultry for a children’s show.” However, when he turned to the host Tsurube and asked, “But for a rakugo storyteller, isn’t a touch of sultriness actually quite important?” Tsurube wholeheartedly agreed. <\/p>\n Watch the talkshow segments on Youtube here<\/a> (closed captions and auto-translate ON)<\/p>\n Watch Sasaki’s performance of the Galaxy Express<\/em> theme here<\/a><\/p>\n Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> (1974)<\/span> One of Sasaki’s signature early hits. Perhaps due to the sheer impact of the original recording, this song is known for having surprisingly few cover versions by other singers, despite its immense popularity and widespread recognition.<\/p>\n \u25cb “I went through multiple recording takes because I received completely contradictory requests: the producer wanted me to sing with ‘melancholy,’ while Mr. Miyagawa wanted me to sing ‘courageously.’ It was a truly arduous process; I remember finally getting the ‘OK’ only after my voice was completely exhausted, when they decided, ‘That sense of tragic pathos is exactly what we want!'” (Mr. Sasaki)<\/p>\n \u25cb “Now that’s the voice! There’s no doubt about it, Yamato<\/em> just wouldn’t be the same without Mr. Sasaki singing it.” (Mr. Tsurube)<\/p>\n \u25cb “My husband sheds tears every single time he hears this song. Perhaps for men in particular, it strikes an especially deep emotional chord.” (Ms. Yagi)<\/p>\n Galaxy Express 999<\/em> (1978)<\/span> Following the success of Yamato<\/em>, this song went on to become another million-seller. Utilizing his signature baritone voice, Sasaki powerfully conveyed the grandeur of cosmic romance and the wanderlust of a journey, drawing listeners deep into the world of the series.<\/p>\n \u25cb “The composer, Mr. Hirao, was a senior colleague of mine back in my rockabilly days. The fact that I was given such creative freedom, with very few specific instructions, was likely thanks, in part, to the massive success of Yamato<\/em>.” (Mr. Sasaki)<\/p>\n \u25cb “Back in those days, everyone was completely smitten with Maetel! I even spent some time searching around, wondering, ‘Where on Earth can I find a beauty like that?'” (Mr. Tsurube)<\/p>\n Himitsu Sentai Goranger<\/em> (1975)<\/span> The ending theme for the very first installment of the Super Sentai series. Sasaki also performed the opening theme for this series, singing alongside Mitsuko Horie. <\/p>\n \u25cb “I sang a lot of tokusatsu songs, too. Capturing the pathos and emotion of those who live and fight in the world of live-action, that offered a unique artistic challenge, quite different from singing anime songs.” (Mr. Sasaki)<\/p>\n \u25cb “I remember Nanchan [Kiyotaka Nanbara] from the comedy duo Uchan-Nanchan singing a parody version of one of them. It went something like, ‘Nanbara Ban-Ban-Ban’!” (Mr. Tsurube)<\/p>\n Ike Ike Hyuma (Go, Go, Hyuma)<\/em>, 1977<\/span> The opening theme for the TV anime New Star of the Giants<\/em>, a song personally requested by Mr. Tsurube. Both MCs got into the groove, waving their arms along to the beat as the studio audience joined in for a rousing sing-along.<\/p>\n \u25cb “Typically, the lead vocals and the chorus are recorded separately. However, we decided to record them all together because we felt it would generate more energy and excitement. As a result, if you listen to the karaoke backing track, you can actually hear my voice faintly mixed in behind the chorus vocals.” (Mr. Sasaki)<\/p>\n \u25cb “Your voice really is powerful, isn’t it? I guess they simply couldn’t manage to filter it out of the karaoke track!” (Mr. Tsurube)<\/p>\n Omae ni (To You)<\/em>, 1972<\/span> A cover of a song originally performed by Frank Nagai, a mood kayo singer renowned for his “enchanting baritone.” Mr. Sasaki also holds the distinction of being the original vocalist for Yuki no Bojo (Longing in the Snow)<\/em>, the final posthumous work by this song’s composer, Tadashi Yoshida. <\/p>\n \u25cb “Frank Nagai is a true role model for singers. I even went directly to Mr. Yoshida to make a personal appeal, asking him to take me on as a student and give me vocal lessons. I\u2019m delighted to have had the opportunity on this program to showcase a musical genre distinct from the anime songs I usually perform.” (Mr. Sasaki)<\/p>\n \u25cb “Now that\u2019s a masterpiece. And the fact that Mr. Sasaki can pull it off so effortlessly, that just goes to show his true caliber as a singer.” (Mr. Tsurube)<\/p>\n Getter Robo!