Gyaru pop icon Kana Nishino has teamed up with J-pop group NiziU for summery single ‘LOVE BEAT’. The song released digitally on May 15th, with a CD release following on May 27th. It marks the first collaboration between the two acts, who have long shared a mutual admiration.
‘LOVE BEAT’ was written by Nishino as the 2026 theme song for Fuji TV’s morning programme Mezamashi TV, the first collaborative theme song in the show’s 33-year history. It’s an upbeat “self-reboot song”, as Nishino describes it, with a positive message about taking a step forward while staying true to yourself. Soft, sweet vocals and a warm summer sound further the uplifting tone. Nishino is no stranger to the programme, providing four of its earlier theme songs; ‘Darling’ and ‘Suki’ in 2014, and ‘Have a nice day’ and ‘Dear Bride‘ in 2016.
NiziU have been fans of Nishino since elementary school, and have covered her songs ‘Best Friend’ and ‘Dear…’, the latter featuring on their recent EP ‘GOOD GIRL BUT NOT FOR YOU’. In a serendipitous tie, Nishino’s ‘Dear…’ dropped on December 2nd 2009, while NiziU debuted on December 2nd, 11 years later.
During the recording of ‘LOVE BEAT’, Nishino personally gave vocal direction to the members. NiziU said hearing the demo immediately made them think, “this is so Kana Nishino”, and were happy to hear lyrics that reflected the group themselves as well.
The accompanying music video is directed by Daiki Kamoshita who previously directed videos for Creepy Nuts, Number_i, LANA, and more. We see both NiziU and Kana Nishino in a kind of Narnia-like scenario; stepping through a purikura booth reveals a whole new world, except instead of snowy mountains and Mr. Tumnus, there’s a sunset-bathed beach and para para dancing. At the time of writing, the video has already surpassed 8 million views on YouTube.
Miu Ide led the choreography, and has previously worked with Kana Nishino, as well as HANA, BoA, Hikaru Utada, Kylie Minogue, and others. Fitting neatly into the gyaru-favourite dance style para para, the “neo para para” routine features easy moves that fans can follow along with at home, in the club, or perhaps on the beach. It joins WEDNESDAY CAMPANELLA’s ‘Scipio’ and DECO*27’s ‘Love Para’, all participating in the current gyaru revival boom.
‘LOVE BEAT’ is available across streaming platforms now, with a regular CD and limited CD/DVD release due on May 27th. The limited edition includes the music video, behind the scenes and recording footage, an acrylic keychain, 20 photo cards, and card case. The CD versions are up for pre-order via CDJapan now.
Check out the ‘LOVE BEAT’ video and full artist comments below, and join in with some para para!
“I have so many memories of working on the theme songs for ‘Mezamashi TV’ in the past, including ‘Darling’ and ‘Suki’ in 2014, and ‘Have a nice day’ and ‘Dear Bride’ in 2016. After all this time, I’m so excited to once again be in charge of the theme song, and this time with such a special collaboration. I was truly happy to create music together with NiziU, whose songs I regularly listen to and love, and working together brought new forms of expression and discoveries, making it a very inspiring experience.
Kana Nishino
Even on mornings when you may not feel very confident, this upbeat and energizing ‘self-reboot song’ carries the message of taking a step forward while staying true to yourself. I’d be happy if listening to it in the morning helps people feel even a little more positive.”
“Mezamashi TV is a familiar program that we watched every day during our school years, so it is truly an honor to be in charge of its theme song. On top of that, being able to collaborate with Kana Nishino, whom all of the members have been huge fans of since elementary school, feels like a dream.
NiziU
We also watched the program when Kana Nishino was performing its theme songs, so we feel truly happy to now be a part of that ourselves. When we first heard the demo for ‘LOVE BEAT’, we were incredibly excited thinking, ‘This is so Kana Nishino!’.
We can really relate to the lyrics, and we’re very happy that she included words that reflect NiziU as well. It’s a song like the sun, overflowing with positive energy, and we hope it becomes a song that supports everyone. We’re looking forward to delivering lots of happiness to everyone’s mornings every day.”
