English
Why Is “ray” the Ending Theme of Cho Kaguyahime? Exploring Its Connection to Vocaloid Culture and BUMP OF CHICKEN
ビーム教官
2026/5/30
出典：公式サイト
The Connection Between Anime, Vocaloid Culture, and Digital Music History
Conclusion (Quick Summary)
The ending theme of Netflix’s animated film Cho Kaguyahime is “ray (Cho Kaguyahime Version)”, a special arrangement of the iconic song “ray” by the Japanese rock band BUMP OF CHICKEN.
The track was newly arranged by TAKU INOUE and performed as a duet by the characters Kaguya and Yachiyo Tsukimi.
More than just an ending song, it represents the film’s central themes of friendship, dreams, virtual worlds, and the future of digital music culture.
What Is “ray (Cho Kaguyahime Version)”?
Item | Details |
|---|---|
Song Title | ray (Cho Kaguyahime Version) |
Used In | Netflix Film Cho Kaguyahime |
Original Song | “ray” by BUMP OF CHICKEN |
Arrangement | TAKU INOUE |
Performed By | Kaguya / Yachiyo Tsukimi |
Voice Cast | Yuko Natsuyoshi / Saori Hayami |
The song plays during the emotional climax of the film and serves as its official ending theme.
The Original Song “ray”
Released in 2014, “ray” is one of BUMP OF CHICKEN’s most beloved songs.
The track became especially famous through its collaboration with Hatsune Miku, a virtual singer who helped define modern Vocaloid culture.
Because of this history, the use of “ray” in Cho Kaguyahime feels particularly meaningful. It connects multiple generations of Japanese digital music culture—from rock bands to Vocaloid creators to anime music.
The song’s themes of light, hope, connection, and moving forward also align closely with the story of Cho Kaguyahime.
A New Arrangement by TAKU INOUE
For the film version, producer TAKU INOUE created a completely new arrangement.
Key characteristics include:
EDM-inspired production
Synth-driven digital pop sound
Character-focused vocal mixing
A balance between the original rock energy and modern internet music aesthetics
The result feels both nostalgic and contemporary.
A Special Duet Version
In the film, the song is performed by the main characters rather than the original artist.
Character | Voice Actor |
Kaguya | Yuko Natsuyoshi |
Yachiyo Tsukimi | Saori Hayami |
This character-driven performance strengthens the emotional impact of the ending and reinforces the bond between the two protagonists.
The FIRST TAKE Performance
A special one-take performance featuring Kaguya (CV: Yuko Natsuyoshi) and Yachiyo Tsukimi (CV: Saori Hayami) was later released.
The performance attracted significant attention among anime and music fans, particularly because of Saori Hayami’s acclaimed vocal performance.
Why Was “ray” Chosen as the Ending Theme?
The themes of Cho Kaguyahime include:
Virtual-space live performances
Music and self-expression
Friendship between young girls
Dreams and the future
Meanwhile, “ray” focuses on:
Light
Hope
Human connection
Because these themes overlap so naturally, the song feels like an ideal match for the film’s message.
“ray” as a Symbol of Internet Music Culture
One reason the song resonates so strongly is that it connects several major eras of Japanese music culture.
1. Rock Band Culture
Represented by BUMP OF CHICKEN.
2. Vocaloid Culture
Represented by the famous collaboration with Hatsune Miku.
3. Character Song Culture
Represented by anime characters performing the song in Cho Kaguyahime.
In this sense, “ray” acts as a bridge between multiple generations of digital music and anime fandom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ending theme of Cho Kaguyahime?
The ending theme is “ray (Cho Kaguyahime Version)”, a new arrangement based on BUMP OF CHICKEN’s original song.
Who originally created “ray”?
The song was written and performed by BUMP OF CHICKEN.
Who sings the version used in the film?
The film version is performed by:
Kaguya (CV: Yuko Natsuyoshi)
Yachiyo Tsukimi (CV: Saori Hayami)
Who arranged the new version?
The arrangement was created by music producer TAKU INOUE.
Final Thoughts
“ray (Cho Kaguyahime Version)” is much more than a cover song.
By combining a beloved BUMP OF CHICKEN classic, a modern arrangement by TAKU INOUE, and performances by the film’s characters, the track becomes a symbolic meeting point between anime, Vocaloid culture, and Japanese internet music history.
For many viewers, it perfectly captures the spirit of Cho Kaguyahime and leaves a lasting emotional impression long after the film ends.