<\/em> (1974)<\/span> Requested by Ms. Yagi, this track was selected from the vast repertoire of robot anime theme songs that Mr. Sasaki has performed throughout his career.<\/p>\n \u25cb “When I requested this song, I suggested he could just sing it ‘lightly’ if he preferred…but instead, he gave it his absolute all! I was truly humbled and overwhelmed.” (Ms. Yagi)<\/p>\n \u25cb “Asking him to sing it ‘lightly’, that\u2019s just plain rude!” (Mr. Tsurube)<\/p>\n \u25cb “Oh, no, no! It\u2019s just that very few of my songs are actually possible to sing ‘lightly’ anyway!” (laughs) (Mr. Sasaki)<\/p>\n Does Your Youth Shine Brightly?<\/em> (1987)<\/span> The theme song for the TV anime Chojinki Metalder<\/em>, featuring lyrics penned by James Miki, a renowned screenwriter known for his work on numerous Taiga Drama historical series. It remains a beloved masterpiece, garnering passionate support from anime song enthusiasts such as Shoko Nakagawa.<\/p>\n \u25cb “Some listeners might perceive these lyrics as being a bit preachy or didactic. Yet, perhaps that is precisely why they possess such a powerful capacity to inspire and uplift us. At a memorial gathering held last year to honor the late James Miki, these very lyrics were printed in a commemorative booklet distributed to attendees. Seeing that, I realized just how deeply cherished and treasured these words truly were.” (Mr. Sasaki)<\/p>\n \u2500\u2500Today, you performed a total of seven songs live in the studio. Your voice, filling the room with sheer volume and sounding just as flawless as it does on record, left Mr. Tsurube so astounded that he repeatedly tilted his head in disbelief, asking, “You\u2019re not lip-syncing, are you?”<\/span><\/p>\n “For my songs, it\u2019s actually harder to lip-sync to them than to sing them live! (Laughs) Especially since I was singing right up close to the MCs like that, there\u2019s really no way to fake it. It\u2019s rare to find a show that lets me sing this many songs, so it was truly an honor to be here today.”<\/p>\n \u2500\u2500Now that the recording is finished, which song left the strongest impression on you?<\/span><\/p>\n “I\u2019d have to say the first song, Yamato<\/em>. It feels almost like singing a national anthem. I have this mindset that I shouldn’t even attempt it unless I\u2019m in peak physical condition. In that sense, I\u2019m glad my voice was really coming through well today. Actually, the final song was technically the most physically demanding one to sing, but I went all-out right from the very first track! (Laughs) That happens a lot during my live concerts, too. I\u2019ll place a heavy, powerful song at the very end and wind up completely exhausted.”<\/p>\n \u2500\u2500You also have your annual live event, Super Robot Spirits,<\/em> coming up later this month. Even after going through a serious illness, you continue to sing on stage. Where does that driving force come from?<\/span><\/p>\n “Especially since I had that brush with death, I feel it even more strongly now. It\u2019s not so much that I\u2019m singing purely through my own power, but rather that someone else is pouring energy into me. That ‘someone’ might be my ancestors, perhaps.”<\/p>\n \u2500\u2500During the talk segment today, you mentioned that your great-grandfather, who served as the Navy\u2019s Chief Paymaster, might have been the one who ‘bestowed’ the Yamato<\/em> theme song upon you.