Wasao, the movie star dog, set to make music debut

Wasao, the famous “busa-kawaii” (ugly-cute) Akita from Aomori, will be hitting the silver screen when his film ‘Wasao’ premiers on March 5th (directed by Nishiki Yoshinari). But it is now confirmed that Wasao will also be making waves in the musical world.

Singer and actress Yakushimaru Hiroko (46) sings the movie’s theme, “Bokura no takaramono“, marking 22 years since her last theme song effort. However, Wasao will “sing” his own version of the song: with the help of advanced computer techniques, a recording of his bark will be put to the tune’s melody.

For the entire shoot, which started last September and lasted about a month, the staff stuck closely to Wasao at all times. During a break in the 55-hour filming, they coaxed owner Kikutani Setsuko (67) into taking Wasao on a walk, during which time they managed to capture a single howl on tape. It was the only howl they had heard up to that point, and it would be the last. Because the sound was never included in the film, this single bark – which has now been transformed into “song” – should be considered precious.

A Chaku Uta version of Wasao’s song will go on sale on February 28th, and part of the proceeds will go to UNESCO Japan, which currently employs Wasao as a “doggy ambassador”.

Additionally, check out the trailer for the “Wasao” movie below:




source: tokyohive