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Shugo Nakamura’s fresh new tune “Illuminate” is now out and turning heads — and ears — as the opening theme for the TV anime The Gorilla God’s Go-To Girl. It’s his first ever anime opening, and fans are already buzzing.
Known for his work as a voice actor and singer-songwriter, Nakamura took full creative control here, writing and composing “Illuminate” himself.
The result? A sparkly, springtime track that pairs brass instruments with straight-from-the-heart lyrics.
The digital release dropped with a bang alongside a brand new music video — his first ever drama-style shoot.
And it’s a proper visual treat too, set in an amusement park with scenes like a glowing night-time carousel and dreamy lights giving off those feel-good vibes.
The anime itself, Gorilla no Kami kara Kago sareta Reijou wa Ooritsu Kishidan de Kawaigara reru (yeah, it’s a mouthful), is gaining traction fast, and Nakamura’s warm voice is now part of what pulls viewers in each week.
“Illuminate” will also get a proper CD release on 23 April, with two versions on offer — Standard and Limited.
The Limited Edition’s got a cheeky bonus Blu-ray that includes the music video and some fun behind-the-scenes bits for fans who want a peek into the process.
To top it off, there’s a special campaign running from 22 April to 5 May in selected Japanese stores. Fans who buy the single at places like Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Naha can get an exclusive receipt as a little collector’s bonus.
It’s all timed perfectly to match the season, really — light, hopeful, and a bit whimsical. You get that kind of “spring crush” energy that feels a bit nostalgic, a bit new, and entirely charming.
Nakamura’s voice has always carried emotion well, but “Illuminate” feels like a real step up. It’s polished but still has that sincere, personal touch he’s known for.
And that carousel in the MV? It’s not just pretty lights. It symbolises motion, joy, maybe even fleeting moments — all wrapped into this lovely 4-minute package.
For fans of anime music, romantic spring bops, or just Nakamura himself, “Illuminate” is one you don’t want to miss.
This new release might just mark the start of a bigger musical era for Nakamura. And with the positive buzz so far, maybe we’ll see more anime openings from him soon.
Whether you're in it for the music, the visuals, or both, “Illuminate” brings just enough sparkle to get your heart warmed — and maybe stuck on loop in your head.