<\/span><\/p>\n “That\u2019s right. And then, of course, there are the people who listen to my music. Today, after I poured my heart and soul into singing ‘Yamato<\/em>,’ I actually thought to myself, ‘Okay, I\u2019m satisfied, I could stop right here.’ But thanks to Mr. Tsurube and Ms. Yagi listening with such enthusiasm and excitement, I was able to keep my energy up all the way to the very end. Nowadays, I feel nothing but gratitude for the simple fact that I\u2019m able to sing each and every song.”<\/p>\n \u2500\u2500First off, what was it like to hear Mr. Sasaki sing live, right there in front of you?<\/span><\/p>\n Tsurube: “I was blown away right from the very first song, by that powerful singing voice of his. Before the recording session, I heard from his wife that around the beginning of last year, when he was battling a serious illness, there was actually a time when they thought he might never be able to sing again. Can you believe that?”<\/p>\n Yagi: “And what\u2019s more, his voice sounded exactly the same as it did back then, when it used to pour out of our TV sets. Since I grew up listening to a lot of those anime songs in real time, sitting there on the sofa listening to him, I felt as though time itself was rewinding. It was like, ‘Is this actually real?'”<\/p>\n \u2500\u2500Which particular song, which “truly great song,” resonated with you the most?<\/span><\/p>\n Yagi: “For me, especially since I just recently watched the latest Space Battleship Yamato<\/em> movie, it has to be Yamato<\/em>. Hearing it performed live, I was reminded once again that it is truly a song of perfect unity, a trinity formed by the magnificent melody, the profound lyrics, and Sasaki-san’s incredible voice.”<\/p>\n Tsurube: “The final song, Is Your Youth Shining?<\/em> was wonderful, too. There\u2019s something uniquely encouraging about hearing an 83-year-old Sasaki-san asking that very question about youth. I was also surprised to learn that the lyrics were written by James Miki. It really made me realize just how many truly incredible people were writing anime songs back in those days.”<\/p>\n \u2500\u2500Finally, could you tell us what the main highlights are for the episode featuring Sasaki-san?<\/span><\/p>\n Tsurube: “As for the highlight? Well, Isao Sasaki himself singing live! Could there possibly be a bigger highlight than that?”<\/p>\n Yagi: “If I had to single something out, I\u2019d say it\u2019s a must-see for anyone who has never heard Mr. Sasaki sing live before. I\u2019m sure you\u2019ll understand exactly why, even at the age of 83, he still manages to electrify his fans on stage.”<\/p>\n Tsurube: “When people talk about a person whose very existence serves as a source of strength and inspiration, I imagine they\u2019re talking about someone just like him. We were able to invite such a remarkable individual onto the show and have him sing to his heart’s content. It went beyond just thinking, ‘What a great song!’ I\u2019m going to go ahead and pat myself on the back, because this really turned out to be ‘What a great show!'”<\/p>\n <\/br><\/p>\n Published at Sponichi [Sports Nippon Newspapers] Annex, April 17, 2026. See the original post here<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Singer Isao Sasaki (83) appeared as a guest on the BS11 program Tsurube’s Great Songs<\/em> (Thursdays at 8:00 PM), which aired on the 16th. He revealed the backstory behind how he came to sing his massive hit song.<\/p>\n After making his debut as a singer in 1960 under the catchphrase “The Japanese Elvis,” Sasaki also began working as an actor. In 1974, he scored a million-selling hit with the theme song for the anime Space Battleship Yamato<\/em>. Today, particularly among anime fans, he is affectionately known by the nickname “The Great King of the Anime Song World.”