Sanada Naoki's Double A-Side Single "Before the Sun Sets... / Plumeria Rhapsody" Out Today! A Must-Read Fan Buying Guide | In-Depth Review
Sorry to keep you waiting. Today, 8 April. The day has finally arrived. Sanada Naoki's long-awaited double A-side single "Before the Sun Sets... / Plumeria Rhapsody" is now available at CD shops and streaming services nationwide. You diehard fans might have already pre-ordered, but if you haven't, don't worry—read this first. We're giving you the full Sanada Naoki review, so stick with us to the end.
"Before the Sun Sets..." and "Plumeria Rhapsody": The real deal from a man with two sides
The biggest draw here is that both tracks are proper lead material. Forget old-school A-side/B-side thinking—that doesn't fly here. Straight from the record label, the quality is top-notch.
- "Before the Sun Sets...": A classic mid-tempo ballad that still feels fresh. The melancholy of dusk and the strength to move forward blend perfectly. From the first listen, I knew, "Yep, this one's a winner."
- "Plumeria Rhapsody": This one's a bit different. An exotic arrangement with a whiff of the tropics. A track that shows off the depth of Sanada Naoki, refusing to be boxed into just enka.
- Purchase bonuses & tips for events: Check out the different postcards and live photos exclusive to each CD shop. And try your luck with the "Sanada Lottery" for a shot at signed goods!
Will the guitar melodies tug at your heart, or will the rhythm get your body moving? If you need a proper Sanada Naoki guide, start by listening to these two tracks back to back. The gap between his looks and that voice will knock you out every time.
Release events & YouTube live stream: You'd be mad to miss out
Just buying the CD and calling it a day is boring—that's not how it works anymore. Sanada Naoki has already been rolling out some hot events since yesterday, 7 April. First up, check out the YouTube live stream from yesterday. If you missed it, don't stress—the archive should still be there, so head to his channel now. And today, the 8th, there's a music video premiere coming up.
If you want to get out there in person, don't sleep on the "Sanada Lottery" challenge. It's running now at Sanada Naoki support shops nationwide. If luck's on your side, you might score rare merch or an autograph. Fans near Tokyo, make sure to check each store's schedule.
Ever since he grabbed #1 on the Oricon Enka/Kayokyoku chart in 2020 with "Ebisu", this guy hasn't slowed down. This year marks exactly a decade since his debut. That fresh face who debuted in 2016 with "Reiko" now has a regular slot on USEN's "Shigoe Yokocho" and over 100k YouTube subscribers. This bloke from Saitama City, Saitama Prefecture, isn't just another enka singer.
If you want how to experience Sanada Naoki in one sentence, here it is. Pop the CD in the player and crank up the volume. Then surrender yourself to that "Knockout Voice". Forged by shouting at the sea, eating chillies, and wrecking his throat with booze—it's a voice you won't forget after just one listen. Experience its true power with his new tracks out today.