<\/p>\n During the program, the conversation turned to Yamato<\/em>, and Sasaki reminisced, “Back then, they would send everything over in the form of musical scores.” He then mentioned the name of singer Masato Shimon, who scored a massive hit in 1975 with Oyoge! Taiyaki-kun<\/em>, stating, “The first person to record it was that ‘Taiyaki Guy,’ Masato Shimon.”<\/p>\n However, he continued, “It seemed the producer wasn’t quite satisfied with it, and he asked, ‘Isn’t there anyone else?’,” and that’s how the offer eventually found its way to Sasaki himself. <\/p>\n “It\u2019s something that happens very rarely, but the producer was incredibly particular about the music, he basically said, ‘Change it,'” he confided.<\/p>\n He explained the reasoning behind this: “Since my voice is naturally a bit lower, my first instinct was to lower the key. They started asking around: ‘Is there anyone who can hit low notes?’ ‘Is there anyone who can pronounce Japanese correctly?’,” and eventually, they singled me out.<\/p>\n Then, while recreating the song using his signature vocal phrasing, he reminisced: “Apparently, the reason was that he felt the original version ‘didn’t evoke the image of a Japanese battleship.’ That\u2019s just how exacting he was.” He added, “That\u2019s why they assembled a top-tier team, with Yu Aku writing the lyrics and Hiroshi Miyagawa composing the music.”<\/p>\n Published at Sponichi Annex, April 17, 2026. See the original post here<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n Recalling the recording session for Space Battleship Yamato<\/em>, Sasaki recounted: “It started when I first received a single sheet of A4 paper containing the musical score.” Urged on by the producer, who insisted, “Memorize this immediately; we only have about three days to spare,” he sat down at a piano and worked frantically to commit the piece to memory.<\/p>\n However, when he sang it in the studio on the day of the session, he was told: “Sasaki-kun, that\u2019s not right.” <\/p>\n It turned out that the musical score he had received was missing something: “It was supposed to have three flat signs, but they were left out.” Since Sasaki had memorized the melody in a major key, his initial impression of the song had been that it sounded “just like an Okinawan folk song.” <\/p>\n “So, when they told me, ‘That\u2019s not right,’ I frantically tried to fix it,” recalled Sasaki. Instructions flew in rapid succession from the producer, “Sing it slower,” “Sing it faster,” yet the composer, Hiroshi Miyagawa, who was also present, remained silent. When he finally did speak, he reportedly told Sasaki: “No matter what anyone else says, just sing it with energy!”<\/p>\n Consequently, Sasaki had to sing take after take until his throat was completely worn out. “Finally, out of sheer desperation, I just belted it out, and that\u2019s when they shouted, ‘That\u2019s it! That\u2019s the one, Sasaki!'” He candidly admitted, “I\u2019m still using that very first recording today, even though my voice wasn’t really coming out properly back then.”<\/p>\n According to the producer, the verdict was, “That sense of pathos is actually perfect.” Sasaki further confessed, “Even later, when Yamato<\/em> became a massive hit, we never re-recorded it. We just stuck with that original version.” <\/p>\n Reflecting on the experience once again, Sasaki remarked, “It happened over 50 years ago, but it really was quite an ordeal.”<\/p>\n Published at Sponichi Annex, April 17, 2026. See the original post here<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n He revealed a particularly formidable song, one he considers just as challenging to perform as the national anthem.<\/p>\n After making his debut as a singer in 1960 under the catchphrase “The Japanese Elvis,” Sasaki expanded his career to include acting. In 1974, he scored a million-selling hit with the theme song for the anime series Space Battleship Yamato<\/em>. Today, particularly among anime fans, he is affectionately known by the nickname “The Great King of the Anime Song World.” <\/p>\n Regarding Space Battleship Yamato<\/em>, one of his signature songs, Sasaki admitted, “I\u2019m still afraid to sing it.” Although he has experience singing the national anthem at international soccer matches in the past, he described singing Yamato<\/em> as “just as difficult as singing that.” He explained, “It\u2019s a majestic piece, and when you hit those high notes, you really have to belt it out. It\u2019s truly a challenge.”<\/p>\n He went on to observe, “That song really shines when you sing it in a large venue, like outdoors.” Glancing around the show’s set, which was designed to resemble a cozy snack bar, he drew a laugh with a touch of humor: “When I sing it in a small space like this, it feels like the battleship itself has been scaled down.” <\/p>\n The show’s host, Rakugo storyteller Tsurube Shofukutei, grinned and retorted, “Sorry, sorry! My fault for having you sing on a stage that looks like it belongs in a snack bar!” The quip brought down the house, with Sasaki jokingly shouting, “Hey! Change the studio!”<\/p>\n![](\"http:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/may26\/sasaki42602.JPG\")
<\/p>\nThe “Big Three of Anime Songs,” Allies and Rivals Alike<\/h3>\n
![](\"http:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/may26\/sasaki42603.JPG\")
<\/p>\nFrom Okinawan Folk Songs to “Taiyaki-kun,” The Twists and Turns Behind the Birth of the Yamato<\/em> Theme Song<\/h3>\n
![](\"http:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/may26\/sasaki42604.JPG\")
<\/p>\nPassing Down a Close Friend\u2019s Songs Through Affectionate Teasing and Breathtaking Vocal Prowess<\/h3>\n
The Secret Ingredient for a Legendary Tokusatsu Ending Theme? Elvis Presley\u2019s Breathing!<\/h3>\n
\n\n![](\"http:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/may26\/sasaki42605.JPG\")
<\/p>\nSET LIST<\/h3>\n
\nLyrics: Yu Aku | Composition: Hiroshi Miyagawa
\nListen here<\/a><\/p>\n
\nLyrics: Jun Hashimoto | Composition: Masaaki Hirao
\nListen here<\/a><\/p>\n
\nLyrics: Saburo Yatsude | Composition: Chumei Watanabe
\nListen here<\/a><\/p>\n![](\"http:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/may26\/sasaki42606.JPG\")
<\/p>\n
\nLyrics: Tokyo Movie Planning Department | Composition: Takeo Watanabe
\nListen here<\/a><\/p>\n
\nLyrics: Tokiko Iwatani | Composition: Tadashi Yoshida
\nListen here<\/a><\/p>\n
\nLyrics: Go Nagai | Composition: Shunsuke Kikuchi
\nListen here<\/a><\/p>\n
\nLyrics: James Miki | Composition: Takashi Miki
\nListen here<\/a><\/p>\n![](\"http:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/may26\/sasaki42607.JPG\")
<\/p>\nAfter Talk: Isao Sasaki<\/h3>\n
![](\"http:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/may26\/sasaki42608.JPG\")
<\/p>\nAfter Talk: Shofukutei Tsurube & Akiko Yagi<\/h3>\n
Additional coverage:<\/h3>\n
![](\"http:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/may26\/sasaki42609.JPG\")
<\/p>\nHis Signature Song Yamato<\/em> Was Switched from Masato Shimon to Himself
\n“The Producer Was Extremely Particular About the Music”<\/h3>\n![](\"http:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/may26\/sasaki42610.JPG\")
<\/p>\nThe Blunt Reason Why His Signature Hit Space Battleship Yamato<\/em>, Still Popular Today,
\nWas Recorded with a “Strained Voice”: He Was “Acting Out of Desperation”<\/h3>\n![](\"http:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/may26\/sasaki42611.JPG\")
<\/p>\nThe “Difficult Song” That Rivals Singing the National Anthem
\n“It\u2019s Solemn, and You Have to Really Project Your Voice in the High Registers”<\/h3>\n![](\"http:\/\/www.ourstarblazers.com\/vault-images\/may26\/sasaki42612.JPG\")
<\/p>\nHis Wife Was Dumbfounded by His Ending Theme for Himitsu Sentai Goranger,<\/em>
\nA Style He Requested Himself: “Make It Sound Like Elvis”<\/h3>\n